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The 2018 Ford Super Duty covers many configurations and capabilities, giving drivers a range of towing capacities, features, and more. The Super Duty was just redesigned for the previous year to make it more like the recently redesigned F-150 light-duty. Now, they both have similar aluminum construction, cabs, and trim levels. The Super Duty, however, doesn’t leave the weight savings from the aluminum construction alone as a way to save fuel. Instead, it uses this to increase the chassis strength. There are five trim levels available on the Super Duty, with the bottom two most likely to be used for tough work.
Tough Capabilities
As a heavy-duty pickup, the 2018 Ford Super Duty can handle towing and hauling without a problem. There is a choice of two engines, either a 6.2-liter V8 with 430 pound-feet and 385 horsepower or a 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 with 925 pound-feet and 440 horsepower. The gas V8 can handle as much as 7,680 pounds of payload, while the turbodiesel can tow as much as 32,000 pounds. Keep in mind that the F-350 and higher versions of the Super Duty come with either a single- or dual-rear-wheel setup.
The truck sits on a ladder frame that is fully boxed and has been stiffened as much as 24 times as much as the previous generation. You can also get a variable ratio steering system that slows down or speeds up the steering rack at speeds. This will reduce the jittery feel at high speeds and improve maneuverability at low speeds.
Comfortable Cabin
While the entry-level 2018 Super Duty trims tend to stick to the basics, the top trim levels can be downright luxurious. You can get premium materials on the dashboard and seats. The seats are even available as multi-contour ones with in-seat massagers. This should appeal to those who use their heavy-duty pickup as a mobile office. While luxury abounds, all models have vinyl flooring, so you don’t have to worry about trying to clean dirt off the carpet. In four-door models, the rear seats folds to improve cabin storage, but if you plan on taking four adults on a long trip, skip the Extended Cab and go with the Double Cab. That one can fit four 6-foot-tall adults.
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Features
The features of the 2018 Ford Super Duty depend entirely on the trim level you choose. Going with a base XL trim will not get you any amenities, such as a CD player or power accessories. The XLT has those things plus a rearview camera and an LCD screen for the basic infotainment system. Moving up gets an 8-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, another 8-inch display for driver information, and power-adjustable pedals.
From there, the King Ranch offers cooled and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, plus premium audio. The Platinum has even more, but without the Western theme of the King Ranch. You should definitely consider spending the money for a model with the seven cameras that help you park or attach a trailer with ease.
