Ford’s F-350 Super Duty TREMOR is a Factory-Warrantied Monster Truck (Official Ford Truck Enthusiasts Review)
Form & Functionality
When I was growing up, most pickups were single cab. Today, with the decline of sedans and station wagons, most trucks sell with four doors. The Crew Cab, therefore, is a bit like sitting in an old Lincoln Continental Town Car. You know, if boaty Lincolns were seven feet tall. It’s marvelous for a family of four and ,in this configurational, seating six would still feel roomy.
Stepping into the F-350 feels like any other XLT-trim Ford truck. The Premium XLT Package adds a few extra amenities, and Apple CarPlay and satellite radio are already standard, but overall this is a very basic truck. A work tool. A weekend warrior.
The wheel and everything you touch is plastic or mineral gray cloth. Seating is comfortable, reminiscent of last-generation Crown Victoria police interceptors. Tough and durable with no side bolstering.
While this particular truck probably needs some form of lockable box storage for longer trips, I love how functional the whole interior feels. In our spec, the front-center seat tilts into a center console complete with cup holders. And there’s pop-up (and lockable) storage under the rear passenger seats along with extra cup-holders for the second row. Door and glovebox storage are also ample.
In terms of ergonomics and day-to-day use, you can tell Ford engineers spend hours thinking up ways to make their customers’ trucks as functional as possible. Media, HVAC, and window controls remain tactile and intuitive. The vehicle’s menu system is easy to navigate. And the front-n-rear camera system make parking and backing up a breeze, even in the tighter confines of a city.
That being said, Ford needs to hurry up and offer the new tech just introduced on the 2021 F-150.
My Only Two Questions
While the F-350 Super Duty TREMOR is an extremely compelling package because it checks so many possible boxes, it’s worth mentioning the ride quality. It can be, well, terrible. More specifically, it’s fine around town at lower speeds, but at freeway speeds or when topping obstacles like potholes, railroad tracks, and speedbumps, it clatters and clangs and shakes significantly.
In my opinion, this is not the truck to buy if you have back problems.
Trying to accelerate this much torque with mud tires doesn’t help things.
So the TREMOR is capable, but will you enjoy the experience? To be clear, many people don’t mind and enjoy this style of truck. It’s why the aftermarket is so huge. And the extra-stiff suspension is a wonder in corners — the current Ford Expedition weighs less and has a lower center of gravity, but, man, does that thing sway when you crank the wheel.
Maybe I’m just a weak-sauce city guy who with more seat time in Mustangs than Super Dutys? Still, I wish Ford built the TREMOR with either adjustable shocks OR magnetic ride control so that you could tune the truck to a variety of needs & preferences.
My other concern is simply one of pricing.
In this $70,000 range, we’re also in F-150 Raptor territory as well as base-pricing for the new RAM 1500 TRX (<– click to read our sister site’s full review). Both offer more luxury, while the TRX boasts insane power levels and a much smoother ride than any of our dear Fords. I suppose it comes down to your needs — towing and height vs luxury and speed and smoothness.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Off-road capable truck with a full warranty
- Incredible powertrain
- Classic, rugged looks
- Great stance
- King of the road POV
- Perfectly combines work truck & weekend toy ethos
- Smart engineering
- No need to build with aftermarket parts
Cons
- Jittering bumpy ride at higher speeds
- Basic interior for a $70,000 price tag
Should YOU Buy a Ford F-350 Super Duty Tremor?
Every time I drop — or in this case, step up — into the driver’s seat of a loaner, it’s a chance to learn more about a vehicle AND my personal tastes. This week, the 2020 Super Duty F-350 TREMOR teaches me a great deal about both. I’m impressed by Ford’s engineers and experts. The value and performance they offer today, one-fifth of the way through the 21st century, are unparalleled in the company’s storied truck-history.
The F-350 TREMOR is an ideal work truck and off-road weekend toy for those who need to haul gear and campers and trailers and families across the country and across the river bed. The engine is incredible, while the height and driver’s position are addicting. And it’s fun for the whole family.
In short, I love everything about this truck. Well, almost.
With a harsh ride and at this price-point, I wonder if a Raptor or RAM TRX might offer more smiles-per-gallon, luxury, and a smoother ride while retaining much of the form, functionality, and roominess that make a Super Duty so compelling.
In other words, it comes down to what you NEED…
If you need to tow heavy loads and haul tons of gear — if you’re splitting your truck between work sites and backcountry weekend getaways — the Super Duty is probably the one for you.
But if you don’t need to tow 20,000 lbs… The other options may be a better fit.
Original Photographs by Michael S. Palmer
What do you think of the F-350 TREMOR?
Let us know HERE in the forums!
