2006 Ford F-350 King Ranch Crew Cab 4WDFord's King Ranch is truly a unique pickup. With a weight of 8,160 pounds it's 800 pounds heavier than the Dodge, and it feels like it. The Ford, more so than the other two trucks we evaluated, traces its heritage straight back to the workingman's idea of what a dualie should be. The King Ranch is the heaviest of the three trucks. It has the highest towing capacity thanks to its lower axle ratio. It's clear that the Ford is built to get the job done.
Or is it? The King Ranch exhibits a clear style that our company staffers and passersby either loved or hated. This ostentatious package offers soft brown leather seats that match the leather wraps on the steering wheel and grab handles, and large King Ranch badging inside and out with the Running W brand and founding date of its namesake ranch, which has been in operation in Kingsville, Texas, since 1853. This trim level looks like it's better suited for the ranch owner than the ranch hand.
Several testers remarked that the cool-looking interior pieces weren't exactly perfectly matched. The relationship between the seats, armrests, and center console is not ideal for comfort. The seats, in fact, were rated by our testers as the least comfortable. So, despite the fact that the leather wows everyone, the lack of bolster support and relatively un-cushy bottoms wore on everyone who drove the truck long distances. The rumble of the diesel engine sounds noticeably louder inside the Ford than in the other two trucks, and that might contribute to the feeling that long trips leave the driver a little more tired than in the other vehicles.
Truck values permeate this pickup despite the flair that's been added. The diamond-plate side steps combine with a two-tone paintjob and a rather square or boxy styling to create a truck confident in its identity. This truck is more massive in every respect, and it doesn't let the trailer overwhelm it. When towing with the Ford, it feels solid and inspires confidence. (Much of this confidence is due to the factory-equipped brake controller the others lack.) It may not be the fastest in the quarter-mile (loaded or unloaded), but you have a sense that it will get you there time and time again. We liked the way the Ford's transmission shifted quickly and firmly.
Unloaded, the suspension on the Ford gave the most feedback, particularly the rear. Wheel hop on bumpy freeways was pronounced and even interfered with tuning the radio or dialing a cell phone while the truck was rolling down the road. One tester made note of the fact that after returning from the market he found the produce had bounced all over the inside of the cab. Of course, all of these 1-ton dualies suffer from the same condition because they are tuned more for serious work than for running to the grocery store.
If you want to live in Texas, or look like you do, and need a truck that's bold-looking and hardworking, then consider tying this truck to your hitching post.