2005 Ford F-250 Super Duty - Heavy-Duty Heat - Road Test

Considering 90 percent of Ford's Super Duty customers tow, the company emphasized its '05 lineup's towing capacity during our visit. The TowCommand system is available on all Super Duty models. One of the more impressive features of the TowCommand system is the optional factory-installed trailer brake controller. Unlike aftermarket systems, the factory unit integrates flawlessly into both the aesthetics of the truck's interior, as well as the vehicle's braking system. Modulating the pressure on the truck's brake pedal also modulates the trailer brakes, unlike aftermarket systems that simply turn on to a preset braking force. This gives you almost as much control over the truck and trailer combo as if the trailer came from the factory and keeps a fully loaded trailer from crawling up your back as you quick-brake into a parking space. We tested this feature on the APG oval, where we made high-speed and low-speed stops with both the factory and an aftermarket unit. Even though some of the journalists were accustomed to overcoming the aftermarket unit's characteristic herky-jerky performance - to the chagrin of the Ford engineers, they stopped their rigs on target - they still felt that Ford's trailer brake system is a must-have, and we agree. Other features related to the TowCommand system include the TorqShift tranny with tow-haul mode (already mentioned), telescoping towing mirrors, and massive brakes.

The maximum payload for the Super Duty is 5,800 pounds, which is 300 pounds over the previous generation. The rear gross axle weight for the F-350 dualie has been increased from 8,250 pounds to 9,000. The max combined weight rating for the F-350 dualie is a whopping 23,000 pounds. To carry this load there is a stronger frame that is boxed and thickened in key areas, as well as a new rear crossmember and hitch.

Ford's F-250, -350, -450, and -550 trucks come in pickup and chassis cab versions. They are available in two- or four-wheel drive for all models and offer a choice of cab styles and bed lengths, various axle ratios, dualies, a choice of three engines and two transmissions, and three trim levels (XL, XLT, and Lariat), as well as the King Ranch and Harley-Davidson Super Duty. For the commercial market, Ford endowed the Super Duty with increased gross vehicle weight ratings, electronic throttle control with adjustable fast idle on both the V-10 gas and V-8 diesel engines, and, interestingly enough, a snowplow prep package for two-wheel-drive F-450 and -550 trucks. Also, the company is pushing its 5.4L three-valve Triton V-8 for the fleet operator, citing its balance between performance and economy. Remarkably, Ford says that prices for 70 percent of its Super Duty lineup will remain at current levels, while the remainder will go up only 1 percent. That's competitive pricing for a platform that means business.