Do we REGRET BUYING OUR F-350? Should we have kept our 200 Series Landcruiser?

[@kevanharding9716]

I applaud your resilience. At the end of the day you’re seeing and doing one of the best things you can do in life…traveling Australia.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thank you Kevan, we appreciate every moment we get to experience our beautiful country

[@OnlyGoodDaysCo]

I’m halfway through the video and I’ve already sold it in my mind. Jesus what a roller coaster.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

It’s definitely been a roller coaster

[@paultemminghoff6805]

The reason I follow you both is because of your honesty and not being paid for comments that are BS, it certainly helps to be able to make informed decisions. The 200 is great but they too have issues as you know. All the best for 2024, truck looks awesome and hopefully now is trouble free 🤞keep up with your honesty 👍

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks mate we appreciate it! Hopefully see you out there!😁👍

[@philg2468]

You are incredibly resilient and forgiving. That snatch recovery by the tow truck on both car and caravan made me cringe - so incredibly dangerous to do a snatch recovery with such a large vehicle with caravan attached and using a single recovery point on a bullbar.

[@BJKAdventures22]

Love your honesty, so refreshing! We saw you guys at Yardie Creek, car looks amazing. We hope you are back on the road soon, continuing sharing reality ❤

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks guys, how great is Exmouth? I want to go back! we have some small trips planned in the next couple of months, then hopefully back fulltime exploring mid-year. Hopefully, we'll cross paths again.

[@christinebassett7025]

How unlucky you guys have been but what a great attitude. Keep the chin up and hope you keep travelling. We have finally picked up our F350 Tremor from Harrisons with the VDC conversion and couldn't agree more with you about the level of comfort. Beats the 200 series hands down. The accessories for towing make it such a safe vehicle. It justs sits so steady on the road. After 6,500 km we are averaging 19/100L towing our 20ft Bushtracker. Love it. Looking forward to seeing your videos again.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Nice! I bet you’re loving the 10 speed! Thanks mate!👍🤣

[@Roberto.Giuseppe]

You did the right thing , you both definitely need that truck to be legal and safe. Also the Ford is always driving in severe conditions with weight, speed, dust etc. So repairs and modifications are expected. Look forward to many more videos. Cheers Robert

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Cheers Robert, hope to see you out on the road one day!

[@Roberto.Giuseppe]

We will be looking out for you both when we travel! :)

[@debracameron9012]

Great review and for your honesty and transparency. Some of the problems you have encountered over a short space of time have been very unfortunate and potentially quite expensive and extensive. However that is also part of what is to to be or potentially to be being on the road full time. I guess the warranty has made it a lot cheaper than had you have had to pay for it all yourself so that’s some comfort I suppose, but it could have put a lot of people off the road permanently otherwise. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and issues and it’s great to see you are still happy and smiling throughout it all. Get back in the road again soon. Cheers

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks Debra, the warranty absolutely helped.😀

[@christianlitsch1320]

Should have got the Toyota Tundra....big truck with Toyota reliability.

[@marklundeen1025]

Now you’re getting all the bugs worked out. It’s going to be a great truck now. Love the build. Love your story. I love my f250.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

That’s what we’re hoping for

[@grahamchappell4374]

Full disclosure; my wife and I are proud 2022 F250 owners. After a 200 that we had spent the additional $60k actually closer to $80K we regularly found we were overweight with a 4,000 Kg caravan. Even filling the fuel tank used to put us overweight sometimes. Driving the 200 around empty without the van we regularly saw 18 L/100km. Hook up the van I have seen 32L/100 on sealed highways. And we did have a number of Toyota engine recalls and failures in the time we owned it. The F250 was a Florida delivery with snow plow front end and a camper package. US specs was a 10,600 (4,800 Kg) GVWR. Before rego we had the vehicle downgraded to a GVM of 4,495Kg so my wife could drive it on a car license. We can still load up the front end with a winch etc. without any worries. Our 6.7 is a few years newer than yours which I guess has improved the fuel consumption a little. Empty not towing ...18L/100Km (OK, with the power and performance this thing has I haven't learned to ease off on the right foot). With a fully loaded 4,000Kg van on behind sitting on cruise at 110Kph...18L/100Km. And 110K up hill, down dale is absolutely no issue. The 10 speed will never drop below 8th gear ever. Engine and exhaust braking will control just about any down hill without touching the brake pedal. My recollection is that in the video where you were on the Gibb dealing with the front hubs I think I recall you saying something along the lines that the front hubs had been replaced with non genuine after you bought the vehicle. To me it seems the only issues that aren't related to the conversion or modifications are the DPF and the A/C. My fuse box is up the right way and where the Brake booster would normally be in a LHD vehicle. I will be going out tomorrow morning to see if it is vulnerable in any way. Thanks for the tip. You bought your three fiddy with 100K on the clock, don't know how many you have on it now. You also probably don't know how the vehicle was used/ abused/maintained before you bought it. Our vehicle is just on 12months old with 35,000 kms. We haven't had any and I mean any issues (touch wood). I have had BMW 5 series, a 4.2L Jag XJ and regularly drove the Father in Laws' S series Mercs (funeral morning cars). Yes, Bianca is dead right, the Ford is so much more comfortable on long stints behind the wheel. At about 6 metres long the F250 can be a problem in the local Coles car park but at 2.1 m high it's not too high to go underneath most shopping centres. We haven't and at this stage, don't think we will lift it at all. We are still adding to the package but am I sorry we bought the two fiddy?; there is no way I would ever go back to an overloaded vehicle towing our caravan.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

So good to know you also love your F-Truck! You're probably right about the newer Trucks having better fuel economy, but what we have is way better than the 200. We do about 15 L/100Km without the van or boat on the roof and about 18 L/100Km with the boat on which I think is great for such a heavy vehicle. and we don't have to constantly worry about being overweight, which really added so much extra stress to travel days. Thanks for your support Graham, hope to see you on the road one day!

[@aljeeper3292]

American Full-size trucks are the only vehicle capable of truly handling the weight, it's designed to do it out of the box. The knockers pushing the LandCruiser don't actually understand how uninformed they are and frankly don't comprehend the difference a full-size truck is when towing/carrying big weights!!!! Having your issues isn't usual to most FST's no matter which brand you buy. They are Rocket Science, yes they are big but that's what ya need in your application and a stretched LandCruiser won't survive, I've experienced axle and drivetrain failures in most brands myself.... Horses for Courses, Toyota don't sell a standard vehicle with the capability of the F350 or the Chevy/GMC or RAM3500 no matter the GVM upgrades because the drivetrain isn't built that tuff😂😂😂

[@jamesbird8420]

Sounds like you got a limited edition, the snow plow package from Florida sounds odd lol. I am wondering if it was originally from the northern u.s or here in Canada. I love my 2020 limited also, I don't like the price, but compared to the knew ones and what I gather u pay for them in Auss it was a steal. The fact we r now paying 30 cents more up to 1.64 cnd for diesel sure sucks 😞. Actually it's even higher off the res. In the city small towns in northern Ontario it's over 2.00 per liter. I get average 11.2 on highway 14.2 combined around city and less during colder weather -20 etc. due to idle time warm up time. I love my truck but probably going to trade in for a gas f150,as no longer going to travel with the fifth wheel. Maybe I should sell it to someone in Auss when I go back for a visit in May. 😆 😆. LoL. If u like to know more about my experience with my 350 say hello 🤗. Cheers.

[@scottspitty8283]

You can tow and go up and down hills well, when its not in the workshop getting fixed. Good luck with your travels guys, as long as your happy

[@400chevlc]

The fact that the "Issues" chapter goes from 5:12 to 21:01 tells you everything you need to know. Glad you got things sorted.

[@diegooz7178]

Love the honesty guys it's very much appreciated!! The trucks a BEAST mate!! Hopefully use have ironed out the glitches and it's smooth sailing for years! Another great vid. Keep em coming. Thank use

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks mate, appreciate your support!

[@TheTripleDubya]

Researched the hell out of the options and wound up with a Chevy 2500, yes they’re expensive and a bit boofy around town but the 200 can’t touch it once you’re towing a van over 3t, especially on the Hwy. We have 5.5t GVM and no desire to carry a boat. Do a bit of work on them and they come good off road too. And the best part is the exhaust brake, anybody who has had 3.5t pushing them down a long steep road with one knows what I mean.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Everyone not towing with exhaust breaks don’t know what they are missing out on! Best….. thing…….EVER!

[@iandibley8032]

My thoughts the yank trucks are built more for heavy hauling on the black top. Ram 1500 & F350 both damaging rear diff housing in axle bearing area, Jmax are doing a mod for the Rams. One model Ram 1500 has a rear axle max loading of 1770 kg less than 1950 kg of a LC 200. Safe travels.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

That’s interesting about the 1500 Ram.

[@rich7447]

Steer clear of half tons. They are lifestyle vehicles and are not built to handle the same abuse as class 2B and above trucks.

[@NoFixedDestinationAu]

If it doesn’t kill you it makes you stronger and after the challenges you have faced throughout 2023 you are heading into 2024 MUCH STRONGER. All the best for 2024 and I will be following your journey and wish you all the best.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Awh thanks for that!😁👍

[@evil17]

Great vid guy’s, appreciate the honesty, really fair comments, decisions & considerations over all. Sounds like you’ve had a lot of issues really & you addressed them all well, lucky you had the insurances to help out. Another YTuber spent 5 months in the Cape waiting for a radiator replacement for his F350, it must have cost him a bit for that little holdup & this is where Toyota shines in Oz, you can get parts anywhere readily. Im sure the F Truck is nice in many ways, but I am a Toyota guy, as basic as they are, they work. I would probably consider a Izusu NPS if I was going to go a different route. & PS: My wife says she wouldn’t have married me if I had a Ford! Hope you have better luck in ur future travels. Cheers

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Oh I think you’re referring to “Roamin in a Ram” they were stuck in Weipa with problems caused by water damage! They have a Ram 3500! I had 3 cruisers…. I loved them. But I I also love the effy, until you drive one, it’s hard to see the appeal. Once you do you wonder why it took u so long!😁👍

[@castlelowanna8626]

Just found your channel as I was searching 200 Series, hard to believe the comfort level is better in the F-Truck, moving from and 80 Series the seats in the 200 are sublime...lol.. We looked at heaps of F-150's, 250's and 350's in our search before the 200 because as you said, they just tow awesome and you can carry what ever you want. They were just way outside our price range unfortunately. Looking at your F-Truck and the setup, in the back of my mind I am disappointed just a little bit that we went with the 200. For us it works for now... Thanks for the honesty... Now to catch-up...

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

It’s hard to imagine, but nothing can touch these things for comfort. I actually thought yank tanks were not worth looking at before I drove one! After driving one for the first time, I instantly started to work out how I could get one!

[@greggenge481]

Well executed as usual. Good to hear good and bad and glad you don't regret having the F350.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thank you Greg 😃

[@johnregan7357]

I have a 2017 F250 for touring and have had nowhere near the amount of issues as you guys, think you have just had a bit of bad luck, my F truck has done nearly a lap of Oz and still going strong, great touring right now 💪🏿👍 Fingers crossed you have a great run in the future

[@tennesseethompson5287]

Every touring vehicle needs a fair bit of setting up, wear & tear parts failure is part of what we do, but a fuse box located under a wheel arch is a bad design- plain & simple! Safe travels & best wishes, well done & really informative top video👍❤️

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks mate! See ya in the next one😁👍

[@PeterWilson-w5x]

Thanks guys. We are considering an F150 Platinum and you have opened our eyes pre-purchase. We will ask lots of questions. Safe travels.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Are the 150s built right hand drive or are they converted?

[@garmcl]

@@Livin_Like_Kings_ F150’s are converted in Melbourne by Ford. It takes around 22 hours over three working days for each F-150 to be converted. F-150s are shipped complete from a Ford assembly plant in Dearborn in Michigan to Mickleham, where they are torn down and rebuilt with the steering wheel on the right-hand side. The process requires temporarily separating the body and ladder-frame chassis, and includes around 500 new parts and the recalibration of key systems including 18 of the 30 modules within an all-new wiring harness. Engineering changes made to the right-hand-drive F-150 were developed by RMAAA with appointed contractor Segula Technologies Australia, in co-operation with Ford engineers in Australia and the USA. 2023 Ford F-150 engineering changes: New cast magnesium cross-vehicle beam New injection-moulded instrument panel carrier New dash and cowl sheet metal in-fill panels New electrical harnesses - dash, engine, body, trailer, seats Ranger Raptor RHD steering rack adapted for purpose New intermediate steering shaft assembly Recalibrated steering feature software New climate control air handling unit, ducting and heater hoses Re-manufactured headlights Exterior mirrors with new wedges and bezels New wiper linkages and blades, with matching new cowl grille New towbar assembly, plus 4500kg hitch and 70mm ball 2023 Ford F-150 interior features replaced or adapted: New instrument panel, including topper panels and decorative trim New RHD transmission shifter assembly and console bezels New brake pedal assembly and brake lines New child restraints New carpets with driver footrest Seats, including re-manufacturing of driver’s seat memory function Door switches New Australian-specific software for SYNC New instrument cluster New audio and climate control systems DAB+ digital radio tuner Locally compatible modem enabling the full suite of FordPass connected features

[@ooalibaba]

Thanks for the video. My family and I are going on a lap this year. I’ve been wondering about changing my vehicle but your video sealed it for me. I have a 200 and I’m towing a lighter van. I’m getting a gvm upgrade, but only because it’s a bit close to the line with weights. I think for seasoned travellers like yourselves, having a vehicle like yours with less support around the country is comfortable for you. I was looking at a 300 but I think there is less known about them in remote areas than the 200 so I’m sticking with it. Hopefully it works out, hopefully see you on the road. Safe travels

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

How long are you taking for your “lap”? If more than a year, an argument can be made for a vehicle upgrade! Less than a year? Then stick with what you have and keep a close eye on your weights and do your research which it sounds like you have 😁👍 Yes definitely! Hope you to see you out there!

[@ooalibaba]

Just under a year. It’s more like 3/4 of a “lap”. Thanks for the reply.

[@Land_Raver]

It's a million mile plus engine, and the platform is so much more capable than a LC for towing. Carry some spare hubs. They are gairly cheap. Aftermarket wheels are a problem if you can't reach the hub. Many lifts dont extend the vacuum lines, so the system doesn't work automatically. I've recovered many F series with trailers off the beach. The factory points on the front are really stout. I'd never pull on a bull bar for a recovery.

[@woooingtruckdriver]

At least you know what you’ve done to it. You got a beast and would love to own it. Well done guys, love your videos. I would have stuck with it like you. Cheers

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Totally agree,👍. Thanks for all your support 😃

[@gdpunch]

PS: my bike was an XZ550 100% road bike mid sized but handled all the dirt and mountainatin as you decribe your F350 did once all was fixed. Cheer from Olly

[@davidmonnin2792]

Love your truck and what you have done with it! Purchasing a preowned vehicle has it's downsides. As for getting bogged on the beach with wheels that cover up your manual locking hubs, well that ones on you mate!

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Cheers David

[@SollysOnTheRoad]

Haha good video guys , soooo glad you don't regret it ours is in for conversion now. Love your work , thanks for the content, happy travels👍 P.S Glad the pup made it through ok

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

That’s awesome hope you don’t have to wait to long for it! And Thank you Franks much better.

[@marcovonpickartz8251]

@@Livin_Like_Kings_everyone has that issue so that change the seats.

[@williamchambers103]

Another great video guys im towing my 19ft BT with a 2008 Land Rover Discovery 3 have done Gibb River Road Savanna Way Birdsville udnadatta track plus pretty much all over no problems just had the front suspension refurbed for the first time.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Safe travels fellow Bushy owner😁👍

[@VaughanMunro-js4nr]

Lappin the Island are back travelling. Using a 200 landcruiser while waiting for their Ford to be repaired. Expensive way to get around. The biggest problem with all American import trucks is spare parts back up. If it's not on the shelf, 6 weeks or more waiting to be imported.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

yeah, i hope they get their F350 back soon, we caught up with them when we were in Exmouth. they're a lovely family. getting parts is a downside for sure.

[@gordocampbell9254]

Guys Sh*T happens its a beast of a truck absolutely love, i bought a brand new Ram 1500 Limited January last year 6months later they had to replace the water pump and now i have a problem with the starter motor😳 unfortunately they are mechanical and they will break loving the channel loving the videos keep ‘em coming😊

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks Gordo, 💩 does happen sometimes 😃

[@bobwilson758]

The key is to stay cool ! Control the nasty thing called anger ! Good job guys -

[@TheRaptor1967]

The main thing here in the choice of vehicle is: * Getting a vehicle that is fit for purpose. * Fit for purpose Stock - Usually carries a Warranty and tends to be more reliable * Fit for purpose after mods - Usually not covered by warranties as much, sometimes upsets other systems, quality of work. 2. Availability of spares (this depends on support level in your country. ie Toyota, Nissan, etc well supported in Australia. Ford, not so much, GMC, CHEV etc not much as all). I have only run Toyota (1 old hilux and then a couple of 75 Landcruisers. Neither were comfortable, both were too slow and not powerful enough and had problems with associated parts as I modified and upgraded parts. (ie locked diffs kept breaking hub studs until upgraded to chrome molly studs, several examples like that that you dont necessarily know about at the time). My next vehicle? I'm going back to old school. I'm getting myself an 80's Unimog U1700 ex ADF for about $20K to $30K and then restoring plus adding some mods PROS: Base Vehicle is Ultra Reliable and STRONG. What you can do with it is extremely flexible meaning usually you dont need to tow something. Parts are available but not cheap. Weight limits are hardly a consideration. ground clearance for days, little mod and 1200mm river fording height. Engin can be modded to provide acceptable amount of hp. No DPF or critical drivability electronics, all old style mechanical so will keep driving and a faulty sensor will not leave you stranded. Cab needs air ride seats and noise proofing CONS: BIG TRUCK compared to Toyota, Nissan, Ford, GMC, Chev etc. Wider track once wheels upgraded to make it more off road capable. Parts are available but more expensive. Lack of power but plenty of Torque. Tight overgrown winding bush tracks can be a challenge. Fuel economy not as good as newer vehicles, but it's also bigger so you have to expect that. Rough ride and NOISY inside cab. More and more people are doing this as the ADF are slowly exchanging their aging fleet of Unimogs for newer trucks so the Unimogs are popping up for Auction all over Australia.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Wow a Unimog would be so cool, Grant has always wanted one of those.

[@lappingozoffgrid]

after doing full lap ourself. I'm glad that I ended with 200. part and Toyota dealership were everywhere! Australia isn't ready for American truck yet. parts, people who can work on etc. You are not going to admit regretting while you have the truck. all you are doing is lowering value of your car. you can tell us whether you regret or not after selling it.

[@georgewilks6816]

It can be a hard pill to swallow, especially when you've gone all in setting up an expensive rig for touring. Like you said Aussie isn't ready for part support in remote areas nor metro as well, especially when you have to wait 8 weeks for parts like another you tuber in Weipa.

[@davidwilliams5325]

Mate agree I had a 200 but needed the additional GVM etc. happy with my F350

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

The 200’s GVM just don’t compare do they.

[@nebuchadnezzar9641]

I’m surprised there is a two week approval process. I had a turbo issue on my 2019 Mitsubishi triton. Never serviced once with a dealer only serviced by a local mechanic. I took it to Mitsubishi and they approved the repair instantly. Ford really are dropping the ball with customer service and satisfaction here.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

We didn’t buy it from Ford, it was from a dealer in Perth, that’s their process. I’m sure if I went directly to them the process would be different.

[@Jimmcgregorphotography]

Well now that the issues are fixed. Time will tell what you have. I applaud you for putting up with the issues. But I wouldn’t have.

[@heathgreen4082]

Love the ute 🛻.. these things happen to us all. Time to hit the road again soon. Looking forward to the next video keep smiling 😊 Cheers

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks 👍

[@notsure6182]

that "tray" or what ever you guys call the deck is awesome

[@watda011]

The payload has nothing to do with the 5.8t gvm. The payload is the difference left from the gross vehicle mass excluding all the bolt on equipment like the canopy, bull bar etc. So if the vehicle weights 5.4t after all the bolt-on, and your GVM is 5.8 than your payload is only 400kg which can be low for 4 people plus and extra gear. Whats the vehicle weight on the weigh bridge fully loaded with occupants? Hope its under 5.2t because you then still have to add tow ball weight to the calculation if towing.

[@bradkark]

When towing over about 3.2T and still having some payload left in the truck the available legal options in are pretty limited. I started with a list including all the commons options plus a few others like 6wd ex army Landrovers and the Oka. Eventually everything got crossed off the list for one reason or another till I bought an Isuzu NPS. I’ve been towing with it for over 5 years now and while I am happy with it, it’s still a compromise, it’s slow and being a cabover doesn’t have the smoothest ride. I still don’t think there is a perfect vehicle to tow big loads in Australia. Your comments about the fuel usage is spot on, I get 22l/100 towing a 3.6T van (9T GCM) at 90kph. My mate has a RAM 2500, he has a heavier van than mine and gets the same fuel economy towing at 110 kph. The Isuzu has the aerodynamics of a filing cabinet :-)

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Cheers mate! Thanks for watching 😁👍

[@rich7447]

I had to do the conversion from L/100km to mpusg (10.7 mpg) and that seems like high usage for a RAM 2500 unless it is a 6.4L gas/petrol engine. My previous vehicle was a 2011 Ram 2500 diesel that spent a lot of time with a 30 foot enclosed car hauler behind it (trailer is around ~14,000 lbs/6,350 kg most of the time). I generally tow at speed of traffic on the Interstate which is between 75 and 85 mph (120 to 135 kph) and averaged around 12 mpg (mixture of mountains and flat terrain). I recently upgraded to a F450 to handle my larger trailer (26k lbs) and it is getting around 10 mpusg with somewhere around 20,000lbs behind it at 65 mph (4.30 gearing has slowed me down quite a bit).

[@jo8724]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

My pleasure!

[@jimmyoutside8075]

Great info guys. All the best.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Cheers 👍😀

[@johnkhan18]

Great story and honest. Did you take into account how it might have been treated before you bought it? It was a five year old vehicle so did it have a good checkout before you got going?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Could definitely have had some issues when we got it.

[@addictiveaussie]

Should have gone an OKA. Can carry far more gear, less things to break on the suspension and easy to fix, even in the newer Gen5 and float over corrugations and rough tracks.

[@addictiveaussie]

Another thing. I avoid electronics at every turn. The less the better.

[@craigtomkinson2837]

Lovely Ep guys and well done hope she serves you well now.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks Craig 😀

[@gdpunch]

What a wonderful and honest as well as easy to watch video you two produced. As a child I remember "The Leyland Brothers" and dreamed of travelling as you did and have been lucky enough to have traveled around Australia on a Yamaha Z550 motor bike (70,000km in two years of working holiday in mines and fruit picking), I did have fiom of my trip film but to my own fault and a crash (in the middle of the desert South of Cober Pedy all was lost but thank you to all that helped, You know who you are if you ever read this.). The Bike despite what I was told would be no good for the trip did not miss a beat BUT I did lol. (IE: the crash resulting in 5 Breaks in my left leg and a 6 hour wait for help),Thank you to all that helped l I actually set the leg myself before admitting defeat onn that part lol} Love the way you both give information on the Vehicle and repaiers that so many fail to say. and as for Landcruisers (I love them too BUT) I will stop raving But you two gave a Great HONEST and wonderful review. Lets not forget that this was also a second hand F350 and we do not know the full prehistory of it. Ypu are a wonderful couple and no matter what you were going to do what you set out to do. GREAT STORY AND VEIWING OLLY :)

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Wow what a story that is! I hope to run into you out there someday to hear more about your travels! Thanks for the nice words and for watching 😁👍

[@Frankiegish]

What size tyres are you guys running?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

35’s😁👍

[@lukes5533]

Toyota's are great but without their nation wide dealer network , they wouldn't be a first pick for many customers.

[@photografiq_presents]

Statler and Waldorf watching you on the beach :D Imagine them watching the show and seeing "Living like Kings" on the side !! Classic

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

You know that our surname is King right! 😝

[@cathymiller3856]

With the increased payload and overall gcm increase, do you need a heavy rigid license to drive it? We have a 200 series but hubby is a f-truck fan for many years. Appreciate your honesty, good luck with your future travels.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Yes, our GVM is 5.2t and a Light Rigid Truck license is required.

[@johnnyclark4548]

Awesome video guys, we loved it Cheers Johnny&Rene

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

😁🙏 thanks for watching guys!

[@william6815]

We are looking at the F250 but what worries me is the conversion from LHD to RHD I had a mate that brought a 2500 ram and has had non stop issues. So we are now looking at chopping a 300 series but not sure how good that new v6 diesel will be 😩

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

It’s a hard decision, you have to compromise on something either way you go

[@bobwilson758]

If you operate in sand , you must have the proper tires for flotation - BF Goodrich is what I chose- All terrain t/a ko2 excellent but not suitable for “ mud” . Always something - $$$ ding . Big fun is out there - so , please don’t be discouraged . Good Doggie I must say ! See ya

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks Bob 😃

[@markoneill9064]

Good content from you guys and I have been in the same situation. Bottom line is that here in Australia we need reliability more than anything else in our off road vehicles. I’ll forgo comfort over reliability every time. Iv modified many vehicles ( mostly utes) and it was specifically designed for the task at hand. On the black top, towing big weights, you can’t beat the yank trucks. Lucky you didn’t buy a GMC truck… Arguably the most towed truck in the world, on the back of a tilt tray that is.

[@antoncarmoducchi6057]

The best part of owning a landcruiser is its reliability. I'm not sure whether there's any point in making a comparison. If you need to tow more than 3500 KG's it's cheaper to buy a proper truck.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Not with the money I’d spend on chiropractic bills after driving the truck! There’s a lot of reasons why we chose a yank tank, mainly my back is stuffed and needs comfort. And obviously we need the Payload and towing capacity. It’s all easy to say but we weighed up all our options and made a decision based on the information we had at the time. We did get unlucky with a second hand vehicle but since the problems have been solved it’s bloody awesome and amazing to tow with! 😁👍

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Oh also I drove a truck for years and wasn’t keen on touring with one! Though you are right in that they are pretty bulletproof but my spine isn’t

[@rich7447]

The F350 is a truck. It is a class 3 truck which are much easier to deal with on a day to day basis than a class 7 or 8 truck. The F series goes up to class 7 with the F750.

[@thirdtimeround-chromenomads]

We are travelling with our 200 (GVM GCM upgrade) and big van. So far so good, we have had no hassles. But wwhen the time comes, we willl be going to American (probably a RAM2500)

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

nice 👍

[@rich7447]

Be aware that the Ram 2500 with the diesel will be payload limited. I dealt with that problem for 12 years. Great truck, but I should have gone with the 3500 SRW.

[@titanx04]

What license are you guys driving on? I find it strange that atleast in nsw anyway that on c class you’re limited to 4.5T.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

You only need an LR license for our truck.

[@robertwilson1827]

​@@Livin_Like_Kings_ truck?🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@rich7447]

@@robertwilson1827 Yep. Class 3 truck is how they are classified.

[@notsure6182]

snatch strapping a loaded f350 AND trailer is pretty far out there. should have used the winch

[@treeman3663]

As you said second hand car second hand problems

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

100%, thinking back now, when we bought out 79 series which was probably 3rd hand, we had to spend quite a bit to fix issues on it as well. sometime that just happens.

[@darrylmarsh5434]

I sold my 79 Series after spending about $10000 trying to get it tow our 21ft 3500kg Kedron legally and safely. The GVM upgrade got it legal but doing a trip Melbourne/Perth/Melboure it felt like the van was causing the Toyota to be unstable on the rear end. The van had anti sway fitted so that wasn’t the issue. I think the problem was that A, the van was almost as heavy as the car and B, the small wheel base of the Toyota was an issue. Now I sold the 79 Series and bought a secondhand F350 (2013 with 130000km on it in 2022 for $139000). The F350 tows the van like it’s not there. I can tow at 100km/hr and get 22L/100 but I feel more comfortable at 95km/hr not because of safety but more like I don’t have to pass as many slower vehicles…. which really is a safety issue. Now in 2023 we went to Cape York and towed the van all the way. Just out of Lakelands we blew a cold side intercooler pipe. Patched that up and got to Cairns and had that replaced. That took 7 days for the part to come up from Brissy. It was supposed to come up in an airbag but it ended coming up via Australia Post and hence the delay. This year 2024 we had a leaking Aircon Compressor on the way up to Darwin. Time constraints meant we couldn’t get one up from Melbourne and have it fitted on the road so we pushed on and even did the Oodnadatta track and Wilpeena Pound using the windows as airconditioning. The dust in the vehicle was an issue but we spent a few hundred when we got back having the vehicle professionally detailed. Now my only regret is that I didn’t buy a brand spanking new one.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Lots of similarities there, regarding the step from 4WD to American truck for towing! I agree with you, if I could afford it I’d buy a new one 😁👍

[@rodneyemmerich8828]

Problems are one thing , paying for the repairs is the real pain in the neck .

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

👍

[@nota-fj8qo]

Loved this transparency you bequeath to your viewers, along with the experience shared and lessons learned. For a first-time viewer of your channel, this episode is packed with relevant content, and highly interesting and useful to me. Thank you both!

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Appreciate it! Thanks for watching!😁👍

[@robtampion4009]

G’day guys, you certainly have had issues with the Ford since purchasing & trust you are now over the hurdle with them. At the time I questioned your choice because the 200 series cruisers are so very reliable & spares throughout the country are no probs. We, as you guys tow a Bushtracker & we both know they are a fairly heavy piece of kit to pull. In saying that our 200’s & have had a few have never missed the mark. Resale price of the 200 is a very good lever as well, they don’t manufacture them anymore. We upgraded the suspension to compensate the BT weight. So, let’s say motor on with the ford as those concerning niggles may have been done & dusted. Cheers.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks Rob, hopefully the issues are all sorted now

[@baumie461]

Great video! Thankyou for being honest and open. As someone who's owned both Landcruisers and now an F250, there's no comparison! If ya know, ya know. All these fan boys that rag on American Trucks have never driven one little lone owned one! As a standard platform they'd be pretty reliable but we can't help ourselves by upspecking....and yes, I'm VERY guilty of doing the same 😂 ❤

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

so right, if ya know, ya know! #TruckGang

[@joannekondraciuk2411]

Hi guys, love your channel and look forward when you are back on the road. Can I pls ask at the 27min mark, where is that place you are driving? Hope you are back on the road soon x

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Ah, that is the Painted Dessert in SA, it's about 3 hrs north of Coober Pedy between the Stuart Hwy and the Oodnadatta track. We visted it when we were working at Cadney Roadhouse on the Stuart Hwy. It's beautiful, like being on another planet.

[@joannekondraciuk2411]

Thank you. We will certainly go there in June when we head up to Ayers Rock.

[@captainrandola]

Can I please ask how much all the repairs set you back too?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

We were probably set back about $10k, but most of that would have been under the warranty. We just didn’t have time to wait for it.

[@captainrandola]

@@Livin_Like_Kings_ thats not too bad if most was under warranty!

[@bobwilson758]

Well , truck is a high mileage unit so maintenance follows - Maybe new next time ?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Maybe

[@bobwilson758]

Seems you have a rather understanding wife sir - She can be 90% of the life for certain … Good times ahead folks . Life is a adventure ! Enjoy it all - Good looking rig .

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Absolutely

[@darshparmar7679]

Great video I notice 4wders with the same gvm issues you have,been going Isuzu 4x4 trucks.hopefully all the problems are sorted with the f-250.😊

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Fingers crossed!😁👍

[@hapninemptynesters]

Good vid. We love our reliable 76 which we’ve had for over 10 years with very few issues. That said, we wouldn’t buy another one as we would love a canopy, not because we want to carry more but for the ease of getting things out of it and putting dirty (sometimes smelly) things onto it. We understand why you would need a bigger rig if you have a boat as well but we would never get one (Trina doesn’t like fish and she gets sea sick) so lower vehicle GVMs work for us and for ease of getting parts we would look at a 79. Let’s hope that your issues are over and we look forward to meeting you on the road somewhere.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Yeah 🤞🤞🤞 See you out there guys! Safe travels!

[@RayBesim]

Like everything in life, the car is only as good as person working on it. most people don’t tell how it is

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

So true 😃

[@johnflynn556]

Too many LCs (and other vehicles) are way over GVM and GCMs with their big rig caravans (and then a lot of people also add a tinnie!). No vehicle is perfect.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

100%🙌. different horses for different courses. Everyone would have different needs.

[@lifeatfulldraw7163]

I believe those issues were that modle and year.. new 1s seem good.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Possibly, good to hear the new ones aren’t having these issues

[@Wildernessadventuresoz]

Makes me so glad my set up is small and simple!whew!😅

[@mattkoselowski-wh9vj]

If you have the money to burn, then good on ya, but these vehicles are seriously crazy expensive here in OZ, and spare parts are few and far between!

[@makara51]

There will always be issues with a pre owned vehicle, but once they’re sorted you know what you have and what it goes like, so yes you made a good choice to keep it, if money was no object a 2500 Cummins hmmm👍

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Yep! We’ll get there😁👍

[@Sabumnim666]

It looks great and I think these are good vehicles but from your list of issues it certainly looks like a very average mod work being the biggest source of your problems along with not having all the information when selecting some of the mods such as the wheels. As you said this does what a Landcruiser cannot. You have a powerful tow vehicle that can go 4 wheeling as opposed to a 4 wheeler that can tow. If the mods were done properly and I do not accept not triple checking all the work as an acceptable excuse, then this list would be somewhat shorter. All the best enjoy the travels.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks mate 😀, hope to see you out on the road one day!

[@Sabumnim666]

Be good if we do White wildtrak v6 Viscount V3 upgraded suspension @@Livin_Like_Kings_

[@47Rolling]

Totally get what you’re saying re these things happen with whatever you buy but I guess the big drawback is that it takes so long to get things fixed when things go bad. Can’t just go to any decent parts place like you can with a cruiser and most mechanics worth their salt it good to work on them unlike the American trucks.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

yeah, getting parts is a draw back for sure.

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Hi guys, are you living for an adventure or by comfort.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

In my old age, I’m now looking for comfort 😝

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Your rig is too heavy.

[@JohnDorward-os4jk]

Great video guys. Well no doubt it, in the travelling community everything is a compromise. But you have certainly gone for your own safety and of course as a by product….the safety of the community. You have a lovely rig which is no doubt the envy of many. You have owned the problems and fixed them and what’s more…shared your experience both good and not so good. The answers you provide to those who make comments are always moderate and balanced. I think you are both great and I hope that the rest of your travels are just as eventful….but in the best possible way.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Wow thanks for that!😁👍 Hopefully we’ll see you out there one day!

[@neilbrown890]

Sound like it wasn't serviced properly before you were owners

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Possibly, but it had all the log book updated. 🤷‍♀️

[@michaelnugara1]

I really think Ford has dropped the ball across the board. IMO that's a pretty long list for such a young vehicle. I had a Landrover that was 18years old and that was reliable in comparison. I hope all is sorted now and I wish you safe travels.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

🤞there are no more issues

[@johnallen3555]

The think is that once a problem has been comeptently corrected, it ougth not be an issue in the future ( hopefully all that remains is a bad memory, not fear for the future) The key is in the word competent and all that it carries

[@marcochavanne]

EGR, DEF, and DPF issues usually come back. It's just the nature of the technology. Methanol injection, tunes, and deletes can resolve that permanently.

[@twisted_panties]

@@Livin_Like_Kings_just wait

[@danold6443]

I hope those are 35" tyres!!! They look way too small! It's a yank truck, you should have gone for 37's or even 40's. Other than that...looks like a sweet rig for doing a lap.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Yeah they’re 35’s. I know the truth makes 35’s look way too small! We were going to go 37’s but the cost of doing that safely was out of our budget!

[@garyschopshop]

I think you guys are thinking with your heart more than your heads, appreciate the honesty but the 8 weeks not having the truck and I've already sold it, all the other compounding issues that thing is a deadset nugget, passing everything off as wear and tear is a bit of a cop-out, the ongoing issues the bullbar the loss of 4WD and aircon Jesus no way, I've had plenty of 4WDs and never had more than 3 issues over the life of 4 utes let alone 1! I'd cut your losses and invest in a Ram or something with more of an aftermarket presence here in Australia, Great video love the honesty but yeah I would punt it!

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

I can understand that.

[@bobwilson758]

Right ! They are all machines and they break at some point … so , it’s all good !

[@davidmilledge221]

Mabe buy a Hino 4x4 real truck their made in Japan by Toyota , i said the day you bought this yanky big ute that it will have issues they have issues with them in America all the time , yes you see the odd broken landcuiser but most times its lack off maintenance or driving it too hard , keep proding along with it just keep an eye on that front drive shaft area , thanks 4 beeing honest 👍👍🙏

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

We did consider buying a Hino or NPS, I’ve heard good things about them.

[@rich7447]

You see issues with them in the US because there are so many of them. A bad sales year for F-series in the US is 700,000 units.

[@bobwilson758]

As a truck mechanic - you are doin’ ok for a used unit .

[@bobwilson758]

Good off road folks will do what they can to help !

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Absolutely, there’s usually no shortage of people helping each other out

[@Accolades70]

Would be interested in what that 2017 F350 has cost you to get to the stage where it should be right for a while now? I am guessing 400000 - 500000$ ? whould be interestin to compare a RAM ??

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Are you asking about just the repairs or everything (cost of car, mods, fixes)? either way, its nowhere near close to $400K or $500K. not sure on the costs of a Ram or their parts.

[@Accolades70]

@Livin_Like_Kings_ ok with everything maybe 300k?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Probably a total of $250k with repairs etc. I haven’t really added it all up

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

It’s still a lot of money

[@aaronthedj12]

Love the truck, she looks great! First time here.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Welcome aboard!

[@Adrian_Nel]

Start developing a relationship with a Ford dealer in the U.S, one who is geared towards exporting parts, and get rid of those stupid hub covers.

[@alanstevens6172]

You guys have more patience than me I will keep my 200 Series good luck in the future

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Fair enough, we loved our 200.

[@OutbackOutlaw]

I’ve always loved an F350. Maybe one day. But I’m happy with my 200 series. Mine is a 2 seater and it’s ample for me. Subscribed.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Nice, there are so many different rugs out there and there’s something to suit everyone.

[@TheKen28]

Were all of these repairs covered by the extended warranty?

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Most of them, those that weren’t would have been but weren’t due to time constraints

[@flytoday]

your justification for keeping it is a classic case of sunken cost theory

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Possibly, but we do love it.

[@flytoday]

@@Livin_Like_Kings_the two best days of owning a ford is the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

[@arm_luvr1002]

She's a beast that F series

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Thanks mate 👍

[@RodneyPalmer-e2h]

Have you verified the original mileage shown when you bought it. Sounds like a classic wind back.

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Possibly 😁👍

[@treeman3663]

I can see how the f350 would be comfortable for Grant on long trips

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

Absolutely, the American Trucks are made for someone his height. 😀

[@o0bananaman0o]

I'm in the same boat (pun intended). I bought a 4 ton sailboat at great expense and had issue after issue, my old man helps me sometimes with fixing them. I keep telling him "its not this particular boats fault, happens to all boats" "I can't do any of the same things with anything else on the market" and he's just like "maybe you don't need a boat" 🤣 I'll keep making excuses and I'll keep enjoying my boat, I don't care what anyone else thinks

[@Livin_Like_Kings_]

🤣🤣 that’s the way to do it ! Screw what anyone else thinks!🤣👍