The F Series pickup truck is a vital part of Ford's success over the past forty plus years, with it being the best selling vehicle in Canada decade after decade. The Super Duty line is the go to work horse for many business and individuals that truly need the extra payload and towing capacity the Super Duty line provides. Over two days, through some of the most scenic parts of Arizona, I had the opportunity to drive the all new 2011 versions which feature two new engines, a slick new 6-speed automatic transmission, innovative interior electronics and revised exterior. By being able to tow trailers over mountain passes, pull heavy machinery and drive off-road, really brought home just how capable and rugged a heavy-duty pickup needs to be to fulfill the needs of its buyers. Not only does a modern truck have to be rugged but also has to be efficient and with that in mind the new drive trains offer up to an 18 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency.
The Skin
Having a chance to chat with the engineers of the Super Duty gave me an understanding of just how many configurations are possible when ordering a Super Duty truck. From engine choices to cab and bed designs along with the vast array of options, the number of variables literally runs into the hundreds of thousands. Roughly 50 per cent of the external panels are all new plus the existing chassis has been modified to enable new features like a factory installed fifth wheel or gooseneck substructure built into the frame. These sorts of innovations are important to truck owners because Ford claims that over 90 per cent of Super Duty owner's tow. The new F-450 has class-leading combined weight rating of 15,000 kilograms (33,000 lbs). To illustrate this I had a chance to tow a trailer carrying a Dodge Ram truck and massive bolder which was a breeze for the Super Duty, both up hill and down.
Gary 3:51 PM on August 27, 2012 Hi there, I wanna buy a gas pickup truck to tow a RV. Can you please advice me which pick up has best towing in 1/2 ton and which has best towing in 3/4 ton and their fuel consumption ?
Thanks, Gary
Motormouth.ca says: 7:48 PM on August 27, 2012 The best fuel consumption for towing will be a diesel engine but this means you have to spend more to buy a heavy duty 3/4 ton truck. As for gasoline, they will all be heavy on fuel when under load.
greg 9:30 AM on February 24, 2012 I've been meaning to email for a while but finally remembered. I listen to your show in Calgary on QR77.
I've got a family of 6 and we need a vehicle that can seat 7 (or 8) and has the towing cpacity of 10K lbs to pull our travel trailer.
I currently have a 2005 GMC Suburban 2WD C2500 purchased from Texas, with the tow package and larger rad / cooling capacity.
I know GMC had the same model available in 2006, but discontinued that towing capacity in 2007.
The current GMC is is excellent condition, but within 2 years I would like to replace it with something else. I've checked out everything I can think of but nothing really comes close to my req'd towing capacity. I live in Calgary and have driven and will continue to pull our trailer through the mountains into BC, and also south into Montana / Idaho / Washington / Oregon.
My intent it to buy a two year old vehicle and keep it for 6 yrs. I realize my options are quite narrow, but I would appreciate and assistance you could provide. FYI: I realize a different travel trailer may be one of my options as well....unfortunately with four boys I need the space and sleeping capacity of the larger trailer.
I would appreciate any guidance you could provide.
Greg
Motormouth.ca says: 8:55 AM on February 27, 2012 The best thing is to check all the variations of full-sized SUV's from Ford and GM, including the GMC, Chevy, Cadillac, Navigator, Excursion etc. Each model might have a slightly different package that needed to be checked when purchased new. If any of these do not have the towing capacity, then you will need to get a Heavy Duty four-door pickup truck...
paul maillet 11:57 AM on February 5, 2012 were can i find information on trucks(1/2 tons) gas millage when pulling trailers such as travel trailers (5000lb)
Motormouth.ca says: 11:36 PM on February 6, 2012 The best thing to do is search for pickup truck web forums ( chat rooms) and find out what other owners are getting with similar trailers.
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