We'll find out how the new F-150 stacks up against the other new trucks this year in our February 2009 issue. The Platinum F-150 is definitely the head honcho's pickup, yet Ford made sure it was just as work-ready as any other truck in the F-Series lineup. Make no mistake, with all the safety and strength-adding support to the frame and undercarriage, as well as sound-deadening material throughout the cabs, this is a heavy truck, and it drives like it. Ford also makes it easier to haul with a class-first integrated trailer brake, following the lead of its big brother the Super Duty. All the luxuries the big boss requires are accounted for, along with optional features including a massive , moon roof and a. Labor-friendly features like an integrated trailer brake controller and pop-out side steps are winning buyers over, but will they be enough to pass muster in the? When Ford set out to reshape the new F-150, designers were challenged to improve the popular pickup's masculine lines.
However, we were less than impressed with the quality of materials on the Platinum's dash. If there is no possibility to call for the help of professionals, then tow yourself. It's a nifty gadget, but we discovered that the step doesn't work well in the snow; it tends to get stuffed with frozen slush and requires some digging with a pair of gloves and a screwdriver. As strong as that sounds, it still felt taxed during normal driving. Any former pickup owner who's had to deal with an brake will quickly realize this is one the F-150's killer apps.
Ford has a lead against just about every competitor in clever details. For that reason, the F-150 leads in almost every meaningful category that the working man holds dear. We didn't pull anything of consequence during our time with the F-150 Platinum, but Autoblog Editor-In-Chief John Neff did manage to pull a fifth wheel for a short time in a King Ranch F-150 and reports the set-up was incredibly simple and trouble free. Transportation on the tow truck is the safest and most widespread variant of towing by professionals. New technologies like EcoBoost a V-6 with V-8 power and a new diesel are just around the corner, and at first glance seem worth the extra money.
The tailgate step and arm-hold, pop-out sidesteps for easier access into the bed are fun to play with, and the new cargo management system makes it easy to clip in the separators, along with a tool chest and storage box. Remember that if the towing mechanism is damaged your equipment can become uncontrollable and dangerous! No doubt, is relieved that dropped, but the sketchy fluctuations in the commodities market have changed the way this 106-year-old company looks at the truck business. Likewise, on several around-town freeway loops, where concrete was broken and rutted, our empty Ford tester hunkered down and swallowed up the hits. The four-wheel-drive system offers a push-button rear locking differential for extra traction, as well as bigger, standard all-terrain tires, new shocks, custom wheels, stickers, and a unique grille. Special low-rolling-resistance tires, high 3. In other words: No one will accuse Ford of bringing a knife to a gun fight.
With wider and longer leaf springs, stability and confidence under load are as good as anything in the segment. In any case, heres whats important to know when using towing: Use the 2009 ford f-150 towing capacity from the professionals. Steering feel in our SuperCab tester proved a bit soft on center but had a firmer, quicker feel when cornering, and directional stability has been improved. Ford even provides a sturdy handle to yank yourself up. A simple adjustment on our takeoffs ended up putting 0-to-60 times in the eight-second range.
Out back, Ford added a tailgate spoiler to give the new F-150 a more athletic appearance, but the lip is more than just an aesthetic exercise -- it's actually aerodynamic. More accurately, it feels like you're driving a Sherman tank. Use 2009 ford f-150 towing capacity is better only in extreme cases. The rear spring pack is wider and six inches longer, while the front uses a stronger stamped-steel lower control arm. On the inside, Ford built upon an already spiffy cabin with better materials, a wicked-good arm rest and a set of massive captain's chairs.
The intricate bonnet is raised almost three inches at the grille, with two lines leading towards the windsheild and a concave powerdome nestled in between. It is better to repair your equipment on site, and only if it is impossible to use the 2009 ford f-150 towing capacity. Being on the outside of the leaf springs, the rear shocks help the F-150 stay stable over rough, uneven surfaces while also greatly limiting body roll in turns. There's no denying the F-150 feels like a real truck on the road. Ironically, Ford's investment into size and strength big towing and payload numbers to keep core truck buyers happy could be the truck's greatest weakness. Once it's deployed, the step can hold up to 500 pounds and gives users easy access from the side to grab items stashed in the bed. Towing is prohibited: β the steering does not work, β the braking system does not work β on a flexible hitch in the ice.
Maybe that's not surprising because the new F-150 has the highest towing capacity at 11,300 pounds and the largest payload at 3030 pounds of any vehicle in the segment. We're not sure why calls it a man-step, but we're certain any hard-working laborer is secure enough in their manhood to avoid breaking bones. If you're talking in terms of towing numbers, the F-150 has another class-leading capacity of 11,500 pounds. Our test unit came equipped with the popular 5. We just think it looks cool. Towing without the help of professionals is a dangerous undertaking. I only would recommend check allβ¦.
The upgraded powerplant now puts out 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline, and 320 hp and 390 lb-ft when chugging E85. It's big, heavy and sure-footed thanks to three-inch leaf springs and outboard shocks. The price range for the 2009 F-150 runs the entire spectrum. To be properly equipped, you must have the 5. It's possible this was a track-surface anomaly, but we'll keep our eye on it. The grille has a very thick outside frame that encloses Ford's trio of trademark bars. Ford also nails the navigation interface with easy to understand menus and commands.
Ford says it was able to pull off the unique design because of improvements in metal stamping. If there is an opportunity to repair your equipment without resorting to towing, then it is better to do so. We recently sampled several of these new varieties under a host of conditions at the manufacturer's proving grounds. A drive around the racetrack, however, revealed an oddity in the suspension. The leaf springs, meanwhile, help the F-150 achieve best-in-class towing and payload numbers while contributing to its beefy ride. The delay couldn't have been better timed.