From towing colossal loads across the job site to tackling challenging tasks at home, few trucks can provide you with the power you need to accomplish incredible feats. Ford Super Duty models are some of these trucks; however, if you require power and want to save money, you’re better off shopping in the pre-owned market. Not only will you get to take advantage of monumental capabilities and helpful features, but you’ll also get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket.
When shopping for a used Super Duty, you’ll want to head to a used Ford dealer and explore their vast array of options but remember—you have many decisions to make regarding your truck. Let’s get down to the bottom of the Super Duty lineup so that you can make the right decision when it comes to powering forward with expert precision.
A Look at Super Duty Models
The Ford Super Duty lineup consists of the F-250, F-350, and F-450, each exhibiting its own unique take when it comes to tough tasks. Moving up the model lineup, you’ll find even more power coursing through their engines. Let’s take 2022 models, for example, as the F-250 can tow up to 22,800 lbs with a maximum payload capacity of 4,260 lbs. This makes the first option in the Super Duty arsenal extremely capable of accomplishing hard work on the construction site and beyond. If you need more power and a larger stance, opting for the F-350 may be your best bet. This durable truck can tow up to 35,750 lbs with a maximum payload capacity of 7,850 lbs for 2022 models, making this option more powerful and capable than its smaller sibling.
There may be times when top-level power is required, and neither the F-250 nor the F-350 can take on such tasks; that’s where the tough-as-nails F-450 comes in to save the day. Models from 2022 showcase an astounding 37,000-lb towing capacity, making it easy to handle some of the largest loads you can conjure up on the job site. This truck is for those who demand extraordinary power, and with its large, durable build, there’s no other option in the Super Duty lineup that can stand up to some of the biggest challenges you’ll ever face than the F-450.
Powertrain Options
Once you figure out exactly what kind of power you need, it’s time to pick your engine, and in true Ford fashion, you have quite a selection in its Super Duty lineup. Newer Super Duty trucks will feature a number of powerful V8s and a skilled diesel option to help you harness the capabilities you’re looking for in your ultimate workmate. The F-250 and F-350 offer the same powertrain lineup, which starts with the 6.2L V8, which provides excellent torque and power, complete with a specialized air intake to harness peak performance.
A step up from this base powertrain in the F-250 and F-350 is the more capable 7.3L V8, which is meant to come to the rescue when the tasks become more daunting. This energetic and powerful engine is built to haul cumbersome loads, with a durable cast-iron block, a forged-steel crankshaft, and tougher elements to ensure maximum strength to take on any challenge.
Finally, if your tasks warrant top-end power, no engine is as impressive as the 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8, which is the only engine available for the F-450 and is one of the available engines in its smaller siblings. Diesel engines are some of the best workhorses around, and the Power Stroke is one of the most famous powertrains in the industry. With optimized combustion, an ultra-tough block, and durable cylinder heads, plus a sophisticated turbocharger to enhance throttle response, this diesel was made to perform.
Trim Levels
You may not think as much about your overall cabin experience in a heavy-duty truck as you do about capabilities, but the Super Duty lineup comes in a variety of trims to appeal to any driver and budget. You can get more for less when you buy used, so if a top-level trim or high-end features are on your mind, buying used will allow you to take advantage of these for a much more reasonable price.
At the top end of the spectrum is the Limited, which features plenty of luxury-grade materials inside its carefully crafted cabin. From an available twin-panel power moonroof to multi-contour seats and brushed aluminum accents, especially in more recent models, if you’re searching for elegance, you’ll find it on board the Limited trim, which is featured across the Super Duty lineup.
What’s most appealing about Ford’s Super Duty trucks is the fact that there are so many trims to appease so many drivers. You have mid-level options, like the LARIAT, which provides you with leather seating, a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, and other cozy elements in newer models. You also have simple work trucks designed to get the job done comfortably. No matter your budget, rest assured that there’s a Super Duty trim that fits into it easily.
Helpful Features
It’s not just supreme power that the Super Duty trucks prioritize; they are also armed with outstanding features designed to make any task easier. If you choose a more recent model, you’ll get to take advantage of some of the best trailering equipment on the market because, let’s face it, you might need a little help while you’re hauling heavy machinery between job sites. Models from 2022, for example, can be equipped with class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which allows you to control the direction of your trailer with the twist of a knob on your dash.
Super Duty trucks are also built with strength radiating from their core, with high-strength aluminum-alloy bodies, which are more lightweight and capable of offering better performance. They’re also more resistant to the elements, including rust, which allows them to stand up against the test of time. Among the other helpful aspects of these trucks, newer used models will also be loaded with excellent safety features, courtesy of the standard Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite, to help make any journey safer and more controlled, even when towing a large trailer across the country.
Which Model Year Should You Choose?
Choosing more recently used models is always recommended if you want to harness maximum power and some of the industry’s most advanced features. Even a used Super Duty that’s only a year or two old will be more affordable than buying a new one, and it will offer plenty of state-of-the-art features to make your work tasks and beyond even easier. The best part about the Super Duty lineup is that it’s been around for so long. This means that even if you find an older model, you won’t have to worry about durability, strength, or dependability, which makes the Ford name one of the best in the industry when you’re interested in heavy-duty performance.
A Perfect Combination of Strength and Affordability
When it comes to a Super Duty truck, it’s advised to buy a used one so that you can get exactly what you want out of your truck for a price that works with your budget. From size to powertrain, trim level to features, the Super Duty lineup allows you to customize your truck to suit your needs, which is exactly what makes the Ford brand so highly revered in the industry. It’s always recommended to do some research first, determine your unique needs, and then design the Super Duty model that works best for you. Ultimately, it’s all about your requirements behind the wheel, and rest assured, when you’re driving a Super Duty, all these needs will be met without question.
