Ford Lightning Pro - 3 Months Update - 5,000 Miles

Well it's been three months and 5,000 miles since I took delivery of my 2023 Ford Lightning. I just watched a Fox News report from Laura Ingraham about one man's experience with his Ford Lightning. It's actually the same color as mine, but this gentlemen paid more than twice what I paid, and obviously doesn't understand how to use an electric truck. I figured I would provide some "balance" because what was reported today August 14th on Fox News was ridiculous.

First of all, Ford is one of the only companies that has honored their reservation price. They didn't have to but they gave me the original MSRP from when I first ordered which was May 20th 2021. This is such an honorable gesture!

Anyway, I have taken road trips with my Lightning and have had no problems. This is the greatest vehicle I have ever owned. It is fast, dependable, well built, comfortable, smooth and quiet. I know it's an electric truck that can tow huge amounts, but you have to be aware that your range is going to be diminished. We have solar on our house and I rarely have to use a public charger. Even on a public charger, I pay 1/3 what this gentleman was talking about, and my electric bill last month was only $10 through PG&E. If I'm taking a long road trip, I'm going take my wife's Honda CRV. I'm also not going to take a chance by running it down to 12 miles of range!

Even at the new MSRP of around $50,000, this truck is still a bargain. I will update as i spend more time in it. Here's some pics!

Game Changer - The New GOAT for Electric Vehicles!

I got my 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro. I waited two years and got the call from Santa Maria Ford that it was here. I texted my wife to say I need her to give me a ride to the dealership and it was all ready. Ivan, Rudy, Jesse and the whole gang were there to greet us.

I already had the charger installed, but the truck barely fit in the garage! I removed some shelves to make it fit.

I had to sell my Pop's 2003 F-250 to pay for this one, but it had the Triton V-10 and got 10 miles per gallon! Solid truck for 20 years, and still got almost $13k for it. Aside from the peeling paint, it's perfect.

I picked up groceries the next day and am still getting used to the frunk!

I got the tow package and was blown away at the trailer assist! The truck figured out that I was hooking up to a trailer and asked me if I wanted help. Of course! The screen said take your hands off the wheel, don't touch the pedals and hold the button. It shifted into reverse, backed up while showing the hitch and ball on the screen, then glowed green and shifted into park. DONE. I thought bullshit. It is not lined up. I went back and sure enough. The hitch was right above the ball. Towing does reduce your range, but I have yet to test it.

Overall, this is the most impressive vehicle I have ever bought. I drove 250 miles yesterday (Mother's Day) and loved every minute of it. I hooked up to a fast charger mid way, and it added 85 miles in the time it took us to get Starbucks and walk the mall. Obviously Cooper likes it! https://www.instagram.com/cooper.the.california.dog/

Here it is at Rancho Sisquoc Winery

Mine is Coming Next Week!

So I got an email that the truck has been shipped as of April 12th 2023. I thought it would be a week, but I was optimistic. Evidently all vehicles are shipped to a lot in Califormia to check that they comply with state regulations. I do have a VIN, have set up financing, and I even have insurance ready. I am with Mercury insurance and found that the reports of insurance cost being doubled is a myth. I have an F-250 from 2003, and full coverage for the Lightning is only $17 more for full coverage.

One thing that is interesting is the antenna. I heard that the AM radio option is no longer available. Some sites said the stick antenna works way better than the "shark fin" antenna that you see on most modern sedans and SUV's. The theory is the truck drivers are more likely to listen to AM talk radio and want good coverage. I have transitioned to Spotify to avoid commercials, so I don't really want any antenna. I will let you know when it comes.

I stopped by the dealership to check on the reservation MSRP vs. the current MSRP, and they said it is listed as a "rebate". As long as Ford honors their committment, I am fine with whatever they call it. I'm just stoked to get one after 2 years of waiting!