Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130418
ROADTEST By Bruce W. Smith FAST FACTS Vehicle: 2013 Ford Super Duty Model: Crew Cab 4×4 XLT Base Price: $40,620 Price as Tested: $47,390 Engine: 6.2L V8 Gas; 385hp/405 lb-ft Axle Ratio: 3.73 (autolocking diff ) Transmission: 6spd Auto Observed MPG: City 13.2 / Hwy 15.4 Max Towing Capacity: Conventional: 6,000 lbs. w/o WD hitch; 12,500 lbs. w/ WD hitch 5th Wheel/Gooseneck: 12,400 lbs. Max. Payload: 3,240 lbs. Performance: 0-60mph: 9.8 sec.; ¼-mile: 17.3 sec @ 83.6mph FORD'S HEAVY-DUTY GASSER 2013 F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 6.2L a journeyman performer for the working man who needs a little towing muscle from time to time L ook around any heavy construction jobsite and the majority of the ¾- and 1-ton Crew Cab Ford pickups are going to be diesels. Not surprising as diesel Super Duties are the go-to truck when towing and hauling heavy loads are part of the daily work load. But when such tasks only come up a couple times a month, shelling out $8,000 for the diesel option might not make economic sense for some business owners. That's where F-250/F-350 Crew Cabs powered by the line's base 6.2L gas V8 work well. Ford's heavy-duty gassers have the same maximum tow capacity with a conventional hitch (weight-distributing) as their diesel counterparts – but without the added cost. The 6.2L gas V8 makes 385hp and 405 ft-lbs of torque, and with the optional ($390) 3.73 axles it's rated to tow the same as the 6.7L Powerstroke that makes 400hp and double the torque. We tested the Crew Cab 4x4 diesel version two years ago (February 2011) and used it as the base for our Project Super Crew in 2012. So it was an easy transition into a 2013 powered by the gas engine for this road test. THE RIGHT OPTIONS Cloth seating is both comfortable and durable. Mini-console a good option. Standard 60/40 fold-up rear bench seat fine fit for the work crew. For an HD, the 2013 Super Duty XLT F-250 Crew Cab 4x4 is moderately priced. The one I tested came with $5,700 in options, bringing the sticker price to $47,390. Those options included mostly functional add-ons valuable The 385hp 6.2L gas V8 fills every inch of the F-250's engine compartment. around the jobsite: rear view camera; tailgate step; electric shift-on-the-fly transfer case; skid plates; spray-in bedliner; sliding rear window and tow mirrors. It also came with Michelin LTX A/T 2 "all-terrain" tires – a $955 option – that one soon finds out are best suited for dry conditions. The Michelins are good street tires, but not that great for offpavement use. (Our advice, save the grand and pick your own tires if you want better off-pavement traction.) On the other hand, the cloth seats with the $300 40/ console/40-configuration are worth the price. The mini-console is roomy and serves as a fine armrest during longer drives. 30 PROPICKUP June 2013 PP0613_2013 F250 Road Test.indd 30 5/8/13 8:32 AM