2015 Ford F-450

If the F-350’s 12-tonne trailer capacity just isn’t quite enough for you, then don’t fret. Ford has a solution for you that doesn’t require you to jump up to a full-on big-rig. The massive F-450. This is the biggest real pick-up around, and will tow up to 14,152 kg. You can only get it with the 6.7L diesel, dual rear-wheels, 4x4, and it’s a crew cab with the long box. Again, this is a pretty sizeable rig, so make sure you can find somewhere to moor it before picking one up. The competition here is either an overworked 3500 series pickup from the competition, or jumping up to a mini-big rig like a converted International.

Underhood, the big change for 2015 is a new version of the 6.7L diesel V8 that now makes 440 hp and an absolutely astounding 860 lb-ft of torque. There is also a stronger rear axle, new rear springs, new sway bars front and rear, with new shocks and uprated u-joints in the driveline. The brakes get even bigger, the steering gears are beefier, and trailer sway control is standard. All models get 19.5-inch wheels with truck tires.

Standard features on F-450 include a 7-pin trailer connector, and a hitch receiver sized for the choice of engine and tow rating of the truck. There is also a hill start assist built into the braking system. Single rear wheels (one per side) are standard, and a dual rear axle is optional. That’s the one you want for serious towing, as it raises payload and tow ratings, as well as significantly improving stability with a trailer. The downside is that those rear fenders get pretty wide. All dual-rear-wheel trucks get 17-inch wheels.

The base XL trim is intended for fleet and work trucks, and as such gets vinyl seats, and vinyl floors. It also gets AC, and an AM/FM stereo. Options include aluminium wheels, electronic four-wheel drive, a fifth-wheel hitch, cloth seats, an upgraded stereo with CD and Sync, and cruise. There are a number of option packs for various increased tow ratings and payload ratings, a camper package that includes uprated springs, an FX4 off-road pack that includes skid plates and Rancho shocks, and a snow plow prep that has uprated springs and alternator. There is an XL appearance pack that has the upgraded stereo, cruise, silver painted wheels, and chrome grille. The XL decor pack has chrome bumpers and hub caps, while the XL value pack combines both of those packages.

XLT is the next level and adds shift-on-the-fly to 4x4 trucks, an integrated trailer brake controller, cloth seats and flooring, a CD stereo with four speakers and satellite radio, cruise, power locks, and windows, chrome bumpers and grille, and power mirrors. Options include a power driver's seat, rear-view camera, remote start, various weight rating upgrades, camper pack, FX4 off-road pack, and snow plow prep like the XL. There is also an XTR package with chrome exhaust tips, tow hooks, cargo tie-downs, step bars, and wheels. It gets power trailer mirrors and fog lights as well. The XTR plus pack includes the XTR package and adds auto lights and keyless entry, power adjustable pedals and backup sensors. An XLT value package has the auto lights, keyless entry, power adjustable pedals, six-way power driver's seat and backup sensors.

Lariat is the first luxury trim and adds heated and cooled 10-way power adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and leather. It also gets Sony audio with eight speakers and Sync, power locks, dual-zone climate, an improved message centre, power adjustable pedals, rear-view camera, sliding rear window, and wood trim. Other notable options include navigation. As on the lower trims, packages are available to raise payload and towing, along with camper pack, plow prep, and FX4 off-road. A Lariat chrome package adds chrome exhaust tip, tow hooks, cargo tie downs, step bars and wheels. Lariat Ultimate gets power-sliding moonroof, tailgate step and remote start, but is on crew cab only.

King Ranch gets navigation and special Chaparral leather seats with King Ranch embossing. The payload and tow rating packages are available, as are camper pack, FX4, snow plow prep and Chrome package.

Top of the range is the F-450 Platinum which gets premium leather seats with platinum embroidery. There is also a heated wheel, remote start, body colour bumpers and satin grille. The payload and tow rating packages are available, as are camper pack, FX4, and snow plow prep. As with the rest of the HD pickups, there are no fuel economy ratings as it's not required due to their weights.