Which Ford Super Duty Configuration Is Best for Your Needs?

Dizzying Array

One of the many reasons the Ford F-Series has remained atop the U.S. new vehicle sales charts for decades to this point is that The Blue Oval makes a version of the F-150 and Super Duty for everyone - whether they need a full-time family hauler that's a part-time workhorse or a full-blown towing rig capable of pulling just about anything. However, with so many configurations available, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your specific needs - though these examples should cover most of the more common customers. 

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No-Frills Workhorse - F-450 XL Regular Cab

First up, we have the no-frills workhorse - the F-450 in base XL trim, regular cab configuration, and with dual rear wheels. One could also get this setup in F-250 form and save some money, and in that guise, the truck comes with the new base 6.8-liter gas V8. It may not tow quite as much as the mighty 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel, but it's cheaper to buy and maintain, and it's still going to be plenty capable for most folks. 

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Off-Roading - F-250 With Tremor Off-Road Package

There are certainly those that appreciate a little more off-road capability - whether that be for weekend excursions, camping trips off the grid, or other recreational purposes - and in that regard, the F-250 with the optional Tremor Off-Road Package is the obvious choice. The Tremor Package adds a host of goodies to the Super Duty, including all-terrain tires and improved off-road angles that help make it a competent vehicle in that regard, even if it is on the larger side. 

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Hauling Cargo - F-350 With Heavy-Duty Payload Package

For those that simply need to haul around heavy loads in the bed of their Super Duty, the F-350 with the optional Heavy-Duty Payload Package is certainly the way to go. In this guise, max payload capacity comes in at a mammoth 8,000 pounds, at least, in two-wheel drive form with dual rear wheels - regardless, that's a truly astounding figure. 

Photos: Ford

Towing - F-450 With Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package

Of course, many Super Duty customers buy that model for its towing prowess, and in that regard, the F-450 DRW with the Gooseneck Hitch Prep Package is hard to beat. This pickup can tow up to 30,000 pounds conventionally or 40,000 pounds using the gooseneck hitch, which requires a regular cab configuration with the high-output Power Stroke and two-wheel drive, notably. 

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>>Join the conversation about these Super Duty configurations right here in the forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section of Ford-trucks.com.