2017 Ford F-450 Super Duty

The F-450 range offers a vast range of towing options as well as luxury and safety features, it has been fully redesigned for 2017.

While other models in the range are available in Regular and SuperCab styles, the F-450 is only sold in the largest Crew Cab version. This means a four-door cab and seating for up to 6 occupants.

Base models are pretty sparsely equipped and feature no-nonsense vinyl seat and floor coverings, moving up to the higher trim levels adds leather seats and other luxury and convenience features. The build quality is good for this class of vehicle and there is plenty of interior space for all occupants.

The load box too is the largest on offer in the Ford F range and if you need more towing and cargo carrying capacity than this then you may need to employ the services of an actual trucker.

The ability to carry and tow huge loads means that the F-450 requires a truck-based chassis and its ride quality suffers as a result.

Maneuvering around tight areas also requires some concentration as the extended wheelbase and extremely wide track mean that parallel parking is something you do in your other car.

The turning circle is good however and when fully laden the F-450 is stable and it cruises with authority on the open road.

The F-450 is fitted with a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine that pushes out an impressive 440 horsepower and a very impressive 925 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive is standard and thanks to the immense loads it can haul, only the dual-rear wheel option is available. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard.

Sprint times are not what this sort of vehicle is about although unladen this hefty truck will haul itself to 60 mph in 8-seconds, quick enough for most we suspect. The tow ratings are what F-450 shoppers really want to know about and here the big truck can tow up to 21,000 pounds, equipped with a 5th wheel it can haul up to 27,500 pounds, even more with a gooseneck trailer.

While it may conceivably be used as regular transport too, the hefty fuel consumption may deter many from employing it on the school run.

The F-450 is available in five trim levels and all feature a CrewCab body, 8-inch load bed, four-wheel drive and dual rear wheels.

The base XL starts things off with 19.5-inch commercial grade wheels, front and rear tow hooks, trailer hitch receiver, cab steps, LED roof clearance lights, air-conditioning, vinyl covered floors and seats and a 6-speaker audio system.

Safety devices include roll stability control, trailer sway control with integrated trailer brake controller and front and side airbags.

The XLT adds power exterior mirrors with heating, keyless entry, rearview camera, cruise control, luxury cloth seats, upgraded floor carpets, CD player, satellite radio, 4.2-inch LCD screen and steering-wheel controls. A number of detail exterior and interior changes as well as

The Lariat Trim adds a SYNC 3 infotainment system with a n 8-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals and a number of other luxury improvements.

King Ranch Trim also includes a unique exterior grille, keyless entry and starting, leather interior with heating and ventilation on the front seats and navigation.

Platinum Trim adds its own design features as well as LED lighting, adaptive steering, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross traffic alert, massaging front seats and a remote tailgate.

A number of the top trim specifications can be had on lower trim levels through the addition of available packages, heavy-duty towing accessories such as a 5th wheel prep pack, snow-plow pack and heavy service suspension and alternators are also on offer.

Shoppers looking to haul some serious tonnage need look no further than the range-topping Ford F-450 Super Duty truck, it offers superb towing capacity and a lot of flexibility to cater for a variety of different work requirements.

Top trim levels add a number of luxury and safety items which may appeal to buyers who intend to use their trucks for more than just work-related tasks, the massive size and high fuel consumption may limit them to out of town trips though.