Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130418
COMFORTABLE RIDE Speaking of comfort, for a pickup that has the 9,900-pound GVWR package, Ford's big gasser is a comfortable ride. It's quite inside and absorbs road irregularities with aplomb for a heavy-duty truck. The interior ergonomics are also quite well done, too, making it a very good crew transport. Ford's interior designers have all the controls and switches in locations that make sense. It's an easy truck to get comfortable in quickly. The "upfitter" switches, a $125 option, are a nice touch as they make it easy to add auxiliary lights, warning lights and other switched electrical components. Another nice feature of this truck is the manual/automatic front hubs. They allow the driver to lock them in manually before driving in off-pavement situations where traction varies from good to bad as you drive. Having the hubs locked lessens the chances of blowing a hub should it not be locked all the way and then automatically slamming in when the tire is spinning. STEADY PERFORMER Fuel economy is commensurate with most 5.0L- 6.0L V8s: 13.2mpg city driving and 15.4mpg cruising down the interstate at 70mph on a wind-free winter day. I saw 16.5mpg running 55mph and 14mpg at 75mph. The 6.2L is very sensitive to a heavy throttle and wind drag above 55mph. The E85-capable 6.2L V8 features a single overhead cam with variable cam timing – advanced features that help optimize power throughout the speed range as well as fuel efficiency. The engine, backed with the 6-speed automatic, is one of the quietest, smoothest running HDs Upfitter switch panel makes it easy to install additional lights and 12V accessories. we've tested. The shift points are well placed so there're no lag spots when driving. It's just velvet-smooth. On the dragstrip it performs like one would expect from a 7,000-pound 4x4. Our 0-60mph sprints at Gulfport (MS) Dragway averaged 9.8 seconds while 60-0mph panic stops averaged 140 feet. The best 1/4 mi: 17.3@83.6mph. (In comparison, the 6.7L diesel is about a ½-second quicker to 60, and 2/10ths and 3mph faster at the end of the ¼-mile.) Manual/automatic front hubs give the driver the option to lock them in when necessary. All in all, my take on the 2013 6.2L F-250 4x4 Crew Cab is this: The gas V-8 base engine is an excellent alternative for the company who needs the Super Duty's big load carrying/towing capacity, but not often enough to warrant the much higher price tag of a Powerstroke. Ford's gasoline-powered HD definitely has its place on the jobsite. Text INFO to 205-289-3781 or visit www.ppmrequest.com propickupmag.com PROPICKUP 31 Untitled-12 1 PP0613_2013 F250 Road Test.indd 31 3/6/13 9:36 AM 5/10/13 3:00 PM