Ford’s brilliant tech allows the 2017 Super Duty to tow 32,500 pounds

By Andrew Hard July 20, 2016

2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab 4x4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Ford F-150 has always been a dependable work truck, but if you need to haul something truly massive, you’re better off with the Super Duty. As its name suggests, the Super Duty range is bigger, tougher, and more capable than the entry-level F-Series. In true American fashion, however, the roster has just gotten a whole lot … superer?

Read more: We’ll drink to that! Ford and Jose Cuervo want to turn agave plants into car parts

Ford has officially revealed specs for the 2017 model year Super Duty, and the lineup’s towing and hauling capabilities have been significantly ramped up. For example, the F-450 now features a maximum gooseneck towing capacity of 32,500 pounds, and its fifth-wheel and conventional towing ratings have been boosted to 27,500 lbs. and 21,000 lbs. respectively. In addition, the truck boasts a maximum payload weight of 7,630 lbs., which makes the Super Duty the undisputed hauling king.

2017 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab 4x4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Just how did Ford accomplish this? There are a variety of factors at play, but let’s start with the simple stuff — the body and frame. Just like the F-150, the Super Duty lineup wears a military-grade aluminum alloy body that cuts weight by up to 350 lbs. This allowed the brand to bolster the fully-boxed frame, which features 95 percent high-strength steel and is 24 times stiffer than its predecessor.

The engines have been significantly beefed up as well. The 6.7-liter V8 that comes standard on all Super Duty diesel trucks now makes 440 horsepower and an outstanding 925 pound-feet of torque, which may well be enough power to move a house. The 6.8-liter gasoline V8 also offers 385 hp and a best-in-class torque rating of 430 lb-ft.

2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab 4x4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

It’s the Super Duty’s tech, however, that really brings it all together. The truck equips adaptive cruise control for effortless freeway towing, and its collision-warning system is optimized for big payloads with trailer-brake advisories. It also offers a variety of camera systems that provide views into the cargo box, behind the trailer, and all around the vehicle with 360-degree support.

Pricing info for the 2017 Super Duty range will be published near the truck’s on-sale date toward the end of the year.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.