Why did Ford choose an aluminum body for the F-150 and is it a real advantage for Canadian owners?
The F-150 has used a high-strength aluminum cab and box since the thirteenth generation (2015), with the 2021 fifteenth generation refining this construction further. The benefits are tangible for Canadian owners: 130–180 kg of weight reduction versus equivalent steel bodywork, which improves payload capacity (up to 1,050 kg on select configurations) and fuel economy. Aluminum is inherently resistant to galvanic corrosion from road de-icing salt — a major concern for trucks in Quebec, Ontario, and the Maritimes. Collision repair costs more than steel (requires a specialized shop), but the structure's long-term durability is superior. Ford Canada recommends annual inspection of the steel frame (which remains high-strength steel) to catch any rust at the junction points before it advances.