With about 24,000 pounds of towing capacity, the 2010 Ford F-450 Super Duty is the vehicle of choice when a Freightliner or Kenworth is just a tad over the top. This oversize pickup is available in three trim levels - the base XL, midlevel XLT, and high-end Lariat - and all three sport dual rear wheels for extra-heavy payload and hauling capacity. The F-450 Super Duty comes only in the five- or six-passenger Crew Cab configuration, with only the 8-foot bed offered. Designed to outwork the Dodge 3500, this massive hauler is additionally available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and a standard limited-slip differential complements a range of available axle ratios. Although its turning ratio is relatively compact, at nearly 22 feet long and 6.5 feet wide, this truck doesn’t play nice in city traffic or crowded lots. Only one engine is available with the 2010 F-450 Super Duty, but it’s a load-bringing 6.4-liter turbodiesel V8 that’ll bang out 325 hp and a whopping 600 lb-ft of torque when managed by the standard six-speed manual transmission with the 4WD XL and XLT trims or the standard five-speed automatic carried by the RWD XL and XLT, as well as both Lariat configurations. Some 16,000 pounds of conventional trailer weight is the max for this combo, when properly equipped, while fifth-wheel towing capacity tops out at 24,000 pounds. As is common, mileage figures are unavailable for this monumental mill. Though delivered with standard 19-inch polished alloy wheels, a trailer hitch and wiring, and side steps, in its base XL getup, the 2010 F-450 Super Duty offers only vinyl upholstery, front and rear bench seating for up to six passengers, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio with two speakers for standard cabin amenities. Stepping up to an XLT trim gets owners standard cloth upholstery, power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, front and rear floor mats, and a single-CD player with four speakers. The heady realm of the five-passenger Lariat adds leather upholstery, power-adjustable, multi-level-heated front bucket seats, power-retractable exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal remote garage door opener, dual-zone climate control, simulated wood and alloy dash and door trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power-sliding rear window, Sirius satellite radio, a USB connection, and the highly regarded Ford SYNC voice-controlled infotainment system that interacts with the Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. Options for all trims include Ford’s Work Solutions in-dash computer and ToolLink work-tool tracking system, as well as a spray-in bedliner and several beefier axle ratios. The XL and XLT trims, of course offer many of the standard features of the higher trims as options, with the XLT additionally available with SYNC technology offering voice-activated navigation, vehicle diagnostics, and texting capabilities, as well as a rear-view camera system. Additionally, a power moonroof and stand-alone DVD navigation are optional with the Lariat, as are the Western-inspired King Ranch and popular Harley-Davidson appearance and trim packages. Safety-wise, the 2010 F-450 Super Duty’s sheer size provides significant passenger protection, with four-wheel ABS and a post-collision safety system complementing its heft. The XLT trims add turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a remote anti-theft alarm to the standard safety mix, as well as optional SYNC-integrated features such as Airbag Deployment Notification and Vehicle Collision Notification, while the Lariat tacks on standard front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features across the lineup include traction control and daytime running lights. Though owners are well aware that the F-450 Super Duty is a big truck, with a correspondingly voracious engine, fuel economy still irks a number of those who purchased the ’09 version. Other complaints, such as a lack of storage cubbies and cupholders, as well as a somewhat steep base price and high maintenance and repair costs, also have been noted for this full-size pickup. Its heavy-duty build and awesome power, however, not to mention its head-turning looks, dual-rear-wheel traction and load capability, SYNC system, and Ford Work Solutions computer and tool-tracking technology, all receive well-deserved praise from virtually all owners.