just what is the "moonroof" on an F-150?

[dochawk]

I had always thought that the difference between moonroof and sunroof was that the sunroof opened to the air, while the moonroof just let light in.

But now I've found Maverick owners talking about opening the moonroof to the air.

So just what is a moonroof on an F-150?

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[LN7]

I had always thought that the difference between moonroof and sunroof was that the sunroof opened to the air, while the moonroof just let light in.

But now I've found Maverick owners talking about opening the moonroof to the air.

So just what is a moonroof on an F-150?

ChatGPT weighs in.... I've always referred to them all as sunroof, but what do I know?



The terms "moonroof" and "sunroof" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in the automotive industry, particularly in how they are designed and marketed:

1. Sunroof: Traditionally, a sunroof referred to a solid panel that could be either tilted open or removed completely to allow sunlight and fresh air into the vehicle. It was typically made of metal and matched the car's body. In earlier designs, sunroofs did not have glass panels.
2. Moonroof: The term moonroof became popular in the 1970s when glass panels were introduced. Unlike traditional sunroofs, a moonroof is a glass panel that allows light into the cabin even when closed. It usually includes a sliding shade that can be opened or closed to control the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle. When the glass panel is closed, you can still see through it, hence the "moon" reference, implying it can be used both day and night.

In modern vehicles, like the Ford F-150, the feature commonly referred to as a "moonroof" is a glass, tilt-and-slide panel, which aligns with the moonroof definition since it allows for both ventilation and transparency when closed.
So, while both sunroofs and moonroofs allow light and air into the vehicle, the moonroof typically refers to the glass design that can be enjoyed even when it's closed—hence the name "moonroof," indicating you can still look up at the moon at night through the glass panel.

 

[Rinn69]

A moon roof or sunroof are just more opportunities for water leaks to occur or for that 1 in a bazillion flying object (rock, golf ball, tree branch, etc,) to break it. Other than that, they serve no purpose. (IMO )

 

[Aonarch]

Moonroof is traditionally glass, tilts, slides back.

Sunroof is metal. My '85 325i has a sunroof. It is metal and body colored, but still tilts and opens back.

Anything removable would be a targa top.

So Ford is correct using the term "Moonroof."

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Big heavy clear thing that eats your payload capacity.

 

[LN7]

All of the above!

 

[HammaMan]

In an F150, a glass roof that moves. There were 2 versions, 1 single pane and another that's 2 panes but only 1 moves.

 

[Dakar09]

Moonroof is traditionally glass, tilts, slides back.

Sunroof is metal. My '85 325i has a sunroof. It is metal and body colored, but still tilts and opens back.

Anything removable would be a targa top.

So Ford is correct using the term "Moonroof."

Disagree on the "targa' thing. Sunroofs back in the day could be removed. Pop them up and remove them for storage. Targa is usually the full width of the roof between the windshield and B or C pillars. And then there are T-Tops

 

[Azstroke]

It's an option that gives Ford another $1,500.00 of your money.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

ChatGPT weighs in.... I've always referred to them all as sunroof, but what do I know?



The terms "moonroof" and "sunroof" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in the automotive industry, particularly in how they are designed and marketed:

1. Sunroof: Traditionally, a sunroof referred to a solid panel that could be either tilted open or removed completely to allow sunlight and fresh air into the vehicle. It was typically made of metal and matched the car's body. In earlier designs, sunroofs did not have glass panels.
2. Moonroof: The term moonroof became popular in the 1970s when glass panels were introduced. Unlike traditional sunroofs, a moonroof is a glass panel that allows light into the cabin even when closed. It usually includes a sliding shade that can be opened or closed to control the amount of sunlight entering the vehicle. When the glass panel is closed, you can still see through it, hence the "moon" reference, implying it can be used both day and night.

In modern vehicles, like the Ford F-150, the feature commonly referred to as a "moonroof" is a glass, tilt-and-slide panel, which aligns with the moonroof definition since it allows for both ventilation and transparency when closed.
So, while both sunroofs and moonroofs allow light and air into the vehicle, the moonroof typically refers to the glass design that can be enjoyed even when it's closed—hence the name "moonroof," indicating you can still look up at the moon at night through the glass panel.

Grok takes a swing:

• Sunroof: Think of it as your F-150's basic rooftop hatch. It's often opaque or tinted, like the truck is wearing sunglasses. It slides open for air or light but isn't about to win any beauty contests.
• Moonroof: This is where your F-150 gets fancy. It's usually clear, offering an unfiltered view of the sky, like it's aiming to become a convertible for astronauts. Mechanically, it might slide, tilt, or even offer a panoramic view. It's the truck's way of saying, "I've got class, and I'm not afraid to show it off."

 

[dochawk]

and another that's 2 panes but only 1 moves.

So which one moves on the current crewcuts? the front?

and does it just give a gap, or does it slide completely out of the way?

 

[Antimatter22]

So which one moves on the current crewcuts? the front?

and does it just give a gap, or does it slide completely out of the way?

The front half above the driver and passenger. You can either tilt it up like a vent, or it slides back under the non moving panel. When it slides back it's the entire length of the panel, so there's probably an 18-24" opening. Whatever the dimensions are.

Also to note unlike some EVs, the moon roof in the F150 has a powered sunshade that can cover the entire moon roof. It can be completely shaded, back half shaded, or full open. You can manually adjust how open it is but the close, 1/2 open, full open are kind of like presets. I like that it has a power shade since I normally drive with the shade all the way open but will usually shade the back half when my toddler is with me.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

The front half above the driver and passenger. You can either tilt it up like a vent, or it slides back under the non moving panel. When it slides back it's the entire length of the panel, so there's probably an 18-24" opening. Whatever the dimensions are.

Also to note unlike some EVs, the moon roof in the F150 has a powered sunshade that can cover the entire moon roof. It can be completely shaded, back half shaded, or full open. You can manually adjust how open it is but the close, 1/2 open, full open are kind of like presets. I like that it has a power shade since I normally drive with the shade all the way open but will usually shade the back half when my toddler is with me.

Just wish you could double tap to have it go all the way open or double tap all the way closed.

 

[dochawk]

while we're wishing, how about the whole roof and back window going down? Then I wouldn't need a '72 convertible . . .


Oh, and the Model TT (the truck version) could ship from the factory as a convertible/roadster. I think the AA did, too, but I'm not certain.

 

[FirstTimeFord]

On the topic, I will say this. My 23 platinum (totaled) had the moonroof. When it rained, it was so loud, hard to hear other people in the car. Always thought it was because of aluminum body. Have 24 XLT PB rental right now, no moonroof. Night and day difference. Much quieter during the rain for sure!

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