Check Out Ford's First Police Pursuit Pickup: The Ford F-150 Police Responder

The summer towing season is finally here! At Borgman, we know the West Michigan summer is best enjoyed with a boat, camper, ATV, dirt bikes, or whatever else you want to bring with you to your favorite getaway. While getting out of town and enjoying the warmer weather is great, making sure you tow your trailer safely is important, too. Take a look at our revised towing guide for a quick tutorial (or refresher) on what to do, what not to do, and then head to the Borgman Service Center for a pre-vacation checkup or to have new towing equipment installed! more 2026 Towing Guide for West Michigan Adventurers Before Hitting The Road: If you're reading this in preparation for towing for the first time, it's worth visiting Borgman to ensure your vehicle is properly equipped. We will make recommendations about which parts will be necessary to tow your trailer or camper safely, then order the parts for you and install them as soon as possible. That way, your vehicle spends less time in the shop and more time out on the road, and you're towing with confidence. To see what parts are available for your vehicle and the current pricing, visit Accessories.Ford.com. Finally, even if your vehicle is properly equipped and you're a towing veteran, getting a quick checkup before setting out is critical for everyone's safety and prolonging the life of your vehicle. Take a look at our Service Specials and Schedule An Appointment today. Weight Distribution For the best braking and handling performance, your vehicle's load must be properly distributed - keeping the center of gravity as low as possible. Approximately 60% of the allowable cargo weight should be in the front half of the trailer, and the rest in the rear (consult limits of tongue load or king pin weight!) The load should be balanced from side to side, too, and must be firmly secured to prevent shifting during cornering or braking. Backing Up With A Trailer If you've never done this before, you might want to get some practice in before needing to do it "out in the wild." All you need to do is back up slowly, and have someone help you by standing behind the trailer guiding you in. Put one hand at bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. Make small steering movements - the trailer will move more than you'd expect. Remember, you can always go forward to readjust or start over. Backing up a trailer can be tricky! Braking Remember, your vehicle is going to be heavier so it'll take longer to stop. Some Ford Vehicles equipped for towing will include electronic braking assistance for your vehicle and your trailer if it has brakes, but it's still good practice to drive more defensively. Allow more space between you and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself time to stop safely. If your trailer starts swaying, the easiest way to correct it is to gently speed up. If that's not helping and your vehicle is equipped with electric brakes and a brake controller, activate the trailer brakes with the brake controller by hand. Do not apply the tow vehicle's brakes as this can make things worse. Towing On Hills Downshift the transmission to assist braking when going down steep hills and to increase power (reduce lugging) when climbing hills. With the Ford TorqShift® transmission, simply select tow/haul mode to automatically eliminate unwanted gear search when going uphill and help control your vehicle speed when going downhill. Parking With A Trailer Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a hill - even on a slight incline. If it can't be avoided, you can place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels, following the instructions below: Apply the foot service brakes and hold Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downgrade side Once the chocks are in place, release the brake pedal, making sure the chocks will hold the vehicle and trailer Apply the parking brake Shift the automatic transmission into park or the manual transmission into reverse With 4-wheel drive, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral (if applicable) Acceleration And Passing The added weight of the trailer can dramatically decrease the acceleration of the towing vehicle - exercise caution. When passing a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance. Remember, the added length of the trailer must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back in. Signal and make your pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance. If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration. If you'd like to read our other, more expansive version of this guide, click here. Towing Something This Summer? Visit The Borgman Service Center First! Safety should be your number one priority when towing. While driving defensively and being more aware of your surroundings is critical, making sure your vehicle is ready and capable is equally important. The Borgman Service Center will ensure your engine, tires, brakes, and more are all in good condition, see that your fluids are topped up, and make sure your towing equipment is working properly. If your vehicle needs any new equipment or upgrades before towing something large like a camper, our team can help you with that as well.  We'll help you make informed decisions and install these parts to exact specifications.  And now you can use your FordPass Rewards Points to buy needed accessories and have them shipped to Borgman for installation.. Schedule Your Appointment

There are many benefits to driving a modern pickup, especially if you live in West Michigan. You get a rugged chassis that can stand up to tough jobs, a spacious, open bed for hauling cargo, and powerful engines that can tow boats, campers, ATVs, or whatever else to your favorite Michigan hideaway. A fully electric pickup truck can do all of these things without skipping a beat, with the added benefit of ditching the gas pump for good. If you're shopping for a fully-electric pickup in Grand Rapids, the 2026 Ford F-150 Lightning and the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado EV are likely at the top of your list. Both have great value and capability, but a careful look into the details proves the Ford F-150 Lightning to be more versatile, human-friendly, tech-focused, and presents more overall utility. Join us in this Borgman Head-To-Head as we compare the two trucks based on several key factors! more Vehicle Range and Overall Efficiency We're all fairly well acquainted with shopping for a gasoline vehicle, but what makes one electric vehicle the smarter pick over the other? In short, look at each vehicle's power-to-weight ratios. This will give you an idea about how the vehicle handles, accelerates, and how far it can travel before needing a recharge. The Chevrolet Silverado EV utilizes a massive 205 kWh battery pack to achieve its 493 miles of EPA-estimated range. So, on paper, it appears to be more powerful in terms of raw battery capacity and peak driving range, but that's not the whole story. The Chevy Silverado EV has an astonishing curb weight of up to nearly 9,000 pounds, making it one of the least efficient electric vehicles ever built. That huge battery also means it can take anywhere from 10 to 18 hours to fully charge at home. The Ford F-150 Lightning weighs roughly 2,500 pounds less than the Silverado EV, and it utilizes its stored energy far more efficiently. It requires fewer kilowatt-hours to travel the same distance, resulting in lower residential electric bills. Furthermore, while the Silverado boasts faster peak DC fast-charging speeds, Ford drivers enjoy a massive infrastructure advantage. The Lightning features seamless access to both the BlueOval Charge Network and Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network, ensuring you will spend less time hunting for a compatible high-speed plug. The Lightning also charges in 8 to 13 hours on a home charger. The Ford F-150 Lightning offers two highly-optimized battery configurations: Standard-Range Battery: Yields up to 230 miles of EPA-estimated range. Extended-Range Battery: Increases range up to a robust 320 miles. Exterior Features and Overall Practicality Ford intentionally built the F-150 Lightning to look and work like an F-150. It retains the signature high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy body and standard 5.5-foot bed. This means that the thousands of aftermarket caps, tonneau covers, toolboxes, and racks already designed for the gas-powered F-150 will bolt directly onto the Lightning without issue. The Lightning also features Ford's pull-out tailgate bed step, which wins because it's simpler and easier to operate on uneven jobsites when compared to Chevy's multi-piece tailgates. The Chevrolet Silverado EV was designed to look and feel distinct from the gas-powered Silverado, and while they've done some interesting things visually, it comes at the cost of usability. The most egregious are the sail panels behind the cab that limit side access to the truck bed. It's an example of a form-over-function misstep if you're looking for a vehicle that can do it all. Truck Cab Interior Fit & Finish The Ford F-150 Lightning prioritizes comfort, ergonomics, and premium textures. Upper trims treat drivers to genuine leather upholstery, real wood accents, and Max Recline Seats that fold nearly flat for power-napping on breaks. For professionals, the Lightning features a console gear selector that folds flat at the push of a button, deploying an Interior Work Surface. This creates a completely flat desk over the center console, perfect for signing documents, holding a 15-inch laptop, or eating lunch out of the elements. It carries forward the "mobile office" design philosophy Ford has become known for in their truck cabs. By contrast, the Chevy Silverado EV features a roomier cab but falls short in other areas. There's certainly room in there to work or eat lunch, but Ford's attention to the little details is absent from this close competitor. Multiple automotive reviewers have also noted that for a truck priced like a luxury vehicle, the cabin materials feel less-than-premium, featuring extensive hard plastics and gloss-black surfaces that readily attract dust and fingerprints. Infotainment & Tech Features Ford preserves driver choice with the intuitive SYNC 4 infotainment system. Featuring a massive touchscreen, complete with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can easily mirror your phone’s apps, ecosystem, and contacts the moment you start the truck. Chevrolet took a different approach and completely removed Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility from the Silverado EV. This forces drivers to rely solely on a Google-built-in system. Put simply, you will not be able to use your preferred smartphone interface or maps. Driver Assistance and Safety Features Both the Chevy Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning offer robust driver-assist packages, including lane-keeping systems, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the F-150 Lightning also includes Ford Co-Pilot360 and available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. What truly sets Ford apart is driver visibility. The Silverado EV has thick roof pillars, a high hood line, and distinct side mirrors that can warp or compromise blind-spot visibility. The F-150 Lightning retains the traditional F-Series scalloped front windows and large greenhouse design, giving the driver a commanding, uncompromised view of the road. Packages, Trims, and Payload Capacity The Silverado EV rollout has been somewhat delayed, and heavily favoring commercial fleet Work Trucks (WT) before making expensive retail models available to individual buyers. By contrast, Ford offers a highly structured, accessible trim offering that caters to every budget, whether for use in a commercial fleet or as a family vehicle: Pro: A rugged, no-nonsense commercial tool. XLT: The volume-selling sweet spot balancing tech and value. Flash: A tech-forward trim combining the extended-range battery with premium options. Lariat & Platinum: Premium luxury tiers packed with high-end comfort features. Critically, the Lightning's lighter chassis rewards owners with a much higher maximum payload capacity of up to 2,235 pounds. The incredibly heavy Silverado EV maxes out its payload capacity at a much lower 1,400 to 1,500 pounds, meaning the Ford can actually haul significantly more cargo in its bed. Features Exclusive to the Ford F-150 Lightning Here's where the Ford F-150 Lightning’s superior engineering is on clear display. Ford has created a vehicle that's much more than a tool for getting you and your stuff from point A to B - it can become a key piece of your lifestyle. Here are two features that best demonstrate what we mean: 1. The Mega Power Frunk (with a Built-In Cooler) While the Silverado EV features a standard front trunk, the Lightning’s Mega Power Frunk opens all the way down to the bumper grille level. This creates a low liftover height, so you don't have to hoist heavy items over a high truck nose. It boasts 400 liters of lockable space, four 120-volt power outlets, and dual USB ports. Best of all, the floor features a removable drain plug. You can dump multiple bags of loose ice straight into the frunk to create a massive, built-in party cooler for tailgating, camping, or fishing. When you're done, just pull the plug to let the melted ice drain safely onto the ground. Ford Mega Power Frunk Features: 400 Liters of Space 4x 120V Outlets + 2x USBs Low Grille-Level Liftover Removable Floor Drain Plug 2. Intelligent Backup Power (True Home Generator Mode) Both trucks feature exportable power outlets in the bed to run tools. However, the F-150 Lightning elevates this with Ford Intelligent Backup Power. When paired with the available Ford Charge Station Pro and a home integration kit, the Ford transitions into a fully automated home generator. If a severe storm knocks out your neighborhood grid, the F-150 Lightning will automatically sense the power loss and seamlessly reverse the flow of electricity to power your entire house. With an extended-range battery, the Lightning can keep an average home running for up to three days, or up to ten days if rationing power. Quick Recap: Comparison of Features Feature Ford F-150 Lightning Chevrolet Silverado EV Max Payload Up to 2,235 lbs Up to 1,400 lbs Curb Weight ~6,000–6,500 lbs ~8,500–9,000 lbs Smartphone Tech Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto None (Google Built-In Only) Frunk Design Low liftover, drain plug/cooler High liftover hood, no drain Home Integration Automated Home Backup Power Expensive, complex hardware bundle Aftermarket Fit Fits standard 5.5-ft bed gear Requires proprietary EV shapes Find Your Next Ford F-150 Lightning EV at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids, MI Want to see some of these features for yourself? The team at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is ready to help you find the perfect Ford F-150 Lightning for your needs and budget - whether that means a reliable adventure-ready machine that skips the gas station, or the high-tech workhorse of your company fleet. Borgman is also home to our famous Customer-First Perks, including our Price Match and Love-It Guarantees - meaning you always get the best deal and never get stuck with a vehicle you don't absolutely love. Search our huge selection of New Ford F-150 Lightning Trucks in Grand Rapids, then schedule your test drive online right from the vehicle listing. We've been serving West Michigan for over 65 years, and it'd be our pleasure to help you find your next vehicle.

Ready to tackle spring projects and explore all West Michigan has to offer? A pickup truck is the perfect vehicle for adventurers who need power and flexibility, whether it's hauling material for home improvement projects, towing your camper to the woods, or bringing the boat to your favorite lake. So, when choosing a new pickup truck, there are a lot of factors to consider. The 2026 Ford F-150 and the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado are likely your two primary contenders for the best value and capability. While both trucks offer impressive specs, a careful look into the details proves the Ford F-150 to be a more versatile, tech-focused, and powerful vehicle. Join us in this Borgman Head-To-Head as we roll up our sleeves and compare the two trucks based on a number of key factors! more Powertrains: Horsepower, Torque, and Efficiency The heart of any truck is the engine, and Ford continues to lead with options for every application. For 2026, Ford has tweaked the engine lineup to prioritize torque, or "how hard the engine can turn the wheels. This is critical for pulling trailers, climbing hills, or hauling a bed full of heavy cargo. The F-150’s standout engine is the 3.5L PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6. It delivers a massive 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, with an EPA-estimated 24-25 MPG combined. The Silverado’s most comparable engine (in terms of power and torque) is the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. While the diesel offers excellent fuel economy (roughly 26 MPG combined) and 495 lb-ft of torque, it lacks the raw horsepower (305 hp) of the Ford Hybrid. Diesel fuel is also becoming more expensive, which erodes its advantage over gasoline. As we look to more powerful options, Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8 remains a favorite for those who prefer traditional naturally aspirated power (meaning no turbocharger), offering 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. Chevy’s 6.2L V8 is a beast with 420 hp, but you have to bear in mind that it requires premium fuel to reach those numbers. Towing Capability and Innovation West Michiganders don't just drive trucks; they use them to pull trailers, campers, and heavy equipment. Having the right truck for the job isn't just a matter of fuel economy or responsiveness at the throttle; it's a matter of safety for you and other drivers, as well as the longevity of your vehicle. While the towing specs of the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado are pretty close, Ford maintains an edge. Here's the breakdown: Ford F-150: Up to 13,500 lbs. (when equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost and Max Trailer Tow Package). Chevrolet Silverado: Up to 13,300 lbs. (with the 6.2L V8 or Diesel). To further widen the gap in capability, the F-150 features Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows you to steer your trailer using a simple knob on the dashboard. Users rave about this feature, especially when backing a boat into a tight slip or guiding their trailer into their reserved camping space. Additionally, Ford’s Onboard Scales allow you to see the approximate weight of your payload in real-time via the center screen or the taillights. This ensures you never overload your truck while hauling landscaping stone or construction debris, a feature the Silverado currently lacks intuitively. Interior Comfort and the "Mobile Office" For blue-collar West Michiganders, the modern truck often functions as their secondary office. Ford understands this better than anyone, and their design philosophy reflects that in ways that aren't always obvious on your test drive. Cool, work-friendly features include an optional Interior Work Surface, a gear shifter that folds flat, and a center console that unfolds into a large, flat desk - perfect for a laptop or a quick lunch while out on a job. For "infotainment," both trucks feature massive 12-inch or larger touchscreens. However, Ford’s SYNC 4 system is widely regarded as more user-friendly, with seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Chevy’s Google Built-in system is powerful, but requires a data plan to get the most out of its features, which can be a nuisance in rural areas where cell signal can be spotty. When comparing Ford SuperCrew vs. Chevy Crew Cab: Ford F-150: Offers 43.6 inches of rear legroom. The floor is completely flat, making it easier to store tools or groceries inside the cab. Chevrolet Silverado: Offers 43.4 inches of rear legroom. While spacious, the floor isn't as ergonomically "clean" as the Ford. Bed Sizes and Payload Aside from raw power, the primary reason to choose a pickup is the bed. Both Ford and Chevy offer short, standard, and long bed options, but Ford’s high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body allows for a lighter frame and therefore a higher payload capacity. Ford F-150 Max Payload: Approximately 2,445 lbs. Chevrolet Silverado Max Payload: Approximately 2,260 lbs. For commercial and fleet purposes (including contractors, landscapers, farmers, and roofers), that extra 185 lbs of payload capacity means fewer trips to the supply yard and more efficiency on the job. What's more, the Ford F-150 offers Pro Power Onboard, turning your truck into a mobile generator. You can plug in power tools, heaters, or even a microwave oven directly into outlets in the bed - a feature that Chevy’s standard 120V outlet simply cannot match in terms of wattage and versatility. For clarity, Chevy offers a 400W outlet, while Ford offers up to 7.2kW. That's literally 18 times more power. Safety Ratings and West Michigan Winter Driving Safety is a key point of consideration when driving on icy Michigan roads, and both trucks come standard with suites of driver-assist technologies, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. However, Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology is more expansive than Chevy’s Super Cruise in terms of the types of roads it covers. For those frequently commuting on I-96 or I-196, BlueCruise offers a level of fatigue reduction that is unmatched. In terms of crash tests, the F-150 historically earns top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA. While the Chevy Silverado is by no means unsafe, the F-150’s aluminum body is engineered specifically to manage energy in a collision while maintaining a lighter curb weight for better handling on slippery surfaces. Why the Ford F-150 Wins for West Michigan While the Chevrolet Silverado is a respectable machine, the 2026 Ford F-150 is the superior tool for the West Michigan lifestyle. Versatility: The Pro Power Onboard and Interior Work Surface make it the ultimate commercial partner. Winter Readiness: The PowerBoost Hybrid offers the torque needed for snow and the efficiency needed for long Michigan winters. Towing Tech: Pro Trailer Backup Assist makes summer weekends at the lake stress-free. Fuel Efficiency: Better hybrid options mean less money spent at the pump and more money kept in your pocket. Whether you are heading to a job site in downtown Grand Rapids or taking the family up north for the weekend, the 2026 Ford F-150 provides the comfort, safety, and raw power required to conquer everything West Michigan throws your way. Find Your Next Ford F-150 at Borgman Ford The team at Borgman Ford in Grand Rapids is ready to help you find the perfect Ford F-150 for your needs and budget - whether that means a reliable adventure-ready machine or the workhorse of your company fleet. Borgman is also home to our famous Customer-First Perks, including our Price Match and Love-It Guarantees - meaning you always get the best deal and never get stuck with a vehicle you don't absolutely love. Search our huge selection of New Ford F-150 Trucks in Grand Rapids, then schedule your test drive online right from the vehicle listing. We've been serving West Michigan for over 65 years, and it'd be our pleasure to help you find your next vehicle.