Ford trucks have long been known for their rugged exteriors and comfortable interiors. They were the best-selling truck of all time, for 44 years to be exact. But no matter how new they are or where you own them, they all have one big problem.
Yes, Ford F150’s will rust. Ford trucks have had the big problem of rusting out. The older trucks in the 70s and 80s are famous for having floorboards completely rusted through. The bottom line is that if you own a Ford F150, you will have to deal with rust.
That is not to say that Ford trucks should be avoided because they are one of the best trucks (source) on the market, especially the F150. It simply means that along with routine maintenance on your motor and drivetrain, you will also have to do some work to the body and frame.
Do Ford Trucks Rust Out?
The short answer to this question is yes. But to fully grasp this concept, you first need to understand what rust is and why it does what it does. Rust is a simple process of oxidation that happens when metal and moisture collide.
Let’s face it, when you drive a truck, you do not avoid mudholes or water drainage areas. If it is within sight, it is a spot to play in with your truck.
You may think that driving through water is normal and that the truck should not rust out just because you decided to have some fun. But that would not be true, even if you drove around letting the water and mud fall off. Let’s see what is meant by going over the life of rust.
- Iron – Part of the material composition of your Ford F150.
- Water – Water is splashed up onto the iron, or the rain pounds down onto it. Water can even become a problem for the truck when you wash it.
- Oxygen – This is combined with the iron and the moisture and begins to oxidize.
- Hydrated Iron Oxide – Rust begins to form and spread if not treated.
Rust is common in all vehicles, especially Ford F150s, which are prone to rust. The thing is, though, that all metal will rust eventually. It all depends on how you care for the metal the rust is trying to set into.
To help prevent rusting, apply some type of rust protection like this Rust Preventive (link to Amazon)
Does The New Ford F150 Rust Out?
You all know that the older model F150s are known for rusting out, especially the floorboards that should be solid enough to keep your feet away from the moving parts underneath.
The manufacturer has tried using different materials on the truck as well as adding some safety running guards that protect areas underneath from getting wet. Since the underneath of the truck is the most likely spot for rust to start, the question again arises about whether the new Ford is as prone to rusting out as the older versions were?
Studies conducted on the new Ford F150s show that the bodies of the trucks are no longer prone to rust because they are designed out of aluminum. The frames and support structures, though, are made from solid steel, which has been found to rust within a short period of time.
In fact, in such a short amount of time, trucks that are supposed to be new have signs of extensive rust (source) on the undercarriage and frame. When Ford representatives were asked about it, they claimed that rust is normal and will not affect how the truck performs.
To help prevent rusting, apply some type of rust protection like this Rust Preventive (link to Amazon)
How Do I Keep My Ford F150 From Rusting
The best way to prevent your Ford F150 from rusting is to complete some proactive tasks to stop it from forming in the first place. If you have a used truck already showing signs of rust, you will need to remove and neutralize it before you try to address the main task. You cannot prevent rust until all the rust is removed.
- Clean – Hopefully, you are doing this before there are any signs of rust, but if there are, you will need to remove the spots before cleaning. Cut out extensive areas and repair the small ones. Once the truck is entirely free of rust, use a degreaser to clean all the metal that could contain the first signs of oxidation. Then a neutralizing agent to prevent it from coming back.
- Rust Preventative – Apply some type of Rust Preventive (link to Amazon). You can usually get these in easy-to-use spray cans so you can get up and underneath the truck where all the problems begin.
- Topcoat – As with all other paint jobs, you will want to spray a top coat over the previous material. This is a great time to complete the color scheme you have wanted to give to your truck, so it stands out above the others.
This process should be done as soon as you drive the Ford F150 into your driveway, even if it is straight from the production lines.
It is always a better idea to be proactive rather than reactive. Once you start trying to fix a problem after it has been allowed to get out of hand, the more problems you will have trying to keep the rust from spreading.
Conclusion
Ford F150s are famous for rusting out. Since they were first put onto the market, they have used weak materials in the frames and supporting structures. This makes some unsightly holes peppered throughout your truck, especially if you own an older vehicle. It does not cause any problems with your truck, though, unless you let it eat through the frame or floorboard.
The best thing to do is make it a routine, like when checking the fluids, to climb underneath and check the bottom end of the truck out. Make sure that your preventative measures are working; if they are not, start over and do it again.
The rust is only as bad as you allow it to be. The fact that you are staring at a Ford truck does not even factor into the equation, except that you know it will rust if you do not stop it from doing so. Grab your gloves and cleaner, and protect your truck from the damage that oxidation can cause.
