We received a lot of questions about the upcoming 2017 Ford Super Duty. Here are the answers we got from Ford at the Super Duty launch event.
Q: What was done to increase the power on the 2017 Ford Super Duty, specifically the turbo-diesel V8?
A: The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 is rated at 440 horsepower and 925 lb-ft of torque. This represents a 65 lb-ft increase over the outgoing engine. Most of the hardware on the 2017 engine remains intact from the engine that was introduced in the 2015 Super Duty. Ford did some work on the fuel delivery and EGR systems. However, most of the power increase comes from ECU tuning. Ford also worked on the 6-speed automatic transmission and rest of the driveline (drive shaft and differential) to handle the extra power.
Q: Do I get the full 925 lb-ft of torque right away?
A: No. The torque is derated in first several gears in order to prolong tire life. The torque multiplication due to low gears is too great and you can easily spin the tires. The single rear wheel trucks are torque limited in first three gears, and then you get the full torque in fourth and above. The dually F-350 and F-450 are torque limited in first gear. Once you get full torque, it’s available for the duration of the acceleration/climb.
Q: What enables the Super Duty to tow up to 21,000 lbs on the hitch without the need for weight distributing hitch attachments?
Ford increased the physical size of the hitch frame and went to a 3-inch receiver. There are specific Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) weight carrying and weight distributing testing standards. Ford was able to satisfy the weight carrying standard at the 21,000 lbs limit. Ford also offers a 2.5-inch and 2-inch receiver reducers so that you can still use your existing hitches. The 21,000 lbs capability is only available on F-350 and above.
Q: Was Super Duty fuel economy improved?
A: Yes, but Ford did not specify by how much.
Q: Which truck configuration provides the maximum payload capacity?
A: The maximum payload rating is 7,630 lbs and it comes from the F-350 single cab XL dually 2WD with the 6.2L gasoline V8.
Q: How does the F-350 differ from the F-450?
A: The F-450 has heavier components (frame, axles, brakes, and springs) to allow for more weight carrying capacity. The commercial grade F-450 and F-550 (chassis cabs) have a unique 6.7L Power Stroke V8 engine and automatic transmission tuning that is shared with the F-650 and F-750 medium duty trucks.
Q: How does Ford handle the trailer camera hookup and trail tire pressure monitoring?
A: The system includes two trailer cable connections: the traditional 7-pin connector and the new 12-pin connector. The trailer mounted camera is a wired solution. The trailer tires need to be fitted with pressure monitors (just like the truck itself) and an additional TPMS module needs to be wired in. Then the truck can integrate the trailer “aux” camera and the TPMS into the driver information unit and center console screens.
Q: When can I purchase a 2017 Ford Super Duty?
A: The order guide is currently open at the dealerships. Deliveries will begin in earnest in the fall of 2016.
We will get more answers and videos on the 2017 Ford Super Duty for you very soon.
Check out this video for more details.
