Need the biggest pickup available on the open market? That would be the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty XLT Crew Cab 8ft Bed DRW 4WD. With its over-the-top towing and payload capacity and 4-door, 6-passenger Crew Cab configuration, as well as the expansive 8-foot bed, standard dual rear wheels (DRW), an integrated trailer hitch and wiring, and standard part-time 4-wheel drive (4WD), this big workhorse is perfect for the heavy lifting. It also has a softer side with a front chrome grille, 17-inch polished alloy wheels, step running boards, cloth upholstery, telescoping tilt-wheel steering and power accessories, including heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, all standard. Then there are such standard niceties as cruise control, air conditioning and a single-CD player with 4 speakers.
Options for this oversize pickup include remote engine start, a tailgate assist step, a power-sliding rear window, a spray-in bedliner and Bluetooth-integrated SYNC hands-free audio and communications interface with navigation and route information functions, as well as SYNC AppLink smartphone-integrated internet capability. More prosaic options include the Ford Work Solutions’ Crew Chief (Telematics) Package to measure vehicle idle time, speed and location, the Live-Drive Power Takeoff Package that allows the standard automatic transmission to power added job and seasonal equipment whether driving or idling, and upfitter switches for added electrical power capability. Further options for the lower mid-level XLT include upgraded 18-inch wheels and extra exterior chrome décor.
Standard power for the 2012 F-450 Super Duty XLT pickup comes from a monster 6.7-liter turbodiesel V8 engine. Combined with the 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, this big V8 throws down 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque, good enough to haul up to 17,500 pounds of trailer with the standard hitch or 25,000 pounds with the optional gooseneck or fifth-wheel setup. A limited-slip rear differential is also standard, as is the popular brake hill-holder, while the part-time 4WD system features manual hi-lo gear selection and manually locking hubs. Optional for this capable pickup is the FX Off-Road Package with electronic shift-on-the-fly capability, skid plates, descent control, all-terrain tires and Rancho brand shock absorbers.
Standard safety features aboard the 2012 F-450 Super Duty XLT include, besides its hefty girth, 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controller, traction and stability control and turn-signal-integrated mirrors. Further safety equipment includes standard front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm. Finally, a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and an exterior back-up chime are all optional.
