Ford Super Duty F-250

When you think of tough pickup trucks, you likely think of Ford. The automaker has a long history of creating the country’s best vehicles, and it has made a name for itself with its trucks. Whether you want a tough truck that will haul the heaviest loads you manage for your business or you want an agile truck that can climb over rocky hills, Ford has a truck that will meet your needs.

The Ford Super Duty F-250 is one of the automaker’s most popular models, thanks to its stylish design, strong and dependable performance, and exceptional towing capacity. You can shop for the most advanced features on the newest model, or you can choose from a variety of quality used models that are available at far more affordable pricing. Whatever route you choose, you can’t go wrong with a Ford Super Duty F-250.

History of the Ford Super Duty F-250

Ford introduced the Super Duty line of trucks into its long-running F-Series in 1998 – though the trucks didn’t go on sale until the 1999 model year. The Super Duty F-250 came with three cab configurations, including an 8-foot standard bed. The styling of the F-250 shared elements from other large trucks that Ford produced, as well as elements from the previous F-Series trucks.

Ford made some big updates to the Super Duty series of trucks for the 2005 model year. Some of the exterior updates included a larger grille, redesigned headlights, and a locking tailgate. Upgrades under the hood included refined engines with increased output, larger alternators, and new brakes. Larger wheels were also added to accommodate the new brakes. Inside, a few updates included dash-mounted auxiliary switches and a driver’s side glove box.

During the first generation of the Super Duty F-Series, which lasted until 2007, there were three gas engine options and two diesel engine options, ensuring that buyers could get the performance they needed. There were also four transmission options over the years, as well as several variations of the ZF5 five-speed manual transmission.

The first generation of the F-250 also had a heavy-duty suspension and a solid version of the Dana 50 axle.

The second generation of the Super Duty F-Series trucks was introduced in 2008 and ran through 2010. The F-250 was introduced with a new Power Stroke Diesel V8 that featured updates like piezo fuel injectors and sequential turbos. The new model didn’t experience some of the issues that the previous engine had with the previous engine. Other updates to this generation of the F-250 included a rapid heat supplemental cab heater, a change to the layout of the commands on the dash, and an optional concealed slide-out step.

A Harley Davidson special edition was available in 2008 and 2009 for the F-250, which included special badging and a leather-trimmed interior. The third generation of the Super Duty F-Series trucks was introduced in 2011 and ran through 2016. The third generation ushered in more exterior changes, including an even larger front end. The engines were also more powerful so they could compete with other heavy-duty trucks on the market, like the Silverado and Ram. The biggest upgrade was the use of heavier-gauge steel to create the frame, making the F-250 and other super duty trucks in the line more sturdy.

A locking differential was added in 2011, and it was only available on the F-250 and particular models of the F-350.

The fourth generation of the Super Duty F-Series trucks was introduced in 2017 and is still going. Though these trucks featured some borrowed elements, they were the first all-new Super Duty trucks since Ford first introduced them in 1998. The frame of the F-250 was made from high strength steel, and the body was made from military grade aluminum.

For the fourth generation, the F-250 had the option of one gas engine or one diesel engine. A new engine was introduced for the 2020 model year, which went on sale in 2019. The 2020 F-250 also featured exterior and interior design changes.

The F-250 vs. the F-350

The F-250 and the F-350 are the most popular Super Duty models for the everyday consumer. Heavier-duty trucks are available in the F-Series, but they are usually purchased by those with specific, commercial needs.

While the F-250 and the F-350 are very similar, they have notable differences that can make an impact on your buying decision. In particular, the F-250 has a lower towing capacity than the F-350, though the specifics depend on the model year and configuration you choose.

The maximum towing capacity for a Ford Super Duty F-250 is 18,500 pounds, while the maximum towing capacity for a Ford Super Duty F-350 is 32,000 pounds. You can get more towing capacity with an F-250 if you find a used model with add-ons or you get a higher trim level. However, the F-250 is usually best for those who don’t have the higher towing needs and who want to save money.

Under the Hood

The Ford Super Duty F-250 has always come with both gasoline and diesel engine options, allowing buyers to get the performance they need while also balancing their budgetary concerns. The most powerful engine option to date was the 6.7-liter PowerStroke 32-valve turbocharged diesel V8, which put out 450 horsepower and 935 lb-ft of torque. That engine was offered on the 2018 model, and it was updated to get better specs over its 2017 version.

Whatever model year you are looking at for the Ford Super Duty F-250, you can be sure of one thing: You are going to find a truck with an engine that gives you reliable and powerful performance. Though the specs on the engines may have changed over the years, the performance remained stable. You can rely on the F-250 to get you through tough situations year after year.

Exterior Styling

Over the years, the exterior design of the Ford Super Duty F-250 has gotten more and more brawny. The front end, primarily, has gotten bigger and wider, creating a more muscular and imposing look. The body has always been angular and defined, but it has gotten slight aerodynamic updates over the years to improve performance without sacrificing the look.

One thing you’ll notice when you shop for a used Ford Super Duty F-250 is that you’ll have multiple options for cab and bed sizes. Those options help you find the right balance to fit both passengers and gear.

Interior Styling

The Ford Super Duty F-250 has always been designed with functionality in mind, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up style when you drive this truck. Inside the F-250, you’ll find materials like plastic and vinyl that are easier to clean up. If you like a little more luxury, there are trim levels available to get leather or leather trimmings.

You won’t see a lot of bling inside the cab of the F-250, but you do get convenience features like a large display screen for the infotainment system, easy-to-reach controls, and plenty of storage throughout the cabin.

With higher trim levels and extras packages, you get more features. By shopping for used models, you can find F-250 trucks that are loaded with features but are still available at a reasonable price. You get more truck than you might have been able to afford if you bought new.

Safety Features

Ford is known for making strong, safe trucks, and the Super Duty F-250 is a safe and dependable truck whether you want it for work or your weekend adventures. The F-250 has been made with some of the strongest materials, including military grade aluminum, so it can take a lot in an accident. This isn’t a truck that will crumple on impact.

Other safety features that have been included throughout the years include a suite of airbags, a backup camera, traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Shopping for a used model gives you the advantage of learning about recalls and other issues that may have popped up so that you can choose the best model year for safety and other features.

Buying a Used Super Duty F-250

You have decades of Ford Super Duty F-250 models to choose from when you are ready to start your search for a new truck. All of those models are heavy duty, reliable trucks that are stylish and are ready to take on any job you have for them. You can drive these trucks on your off-roading adventures or to run your service business.

Tim’s Truck Capital keeps a large selection of used Ford Super Duty trucks in stock, including many F-250 models. We are ready to help you find the perfect model to fit your needs and your budget. Visit us today to explore our inventory and take a test drive of a Super Duty F-250. We’ll help you find the perfect truck for you.

Our finance specialists are also ready to help you find the financing terms that will best fit your monthly budget. Visit us today to learn more.