Like the regular-duty F-150, Ford's Super Duty F-250 and F-350 are available in a very wide range of configurations for 2009, with three cab styles--regular, SuperCab and Crew Cab--and two bed lengths.

Three different engines are offered on the Super Duty trucks, too. A 5.4L V8 making 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque is standard, and for heavier duty there is either the 6.8L V10, with 362 horsepower and 457 lb-ft, or the 6.4L 'Power Stroke' turbo-diesel V8, making 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft. Each engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission.

The turbodiesel is a new-generation engine that uses dual-sequential turbochargers to help improve low-end performance and high-pressure common-rail fuel injection to help reduce emissions; emissions numbers are on par with competing gasoline engines, according to Ford.

With either the diesel or V10, the Super Duty can tow up to 15,000 pounds using a conventional trailer hitch. The F-350 is available with a dual-rear-wheel setup that allows better stability for towing the heaviest trailers, and there's also an available TowCommand system, which includes a unique trailer-braking strategy that works in conjunction with the Super Duty's anti-lock braking system when it detects poor traction. The Super Duty has a fully boxed front frame section, and Ford claims to use the thickest-gauge steel of any pickup in its frame.

The Super Duty models have a more upright appearance compared with the standard-duty F-150, especially at the front. The front end is more squared-off, with an upright grille that borrows some elements of its appearance from big rigs.

All three versions of the F-250 and F-350 can be specified with 4-wheel drive. Both come in XL, XLT and Lariat trims, with the Lariat including a luxurious premium leather interior, automatic climate control and many comfort and convenience features including adjustable pedals.

An available rearview camera system, mounted within the rearview mirror, activates when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, using a camera mounted onto the tailgate to help guide drivers in tight-clearance situations. Green lines help guide the driver, marking the width of the vehicle, and they turn red as the truck gets too close to a barrier or object. Another standout feature is the PowerScope power-folding, power-telescoping mirrors, which include a spotter mirror and extend outward an additional 2.75 inches as space permits. Settings for the mirror system are integrated with the seat and pedal -memory system.

There are also several special appearance packages. Among them, the King Ranch brings unique wheels, Arizona Beige trim, and an interior with Chaparral leather plus other additional luxury and interior appearance items. The Cabela's package adds unique two-tone paint, woodgrain accents to the instrument panel, and captain's chairs stitched with the Cabela's logo. There's also a Harley Davidson edition that adds a variety of unique styling features inside and out, and comes in all-black or in one of two two-tone combinations. Black leather is used throughout the interior, and 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels are standard.

Towing And Hauling Capability

Toughness

Wide Range Of Configurations

Standout Convenience Features.

For 2009, Ford's Super Duty F-Series trucks gets no major changes, but several new functional features are available, including a tailgate step, a stowable bed extender, Rapid-Heat supplemental cab heater on diesel-equipped versions, a heavy-duty spray-in bedliner and power telescoping and folding side mirrors.

The F-350 is now available with Ford's Sync multimedia voice control system, and an optional Ford Work Solutions system is also available, which adds an in-dash computer with internet access, a "midbox" storage system mounted between the cab and the bed, and the Tool Link system for keeping track of items in the truck via radio frequency tracking. A Cabela's FX4 package is also optional, including special paint, interior upgrades, and exterior badging.

The 2009 Ford F-250 (three-quarter-ton) and F-350 Super Duty (one-ton) pickups are intended for those who regularly need to tow large trailers or haul heavy loads. When properly equipped, the F-350 can pull up to 15,000 pounds. These Super Duty trucks also have several features not otherwise offered in their class, such as a rearview camera system, and PowerScope mirrors that fold in and telescope.