Ford Super Duty F-Series: 475hp, 1,050lb ft
Latest Power Stroke diesels can tow tons and, presumably, haul ass - here are the details
We've already seen details of the gargantuan 7.3-litre petrol V8 that Ford will sell beneath the bonnet of its latest line of Heavy Duty pick-ups. With 430hp at 5,500rpm and 475lb ft at 4,000rpm, it's a mightily impressive unit, but when it comes to pushing, pulling, hauling and lifting, it's got nothing on its oil-burning brother.
Because while the 6.7-litre Power Stroke diesel may be smaller, it's mightier too, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 37,000lbs. That's over 16.5 tons! Such a payload is only possible when towed gooseneck-style, though, the max weight dropping to 24,200lbs (11,000kg) when hitched up to a conventional towbar.
The strength to lug such tremendous weight comes thanks to its 1,050lb ft of torque and 475hp output. The need for which was explained by Ford Super Duty chief engineer Mike Pruitt who said: "Ford truck customers are building a better world with Super Duty and we're helping them work even harder with the most available diesel towing, payload, torque and power you can get in a heavy-duty pickup." Words backed up by the F-Series' claim to hold the highest market share in demanding industries such as mining (62 per cent), emergency vehicles (50 per cent), and construction (47 per cent).
To that end the range has undergone 19 million miles of accumulated testing, with everything from the high-strength steel frame and military-grade aluminium body to the mounting points being "torture tested" to within an inch of their lives. And to make sure that driving such a big, powerful machine isn't tortuous to its owner, Ford has paired it with a 10-speed heavy-duty automatic gearbox as well as tech including Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance and Lane Assist.
So there you have it, if you have something heavy to move, rescue or tow then the F-Series is the truck for you. Both the 7.3-litre petrol and 6.7-litre diesel - as well as the standard 6.2-litre petrol - engines will be available in Ford's F-550, F-600, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty models at US dealers from the end of the year. Best start looking for a way to get one over here!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HNIiheajms
Anyway, this new Tremor package is essentially an off-road option for both F250 and F350 with either petrol or diesel. It includes unique off-road suspension, 35-inch Goodyear Duratrac tyres, front limited slip differential and a rear selectable diff lock, off-road crawl control, off-road running board, underbody skid plates...
The best part is by having this off-road package, the maximum towing with a gooseneck is still quite high at 21,900 lbs which is far better than the competitors can offer.
I must say: Sometimes a PH article like this brings out loads of informed folks and fans in Blighty. Other times, the very same sort of article receives a sort of Gruniad blast of eco-warrior barbs and overly-ripe tomatoes.
With each new article, one is never sure which of the two responses it'll be, actually.
A corollary to this is: The internet is redrawing the world's geography. On any given topic -- be this heavy-duty work trucks or Victorian methods of afternoon tea -- we find "nations" of interest that are formed of folks who can be geographically located almost anywhere on the planet.
On the one hand, I personally am very enthusiastic to see familiar things through the eyes of people who live in less familiar locations. On the other, I've felt at times that something has died when I began to hear English friends use terms such as "awesome" and "you guys." A bridge too far, I'm afraid. (sigh)
I must say: Sometimes a PH article like this brings out loads of informed folks and fans in Blighty. Other times, the very same sort of article receives a sort of Gruniad blast of eco-warrior barbs and overly-ripe tomatoes.
With each new article, one is never sure which of the two responses it'll be, actually.
A corollary to this is: The internet is redrawing the world's geography. On any given topic -- be this heavy-duty work trucks or Victorian methods of afternoon tea -- we find "nations" of interest that are formed of folks who can be geographically located almost anywhere on the planet.
Chin up old chap. I hope that’s corrected the balance for you.
On the one hand, I personally am very enthusiastic to see familiar things through the eyes of people who live in less familiar locations. On the other, I've felt at times that something has died when I began to hear English friends use terms such as "awesome" and "you guys." A bridge too far, I'm afraid. (sigh)
I know that outside of EU-land people use electric braking systems for trailers but I do wonder how having a 20-tonne trailer behind a 5-tonne pickup works in reality. I appreciate that a tractor unit is about ¼ the weight of a trailer over here too but... what am I asking? Do they jack knife? Can they stop/brake well? Are they a handful?
Do you need the US equivalent of an HGV to drive them, either with or without the trailer?
Fabulous bits of kit. I'd probably be in the market for one and a monster Airstream If I lived over there.
I know that outside of EU-land people use electric braking systems for trailers but I do wonder how having a 20-tonne trailer behind a 5-tonne pickup works in reality. I appreciate that a tractor unit is about ¼ the weight of a trailer over here too but... what am I asking? Do they jack knife? Can they stop/brake well? Are they a handful?
Do you need the US equivalent of an HGV to drive them, either with or without the trailer?
Fabulous bits of kit. I'd probably be in the market for one and a monster Airstream If I lived over there.
Yes they have electric brakes ,yes they work well you have a controller in the cab or on the later trucks its built in and works
with the trucks brake system you can adjust the affect and operate them with a slide switch if things go a bit western !! and they have a little motorbike battery with a clothes peg switch on the trailer incase the hitch uncouples ,, yes
they tow lovely and are very manuverable and stable My friend over in TN runs her F350 with a 3 horse gooseneck Living quarters trailer about 4.5 tons sits at 65 ish mph effortlessly on the main roads you don't really know its back there ...
Plenty of the big fifth wheel american RV's about in the UK think you need to fit a mecanical hand brake and a mechanical breakaway system and UK lights to make them UK legal ..
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