Ford Reboots Heavy Hitters for 2017

Pickup trucks are hot sellers these days as buyers are again snapping up in earnest the most purposeful rides on the road. Following the successful redesign of its standard-duty full-size F-150, Ford gives its Super Duty line a major makeover for 2017 that includes both a burly new look and extensive use of military-grade aluminum that helps help cut the truck’s weight by about 350 pounds, which Ford says it’s reinvested in higher-quality components throughout the truck. What’s more, its aluminum-alloy body panels are more resistant to dents and parking-lot dings than the previous version’s conventional steel exterior. At that, Ford’s heavy-duty truck line still rides on a 95-percent-steel ladder-style frame that’s claimed to be 24 percent stiffer than before and helps enable superhuman towing and hauling abilities when properly equipped. Check out the numbers: The 2017 Super Duty boats a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 32,500 pounds, fifth-wheel towing capacity is at 27,500 pounds and its conventional towing limit is 21,000 pounds; the line’s maximum payload is now rated at 7,630 pounds. Maximum gross combined weight rating for truck and trailer now tops out at 41,800 pounds. “This is the best heavy-duty truck we’ve ever made,” says Doug Scott, Ford truck marketing manager. “We listened to our customers and created the toughest, smartest and most capable Super Duty ever.” Those impressive hauling numbers wouldn’t be possible without sufficient engine-power, and the 2017 Super Duty line affords plenty of it in both gasoline and diesel-powered versions. The standard 6.2-liter gasoline V8 is rated at 385-horsepower with 430 lb.-ft. of torque, which assures strong off-the-line launches and highway passing abilities. Meanwhile a second-generation version of Ford’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesel generates a mighty 440 horsepower with a stump-pulling 925 lb.-ft. of torque. A six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission specially engineered for heavy-duty towing and hauling is standard across the line. For added security, the 2017 Super Duty offers adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support for heavy trailers, which allows truckers to traverse steep mountain grades while maintaining speed - even while it’s pulling a trailer of up to 32,500 pounds. Also for added safety, the optional blind spot monitoring system is specially enhanced to account for the length of a trailer in tow up to 33 feet long, warning the driver of other vehicles he or she might not otherwise be able to locate in a side mirror. As before, the Super Duty trucks are spacious enough to accommodate five adult riders wearing cowboy hats. They can be fitted with an extensive array of comfort and convenience features that make this a uniquely powerful and passenger-friendly luxury-grade pickup. At that, the truck’s standard carpeting can be replaced with durable vinyl flooring for easy cleaning. Among its newly available features, the 2017 Super Duty can pack as many as seven video cameras for easier and safer parking and towing/hauling. For starters, four cameras combine to give the driver a 360-degree bird’s eye view around the vehicle to make tight maneuvers less onerous, a high-mounted camera is aimed at the cargo box, which is said to be especially helpful for those hooking up gooseneck and fifth-wheel trailers, while a reverse guidance camera affords visual cues and tips to help make backing up a trailer easier. Another camera can be custom-placed by the owner for added visibility while backing up the truck. And speaking of additional capacities and capabilities, the redesigned 2017 Ford Super Duty pickups, a new “four barrel” cup holder design on the center console storage bin features a sliding upper panel that extends the beverage holding capacity from two to four cans or cups as needed. When deployed, this makes for no less than 10 cup-holders - that’s two per passenger - spread around the truck’s spacious cabin.