Highlights:
Engine: 6.7 L V8 Diesel
Horsepower: 400 hp
Torque: 800 lb-ft
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: N/A
Tow Capacity: 14,000 kg
Today’s top-of-the-line trucks are as well trimmed and luxurious as any luxury car on the market. Recently I had the chance to spend some time with Ford’s F-350 Crew Cab with the King Ranch package. In all my years writing about vehicles, this truck has to the best equipped I have ever driven by far.
Now, if you are not well acquainted with trucks, the F-350 is a 1-ton pickup, which is the choice of those who pull trailers. The King Ranch is a truck for those who not only want luxury, but the ability to pull travel trailers. My test truck was also equipped with a 5th wheel hitch in the bed area of the truck, which allows it to pull really big trailers that attach like transport trucks. The advantage to this kind of towing is that it centres the tongue load of the trailer in the bed of the truck, better distributing the load on the truck. The big advantage to this is that the trailer will not sway as much as compared to the common ball hitch. To keep the truck more versatile, the 5th wheel hitch can be removed from the bed area so the box of the truck can still be used for loads.
Since this truck is intended to haul and tow big loads, this test truck was equipped with a 6.7 L diesel engine for superior power and improved fuel economy. In my tests on the highway with no loads, I got a realistic fuel consumption of 11 L per 100 km, which is in my opinion very good for a truck of this size considering that it will tow up to 14,000 kg or over 25,000 lbs.
As we are on the topic of loads and towing, our test truck had the optional spray in bed/box liner, which protects the box from abuse when loading it up with any rough soil or rocks. Since these trucks are pretty tall, my test truck also had folding step on the tailgate for easy access to the back of the box, an option that is a must on any truck in my opinion. Speaking of loading, our test truck had running boards for loading its occupants in and out of the cab as the test truck was equipped with the optional 4-wheel drive making it higher for off-road clearance.
Luxurious is the only way I can describe the interior of the King Ranch version of this F-350 crew cab. This truck had heated and cooled front, leather seats, which I found comfortable and easily adjustable for a good view of the road, which is essential on a truck this big. A big console in the centre front seats allowed for favourable storage of many smaller items. Rear seating, was as you might expect, very generous with an abundance of legroom. As well, the back seats can be folded up and out of the way for a generous amount of luggage or tool area depending on your needs. All gauges, GPS system and switches were easy-to-read and accessible with a little body movement in the seat.
On the road, the truck was not as cumbersome to drive as I expected. This is due partly to good design and anti-lock and traction control. In the rain, the truck was very good with no slipping or wheel spin common in many older trucks. Due to its size, moving around in tight spaces was not fun, but I am sure with time manoeuvring this king sized truck could be mastered. I have to admit having the standard backup camera was a big help when backing up, as well as hitching up when pulling a trailer.
Driving a truck like this comes with a price for its ability and luxury. Our fully equipped King Ranch F-350 4X4 starts at $57,000 and our test truck was fully loaded at about $74,000.