The Technology of the 2017 Ford Super Duty
One of the biggest stories about the 2017 Super Duty will be the change from an all-steel body to the military grade, aluminum alloy. Another big story will be about how the new truck’s frame is 24 times stronger than the previous version. But don’t leave out all of the great new technology features that make the new truck the smartest Super Duty ever.
As we had mentioned before, the new truck will have as many as seven cameras, depending on options. That includes the four that are required for the 360° camera system. We’ve used that camera in the 2015 F-150, and find it quite useful when you get used to it. Not only does it make parking easier, but it also makes it easy to see obstacles and hazards when off-roading.
The Super Duty will have the first-ever trailer camera, which attaches to the back of the trailer or item you’re towing, then displays the image on the SYNC 3 infotainment system inside the cabin. Also, if you’re hauling a trailer you’ll be delighted to be able to monitor the tire pressures of that trailer from inside the Super Duty.
Like the 2015 F-150, the 2017 Super Duty will have a litany of LEDs on board, including LED taillights. It’ll also have a segment-first quad-beam LED headlights on the higher-trim models. LED headlights are more durable than other lights, and in theory never have to be replaced.
The LED party doesn’t stop there, either. The LED box lighting makes it super easy to see cargo inside the bed at night, and the awesome side-mirror spotlights that debuted on the F-150 make their debut on the updated Super Duty. Not only is it great for hauling the camper and lighting up the campsite, but it’s great for workers who need to get the job done into the evening.
Expect to see other F-150 technologies trickle up, especially on the King Ranch and Platinum editions, including blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic detection, adaptive cruise control, and active lane keeping assistance.
According to Ford’s release, they mention that the new Super Duty will have technology to make maneuvering a backing up a trailer easier than ever, but make no mention of the Pro Trailer Backup Assist that’s available on the 2016 F-150. It may be an announcement that comes later, but it’s a new bit of impressive technology that we’d be surprised that it would not be available.
Finally, as previously mentioned, SYNC 3 will be on board with the new Super Duty. While MyFord Touch wasn’t the worst infotainment system in the world, it does lag in the speed department compared to other systems. Thankfully, with the new Super Duty that won’t be an issue, since the new SYNC 3 infotainment system is significantly faster and more responsive than MyFord Touch.
Stay tuned as we go more in depth with the new Super Duty from the official product reveal during the 2015 State Fair of Texas, where we’ll pester the Ford executives for more information.
Until then, head on over to the forums and let us know what you think!
