How's this beast handle slush?

[F150LAQS]

Potential buyer. I have snowy+wet winters and slush is a factor. Slush gets slammed up into the bottom, especially at speed, and I've had an ICE vehicle's sensor fail because of slush, cost $4k to fix. Is the battery pack fairly well sealed off from all the snow, water, and slush so close to them? Anything else down there vulnerable? Thanks in advance.

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[TaxmanHog]

There were reports last winter of some vulnerable harnesses in the vicinity of the FRONT wheel wells if I recall correctly, I don't think they experienced any damage but something to keep an eye on.

 

[TaxmanHog]

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/poor-sensor-wire-routing.13703/

 

[luebri]

Hard to say until there are many trucks with many winter miles logged. I have 1 full Wisconsin winter under my belt with no issues at all. Hopefully many more to go.

 

[MTcowpoke]

We had quite a bit of snow a couple weeks ago and then it warmed up so it was that snow/slush thing. I noticed one day two large accumulations under the front of the truck, probably the inner suspension that it could cling to. I got busy and didn't check it again but it's something I'll look at closer if it happens again. My guess is that without engine heat up front it's just going to be a thing.

 

[MontanaLightning]

I had to remove lots of ice build up from around the wheel wells and electric running boards during that weather.

 

[F150LAQS]

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/poor-sensor-wire-routing.13703/

Thats ridiculous! Anyone know if that exposure still exists in the '23?

 

[ctuan13]

I dunno about vulnerable sensor harnesses, but I know for a fact that all new model F150s have a very important body ground just behind the front passenger wheel well and it's both small gauge and made of a horribly thin steel lug.

As soon as I got my truck last year, I made sure the connection was tight and then coated it and the entire cable in fluid film.

I'd make sure that it's coated in some sort of corrosion inhibitor cause they're known to rust out in as little as a single season if theres enough salt involved.

 

[Heliian]

Slush has been a problem with every one of my vehicles, every winter.

It gets everywhere and when it freezes causes all sorts of problems.

Specifically for the lightning, if you don't have splash guards then it builds on the running boards and can damage the door when opening. It also got in the front strut springs and makes a racket. Don't try chipping it away as it can cause damage to wiring and hoses.

I would never drive a vehicle with powered running boards in the winter.

 

[RickLightning]

Slush has been a problem with every one of my vehicles, every winter.

It gets everywhere and when it freezes causes all sorts of problems.

Specifically for the lightning, if you don't have splash guards then it builds on the running boards and can damage the door when opening. It also got in the front strut springs and makes a racket. Don't try chipping it away as it can cause damage to wiring and hoses.

I would never drive a vehicle with powered running boards in the winter.

Every issue you list also is for the ICE F-150, not unique to the Lightning (and you said that in first sentence basically).

I carry a small plastic garden shovel in my vehicles. I stop on my street and dislodge most of the built up snow/slush before coming up the driveway. I have never had it build up to damage doors though. But I'm further south.

 

[Maquis]

I stop on my street and dislodge most of the built up snow/slush before coming up the driveway. I have never had it build up to damage doors though. But I'm further south.

That’s exactly what I had always done with all my vehicles.

When I added on to my garage, I installed heat and floor drains. I don’t miss the manual process one bit!

 

[F150LAQS]

Slush has been a problem with every one of my vehicles, every winter.

It gets everywhere and when it freezes causes all sorts of problems.

Specifically for the lightning, if you don't have splash guards then it builds on the running boards and can damage the door when opening. It also got in the front strut springs and makes a racket. Don't try chipping it away as it can cause damage to wiring and hoses.

I would never drive a vehicle with powered running boards in the winter.

Are splash guards a good solution?

 

[RickLightning]

Are splash guards a good solution?

Look at the trajectory of the snow/slush coming off your tires.

I put them on every vehicle I own.

 

[Heliian]

Look at the trajectory of the snow/slush coming off your tires.

I put them on every vehicle I own.

Yes, they are the easiest solution.

However, they add drag and cause a very small range reduction.

I chose not to have them installed and just deal with the slush. Ford chose to omit them seeking the cleanest drag profile and I want the efficiency.

 

[RickLightning]

Yes, they are the easiest solution.

However, they add drag and cause a very small range reduction.

I chose not to have them installed and just deal with the slush. Ford chose to omit them seeking the cleanest drag profile and I want the efficiency.

Your logic is misplaced, there is no vehicle that Ford sells that contains them to my knowledge. They don't include them because of the cost, and the fact that some don't want them. Not because they cause drag.

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