LOL! Some of us mainlanders don't get a chance at the events but the scenery is nice!Man, you guys on the mainland always get the fun events :/
I agree completely. It's well worth the time. You can speak directly to engineers within the automotive disciplines. Chassis, Electrical, interior design and storage, fit and finish, powertrain, marketing, after market, sync3, quality. One individual from each group came and spoke with you and queried you about the ranger, respective to their disciplines. I was impressed. There were about 30 rangers there when I got there and it took about 2 hours. And I got a free Ranger hat and money for it !I attended the event today, I had an 8:00am time slot. The event is legit and you have the opportunity to speak with engineers from all different areas. It was a great event, I’d highly recommend you go if you can make it.
Funny, my discussions with the various build teams were striking similar. When I showed them how far I had to pull out the fenders to make the hood fit right, they were surprised and wanted all the pictures I took regarding that issue. I told them that the ugly pinch welds in the underside bugged me. I made sure told every person I talked to about how much I enjoy my Ranger, even with the many tweaks I suggested. In my wrap up interview, I asked they remember the customer is the most important person to keep in mind and to remind every employee who works for them that they each represent the Ford brand.My list, positive and negative.
also talked about tire selection, non aggressive tread on dynapro off road tire, side steps construction and usage, I missed the no snowflake rating on tires, bed coating drop in vs sprayed, voice controls, seat material and comfort, ride quality, wheel design (concern of damage if off road because it stick out a bit) and ability of wheel to shed mud because no lip (positive). Talked android auto vs sync nav. Talked apps, model, usage and features
- L and R front quarter panel alignment to hood
- Roof cloth material at windshield incorrectly adhered (took pics)
- City MPG's not at rating @ 16.9 but also noted hilly area, Hwy OK @ 23-24
- Gas tank capacity
- Passenger seat belt rattle
- Positioning of door handle grabs
- Folding power mirrors not going to home position at startup
- Cosole shift lever does not indicate gear you are in
- No motorized rear window
- Lariat trim, right gauge cluster worthless
- add color to interior trim with stitching, door cards etc.
- rear seat not laying flat
- more rear storage and hanging option behind rear seat
- rear seat release only on 1 side
- memory seats desired
- temp controls small and arranged Hz vs vert.
- aux switch panel option desired
- engine and trans-positive but 1-3 shift not as smooth at startup
- paint-positive-no defects
- Light tailgate-Positive (damper not required IMO)
- Quietness of cabin-positive
- sync 3 positive-intuitive
- B%O sound- Positive
- F and R sensors and camera-positive
- Cross traffic alerts-positive
- Adaptive cruise- positive
- TBD- off road feature until I make it to Baja
That's my silver truck on the other side on the end, finishing up and about to leave.I was there as well. 1:30 group.
Will be posting about my experience later. For now here's a pic