How much weight does Ford aluminum body save?
The aluminum body saves about 700 pounds (roughly 320 kg) on a typical Ford F-150 versus the steel-bodied predecessor, with the exact amount varying by cab and bed configuration.
Where the weight savings come from
Most of the savings come from replacing steel body panels with aluminum and constructing the cargo bed from lighter alloys, while the frame remains steel. The exact components and their weights vary by configuration and year.
- Exterior panels such as the hood, doors, fenders, and tailgate are made from high-strength aluminum alloy.
- The cargo bed is aluminum to reduce mass while maintaining durability and load capacity.
- Some interior and under-hood components use aluminum or lighter alloys, contributing to the overall weight reduction.
The combination of these aluminum components yields the reported weight savings, though the exact amount depends on the configuration, trim, and bed choice.
Impact on performance and efficiency
Weight reductions influence several performance metrics. Here's what has been observed and claimed across configurations and model years.
- Fuel efficiency: Ford has projected improved efficiency due to a lighter body, with independent testing typically showing modest mpg gains depending on engine and transmission.
- Payload and towing: Lower curb weight improves payload-to-weight ratio and can enhance overall towing efficiency, though payload ratings still vary by configuration and drivetrain.
- Handling and acceleration: A lighter body can improve acceleration and braking distance, alongside other engineering choices that affect driving dynamics.
In practice, the aluminum body contributes to better efficiency and capability, but the exact effects depend on the specific configuration, engine, and driving conditions.
Notes from Ford and experts
- Ford's official claim centers on up to 700 pounds of weight savings compared with the steel-bodied version, with the amount depending on cab and bed configuration.
- Independent reviews and tests have generally corroborated a real, though configuration-dependent, weight reduction and related efficiency gains across multiple trims.
- Repair, maintenance, and lifecycle considerations differ with aluminum panels, requiring different repair techniques and potentially influencing long-term costs and availability of collision repair options.
For prospective buyers, it’s wise to verify the exact figures for the specific F-150 configuration they’re considering and weigh how aluminum construction might affect maintenance and repair over the life of the vehicle.
Summary
Ford’s shift to an aluminum body for the F-150 is widely cited as saving about 700 pounds on a typical configuration, with the precise amount varying by cab, bed, and trim. The weight loss comes mainly from aluminum exterior panels and bed construction, while the frame remains steel. The practical implications include potential gains in fuel economy, payload efficiency, and overall performance, though results depend on engine choice, configuration, and operating conditions. As Ford continues to use aluminum in its trucks, consumers should consider both the performance benefits and the repair/maintenance implications when evaluating total ownership costs.
