You all have plenty of information about the 2017 Ford Super Duty. You probably have your orders in, too. Despite that, there’s something else a lot of you have: questions.
So I reached out to some of my Ford contacts and got you some answers (more to come in the near future). I’ve put them below:
Q: “On the dual rear wheel models, does the traction control continue to be only throttle based or is it also brake based now?”
A: “It is now brake-based, with full Electronic Stability Control and Roll Stability Control on all 2017 Super Duty models, including F350-F550 DRW.”
Q: “Can the trailer camera input handle more than one camera? I’ve got 2 on my horse trailer (1 backup view, 1 interior).”
A: “The trailer connector can accommodate one camera.”
Q: “Have 0-60 times improved with the stronger motors?”
A: “Acceleration times (0-60, passing, etc.) have not changed significantly with the 17 MY as peak HP for both the 6.2L and 6.7L are unchanged compared to the outgoing product. The improvements in both engines are in the low to mid-range of engine speed where customers spend a majority of time driving. The increased torque for 17 MY will provide our customers improved drivability, gradeability and throttle response.”
Q: “How will an aftermarket grill guard affect the front camera performance?”
A: “It depends on the grille guard itself and what it looks like and whether it obstructs the camera field of view. It’s possible that it may not have much of an impact, but the impact could also be significant (i.e. blocking some or all of the view) depending on how it fits on the grille. There are no error messages if the guard sits in front of the camera, but the camera would see the bar in its view.”
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
