I noticed rust on the rocker panels in August of 2017 when a transmission seal was leaking. I crawled under to see where the transmission was leaking and then noticed how bad the rocker panels were rusted. I thought I would wait until spring of 2018 to take it in. Just took it to the dealer today(03/29/2018) and received an estimate, $5657.49. I almost fell out of my chair. I was thinking about $3000. The funny part is when the lady asked what I wanted I told her I wanted to get an estimate to have rocker panels replaced. She said "F150?". I then asked if this is common and she said "oh yeah". I drove around the used car lot looking at other years close to mine and the rockers on them are all bad. I am guessing that is why they were traded in. I can't help but wonder how long before the door will not stay closed.

I realize the truck has mileage beyond the warranty. It is used for highway miles for sales calls. The rust appeared under the bed rail caps installed by the factory. I planned to have that fixed along with cab corners during a vacation. I find that once the bedrail caps were removed, the rust was extensive and requires major grinding and welding in new steel. The same holds for the cab corners. This is a clean truck with very good care. I am stunned that such an expensive vehicle needs this level or repair this soon. If not for remaining payments, I might trade up. But that will not happen now.

The cab corners should not rot this soon but they are low to the ground and subject to more abuse. The bed rails completely shock me as they are supposed to be protected by the rail caps. I have a hard tonneau cover that rests on top of the rails and has no holes or penetrations. The mounting of the rail covers needs some cushioning to not rattle and wear away protective paint.