2011 Ford Superduty CT

The 2011 Ford Super Duty comes in four trim levels, three cab sizes and two box sizes (6.75 feet, 8 feet), virtually all in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The XL, XLT and Lariat trims extend to most models. Only on Crew Cabs can you get the top-line King Ranch interior, however. Also, there is no short-box dual-rear wheel model, and the FX4 package is offered only on SuperCab and Crew Cab 4WD F250 and F350. New for 2011 is the integrated towing hardware. The brake controller is now compatible with electric-over-hydraulic trailer brakes. You can order a fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch platform which rides directly under the box and includes a box-mounted 7-pin plug; Ford worked with suppliers such as Reese, Draw-Tite and B&W to ensure the platform is compatible with a wide range of hitches.

Ford Superduty Power and Drive

A 6.2-liter V8 with 385 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque is standard on all F-250 and F-350 models. The F-450 pickup comes standard with the 6.7-liter turbodiesel rated at 390 hp and 735 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, and four-wheel drive can be lever or switch operated. An exhaust brake function has been built into the diesel/automatic combination and it is fully automatic. A Super Duty has no obvious drawbacks in maneuverability for such a behemoth, and the cut-down front windows and large mirrors give a good view. The new hood's smoother edges and corners make it more difficult to judge close-in distances but with a hood that big you'll be out looking to see what the trail has in store frequently anyway.

Design of the 2011 Ford Superduty

The Ford Super Duty appears imposing because of bigger horizontal bars in the grille, deeper airdam and bumper with bigger cooling air openings, and stacked lamps with the headlights on the bottom. Dimensions are easily given in yards rather than inches. New for 2011 is an integrated fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package. This assembly is securely mounted to the frame at the factory (and warranted by Ford) and leaves a flat floor with guidelines marked to cut out four fifth-wheel mounting holes or the center gooseneck; major hitch suppliers were consulted for compatibility and the final hitch hardware choice is left to the consumer. The Super Duty also has an inside box-wall mounted 7-pin trailer plug.

'11 Ford Superduty Cabin

Inside the Superduty materials appear well assembled and are mission-appropriate. The King Ranch version makes a better Lincoln pickup than Lincoln's own, while the base model could be cleaned out with a bucket of warm water. Seats have been updated using F-150 parts to provide more comfort, support and adjustability for the diesel's 600-plus-mile range (unloaded). The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, memory system and adjustable pedals allow great flexibility for his-and-hers operations. Front bench seat center riders may find the deep dash compromises their knee and foot room, especially if the driver needs the seat forward. The navigation system is fairly intuitive and will be familiar to Ford family drivers, as will the SYNC system. The ventilation system is capable of cooling or heating the cavernous volume and keeping forward windows and mirrors clear, and seat heaters are very effective; a supplemental cab heater is available for diesel models. On many models, all outside mirror elements are heatable as well.

Ford Superduty Lineup for 2011

The Super Duty XL is work-truck, low-budget in nature, with vinyl seats and flooring, black painted grille and bumpers, plain trim, and AM/FM stereo, but it does include air conditioning, towing mirrors, trip computer, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a weight-appropriate receiver hitch. Options are primarily mechanical in nature: diesel, locking differential, larger tires and wheels, integrated fifth-wheel/gooseneck hitch prep package, camper package, off-road package for 4WD, Tow Command, auxiliary switches, reverse sensors, tailgate step, Work Solutions in-dash computer and Tool Link. SuperCabs also include flip-out rear side windows, Super and Crew get an overhead console, and the F-450 has forged aluminum wheels.

XLT trim adds chrome trim, aluminum wheels, 40/20/40 cloth front seat with under-seat lockable compartment, carpet, CD player, power windows/locks/mirrors, power-adjusted and heated towing mirrors, privacy glass, the integrated brake controller for single-rear wheel trucks, remote keyless entry, MyKey, and cruise control.

Lariat trim adds polished aluminum 17-inch wheels for F-350 dually and bright 18-inch aluminum wheels for single-rear-wheel trucks, heated leather power front seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjust pedals, backup camera, SYNC, redundant sound/climate controls on wheel, woodgrain trim, power fold-and-telescoping tow mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors, privacy glass, keypad door entry, 110-volt outlet and a powered sliding rear window.

The King Ranch for F-250 Crew Cab 2WD) adds two-tone paint including most trim pieces, driver memory package, heated/cooled power front seats, unique forged alloy wheels, rearview camera, and Chaparral-leather for the steering wheel, four captain's chairs and both center consoles.