Milford Lake Towing Checklist: Get Your Truck or SUV Ready

Compare | Junction City, KS A fair comparison of two full size pickups from the Junction City dealer that sells both. Most truck comparisons try to declare a winner, which isn't very useful when the dealership writing it sells both trucks. At Valor Auto Group in Junction City, you can compare the 2026 Ford F-150 and the 2026 Ram 1500 without a brand loyalty test. Both are serious full size pickups with multiple engines, trims and four wheel drive options. The better question is the job you expect your truck to do, so this guide compares them by use. Quick answer: The 2026 F-150 and Ram 1500 are both strong full size trucks. The F-150 stands out for its engine range, an available PowerBoost hybrid and onboard power, while the Ram 1500 stands out for its Hurricane engines, the returning 5.7 liter HEMI V8 and a polished cabin. Pick by the job. F-150 stands out Engine range, PowerBoost hybrid, onboard power Ram 1500 stands out Hurricane engines, HEMI V8, refined cabin Next step Test drive both on your own roads In this post What is the main difference between the F-150 and the Ram 1500 Which truck has the better engine choices for you Is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid worth considering Which truck is better for towing How do you choose between them What is the main difference between the F-150 and the Ram 1500? Philosophy more than any single spec. Ford gives F-150 shoppers a wide range of powertrain and productivity choices, while Ram leans on interior refinement, engine variety and a trim range that runs from work trucks to premium ones. Ford's F-150 includes EcoBoost engines, an available V8 and the available PowerBoost full hybrid, plus technology built around the bed, the trailer and onboard electrical power. Ram's 2026 Ram 1500 offers the Pentastar V6, the Hurricane inline six and the returning available 5.7 liter HEMI V8. Neither philosophy is better. They give you different ways to build a half ton pickup. Compare current trucks in the new inventory. Which truck has the better engine choices for you? Both give you real options. The F-150 offers 2.7 liter and 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engines, a 5.0 liter V8 and a 3.5 liter PowerBoost full hybrid depending on trim, while the Ram 1500 offers a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 3.0 liter Hurricane inline six and the 5.7 liter HEMI V8. The PowerBoost combines gas and electric power and is rated by Ford at 420 horsepower. Ram's Hurricane gives you turbocharged output without a hybrid system, and the HEMI return matters to traditional V8 fans. Engine availability depends on trim and configuration, so ask the team what's on the lot. Is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid worth considering? It makes the case for trucks with more than one job. The available Pro Power Onboard feature can provide usable electrical power from the truck, which matters for contractors, campers, tailgaters and anyone doing weekend projects away from an outlet. A Junction City homeowner running tools on a project may see real value. If you never need portable power, it will rank much lower. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have. Junction City tip: List the three jobs your truck does most, including any power you need away from home, then compare which truck fits that list more closely. Which truck is better for towing? Neither wins on a headline number. Towing capacity changes with engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, equipment, payload and passengers, so the maximum figure doesn't apply to every truck on the lot. A contractor hauling equipment around Geary County, a Fort Riley family towing a camper and someone pulling a boat to Milford Lake each need something different. Check the rating on the exact truck and compare it with your loaded trailer. Check these before you trust a tow number The engine, cab and bed on that exact truck. Axle ratio and tow equipment. Payload, passengers and gear in the truck. Your trailer's loaded weight. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have, so write down your trailer before you compare numbers. How do you choose between them? Start with the job, then test drive both on your own roads. Use the Ford Research Hub and the CDJR Research Hub to compare trims, and the payment calculator to set a monthly range. A drive from Junction City to Manhattan tells you about cabin comfort and technology. A loaded run toward Milford Lake tells you about trailer equipment. Bring your own gear and trailer questions. If one truck fits your list clearly, buy it. If they tie, the test drive and the price decide. Ford Pickup and Delivery If you own a Ford, Ford Pickup and Delivery can come to you. Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships: the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back. It may be limited by availability or distance, a vehicle that won't run isn't eligible, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. See Pickup and Delivery details Questions About the F-150 and Ram 1500 Choosing Which is better, the F-150 or the Ram 1500? + Neither wins for everyone. The better fit depends on what you tow, haul and drive, so compare both on your own roads. Can I compare both trucks at Valor? + Yes. Valor Auto Group sells Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, so you can drive both in the same visit. What should I compare first? + Compare the job your truck does most, then the cab, engine, payload and towing equipment on the exact trucks. Engines What engines does the 2026 F-150 offer? + Depending on trim and configuration, the lineup includes 2.7 liter and 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engines, a 5.0 liter V8 and a 3.5 liter PowerBoost full hybrid. What engines does the 2026 Ram 1500 offer? + The lineup includes a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 3.0 liter Hurricane inline six, a higher output Hurricane on select configurations and the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 with eTorque. Is the HEMI V8 back for 2026? + Yes. Ram brought the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 back for 2026. Hybrid and power What is the F-150 PowerBoost? + It's an available full hybrid that combines a 3.5 liter V6 with electric power, rated by Ford at 420 horsepower. What is Pro Power Onboard? + It's an available Ford feature that provides usable electrical power from the truck for tools, camping and tailgating. Does the Ram 1500 have a hybrid? + Its engines use eTorque or turbocharged Hurricane setups. Ask the team about current options on specific trucks. Towing and payload How much can each truck tow? + It depends on the engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio and equipment. Ask the sales team to confirm the rating for the exact truck. Does payload matter as much as towing? + For many people it matters more. Gear, tools and passengers all count against payload. Should I buy the highest tow rating? + Only if your trailer needs it. Match the truck to your real trailer and payload. Buying and service Can I trade in my current truck? + Trading in is common. The trade tool on the Valor website gives you a starting point, and the sales team confirms the final value in person. Can I start financing online? + You can begin the credit application online before you visit. Does Valor service both brands? + Valor Auto Group has a Ford Service Department and also offers CDJR and Mopar authorized service in Junction City. Apply for financing Start your application online before you shop. Start your application Book your next service Schedule service online at Valor. Schedule service

Buying | Junction City, KS A plain guide to the new versus certified preowned decision, from the Junction City team that sells both. Fall is a busy time to shop in Junction City, and the first question is often the same: new or certified preowned. Both can be a smart buy, and the right answer depends on your budget, your plans and how long you'll keep the vehicle. This guide compares the two on cost, coverage, features and risk, and ends with a short list of questions to ask before you sign. Quick answer: Choose new when you want the latest features, the full factory warranty period and the freedom to pick your exact build. Choose certified preowned when you want a lower monthly payment and a vehicle that passed a manufacturer inspection. Compare real payments for both. New Latest features, full factory coverage, custom order options Certified preowned Lower cost, inspected vehicle, extra coverage Next step Compare monthly payments side by side In this post How do new and certified preowned compare on cost What coverage comes with each option What about features and choice How do risk and depreciation compare How do you decide and where do you start How do new and certified preowned compare on cost? Certified preowned usually costs less up front than the same vehicle new, because the first owner absorbed the steepest drop in value. A new vehicle costs more, but it can come with specials and the full factory warranty period. Compare monthly payments, not only prices. Use the payment calculator to test the same loan term and down payment on a new and a certified vehicle, and see what the gap looks like in your budget. Remember insurance and registration. A newer vehicle can cost more to insure, and that belongs in the monthly math. Ask your insurance agent for a quote on each vehicle before you commit, because the difference can change which option fits. Also think about what happens at the end of your loan. A vehicle with a longer warranty period can mean fewer repair bills in the early years, while a certified vehicle may leave you with a lower balance to carry through the same stretch. What coverage comes with each option? A new vehicle comes with the full factory warranty period. Certified preowned vehicles go through an inspection and typically include extra coverage, but programs differ, so ask for the written terms on the exact vehicle. Coverage is where the two options differ most. New vehicles start the clock fresh, while certified vehicles continue with a program that adds protection. Ask what's covered, for how long and for how many miles. Ask for these in writing What the inspection covered and who performed it. What the added coverage includes and excludes. How long the coverage lasts and what it costs to use. Whether roadside help is part of the program. What about features and choice? New gives you the latest technology and the freedom to pick your color, trim and options. Certified preowned gives you a narrower pool, but you can often find a higher trim for the money. A one or two year old vehicle may already have the features you want at a lower payment. If you need a specific color, package or the newest driver assistance tech, new may be the better match. Junction City tip: Make a list of must have features and nice to haves. Search new and certified side by side, and see which list each vehicle meets. How do risk and depreciation compare? A new vehicle loses the most value in its first years, which is a cost you carry. A certified vehicle has already taken that first drop and usually holds its value more steadily, though condition and mileage still matter. If you plan to keep a vehicle for many years, the depreciation gap matters less than reliability and coverage. If you trade often, it matters more. Compare monthly payments, not only prices. Whichever you choose, get an inspection report and ask about the vehicle's service history. How do you decide and where do you start? Start with your monthly range and your timeline. Then browse the new inventory and the used and certified inventory, and value your vehicle with the trade tool before you visit. Test drive one of each if you can, and ask the sales team to run payments on both. A side by side comparison usually makes the choice clear. Bring your trade, your insurance details and a short list of must have features, and the visit goes faster. Ford Pickup and Delivery When your Ford needs service, Ford Pickup and Delivery can come to you. Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships: the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back. It may be limited by availability or distance, a vehicle that won't run isn't eligible, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. See Pickup and Delivery details Questions About New vs Certified Preowned Cost and payments Is certified preowned cheaper than new? + Usually, yes, since the first owner absorbed the steepest depreciation. Compare real monthly payments on both to see the gap. Are interest rates different for new and used? + Rates can differ by program and lender. Ask the finance team to quote both so you can compare. Does insurance cost more on a newer vehicle? + It can. Get an insurance quote for each vehicle you're considering. Certified programs What does certified preowned mean? + It generally means the vehicle passed a manufacturer inspection and qualifies for added coverage. Programs differ, so ask for the terms. Is a certified vehicle inspected? + Certified programs include an inspection, but you should ask what it covered and see the report. Is certified coverage transferable? + That depends on the program. Ask for the written details on the exact vehicle. Features and choice Can I get the latest features in a certified vehicle? + Late model certified vehicles often have recent features. Check the exact trim and model year. Can I order a new vehicle exactly how I want it? + Availability varies, so ask the sales team what's in stock and what can be ordered. Which is better for a truck? + It depends on your budget and needs. Compare new and certified trucks side by side on payments and equipment. Depreciation and trade Does a certified vehicle hold its value better? + It's already taken the first big drop, so value tends to hold steadier, though condition and mileage matter. Can I trade in my current vehicle? + Trading in is common, and the sales team confirms the final value in person. When is a good time to buy? + Fall can bring new model year activity and fresh trade ins. Compare options and watch for current offers on the Valor website. Next steps Can I start financing before I shop? + You can start the online credit application first, which helps you shop within a monthly range. Can I schedule service on the vehicle I buy? + You can book through the service appointment page on the Valor Auto Group website, or call the dealership. Is Ford Pickup and Delivery available? + It's complimentary at participating dealerships, subject to availability and distance. Ask the service team about your address. Apply for financing Start your application online before you shop. Start your application Book your next service Schedule service online at Valor. Schedule service

Ownership | Fort Riley, KS A practical guide to choosing and keeping a dependable vehicle, written for the Fort Riley and Junction City community. Fort Riley families move, deploy, commute and road trip, and a vehicle has to keep up with all of it. A breakdown on a Monday morning or a long drive home for the holidays is a bigger deal when schedules are tight. This guide covers what makes a vehicle dependable in practice: maintenance history, warranty coverage, service access and a fit for the way you live, so you can shop with a clear checklist. Quick answer: Dependability comes from four things: a documented maintenance history, warranty coverage that matches your plans, easy access to service and a vehicle that fits your routine. Ask for records, confirm coverage and plan service before you need it. Check first Maintenance records and any open recalls Confirm Warranty coverage and what it includes Plan ahead Where and how you'll get service In this post What does a dependable vehicle really mean Why do maintenance records matter so much How do warranty and coverage fit into the decision How should you think about service access How do you match the vehicle to your routine What does a dependable vehicle really mean? A dependable vehicle starts every morning, gets you through the week without surprises and holds up when you ask more of it. It comes down to how it was built, how it was maintained and how well it fits your routine. No brand promises zero problems, and a well cared for vehicle can outlast a neglected one with a better reputation. The safest approach is to judge the specific vehicle in front of you, not a reputation. That means looking at records, inspecting it in person and matching it to your real week, including commutes toward Fort Riley, trips to Manhattan and long drives home. Why do maintenance records matter so much? Records show whether oil, fluids, brakes and tires were kept up, and that's a reliable clue to how a used vehicle will behave next. Ask for them on every used vehicle, and ask the sales team to help you read them. A history report can add ownership changes and reported accidents, but it won't show everything. Pair it with service records and an inspection. Questions to ask about any used vehicle Are there service records, and do they show regular visits. Are there open recalls, and have they been completed. Has it had accident repairs or major component replacements. How does the tire and brake wear look today. How do warranty and coverage fit into the decision? Warranty coverage tells you what the manufacturer will repair, for how long and under what terms. Ask for the specifics on any vehicle, new or certified, so you know what's included and what isn't. Coverage varies by vehicle, model year and program, so read the terms instead of assuming. If you expect to move or deploy, ask how coverage works across the country. Junction City tip: Write down how long you expect to keep the vehicle and how many miles you drive. Hand that to the sales team so coverage can be matched to your plans. How should you think about service access? A dependable vehicle needs a service department you can reach easily. Plan oil changes, tires and inspections before you need them, and book through the service department so your vehicle stays on schedule. Local service saves time when schedules are packed. Valor Auto Group has a Ford Service Department and CDJR authorized service in Junction City, and online booking makes it easier to fit a visit around work. A dependable vehicle needs a service department you can reach easily. Ford Pickup and Delivery may help when you can't get away, subject to availability and distance. How do you match the vehicle to your routine? Start with your week: commute distance, passengers, cargo and any trailer. Then compare vehicles that fit it, using the payment calculator to set a monthly range and browsing used vehicles or new inventory. A family that hauls kids and sports gear has different needs than a single soldier with a long commute, and both differ from a household that tows a camper to Milford Lake. The right fit beats a famous nameplate. Ford Pickup and Delivery When your Ford needs service, Ford Pickup and Delivery can come to you. Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships: the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back. It may be limited by availability or distance, a vehicle that won't run isn't eligible, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. See Pickup and Delivery details Questions About Dependable Vehicles Near Fort Riley Choosing a vehicle What should I look for in a dependable used vehicle? + Look for documented maintenance, no open recalls, even tire wear and a clean inspection. Drive it on your regular roads before you decide. Is a newer vehicle always more dependable? + Not always. Age matters, but care matters more. A well maintained older vehicle can beat a neglected newer one. How many miles is too many? + There's no single number. Condition, records and how the vehicle drives matter more than the odometer alone. Records and history Should I get a vehicle history report? + It's a smart first filter. It shows ownership and reported incidents, but pair it with service records and an inspection. How do I check for open recalls? + Ask the sales team to check the vehicle identification number for open recalls and completed repairs. What if a used vehicle has no service records? + Treat it with caution. Ask for an inspection, and weigh any missing history in your offer. Warranty and coverage What does a manufacturer warranty cover? + It depends on the vehicle, model year and program. Ask for the written terms on the exact vehicle. Does warranty coverage transfer if I move? + Coverage varies, so ask for the specifics on any vehicle you consider, especially if a move is likely. Is an extended service plan worth it? + That depends on how long you'll keep the vehicle and what's covered. Read the terms and ask questions before you decide. Service and ownership How often should I service my vehicle? + Follow the schedule in the owner's manual, and adjust for heavy use such as towing or lots of short trips. Can I schedule service without calling? + You can book through the service appointment page on the Valor Auto Group website, or call the dealership. What is Ford Pickup and Delivery? + It's a complimentary service at participating dealerships where the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back, subject to availability and distance. Financing and trade Can I start financing before I shop? + You can start the online credit application first, which helps you shop within a monthly range. Can I trade in my current vehicle? + Trading in is common. The trade tool gives you a starting point, and the sales team confirms the final value in person. Does Valor Auto Group serve the Fort Riley area? + Valor Auto Group is based in Junction City, close to Fort Riley, and welcomes shoppers from across the area. Apply for financing Start your application online before you shop. Start your application Book your next service Schedule service online at Valor. Schedule service