The diesel would also be easier on the wallet than the gasoline-powered V10. More than 40 per cent of all heavy-duty Dodge Ram pickup trucks — 2500 and 3500 — are sold in Western Canada. Certainly, it sets the interior apart from other trucks. However, driving the same street in a car also produced a rough ride. .
The King Ranch truck that I drove offers an unusual interior choice — brown, saddle-style leather on the seats and other surfaces. In the rest of Canada, 59 per cent of Ford trucks were F-150 and 41 per cent F-250 or larger. A unique TowCommand System that includes an integrated electric trailer brake controller is also newly offered. When I parked the truck in parking lots, I made sure that I had a space to fit the truck and — probably more important — a clear way out when I left. However, I may be able to do that if the diesel-powered truck that I understand may be made available for testing appears. Many of the Super Duty trucks Waterloo sells are F-350s and 75 to 80 per cent of those vehicles are equipped with the 6.
The rear bumper is fitted with reverse-sensors. Four-wheel drive is engaged via a dash-mounted switch. Todd Eschyschyn, sales manager at Waterloo Ford Lincoln, said sales of the 2005 Super Duty trucks have almost doubled from the previous model. The controller is integrated into the instrument panel — no more banging your shin on an under-dash unit — with graphics that match the rest of the interior. Two factors in the sale of the new Super Duty trucks are increased towing and hauling capacity — higher gross vehicle weight — and the TowCommand System that includes an integrated trailer brake system. Norris said the improved ride through use of front coil springs is a major selling point with his customers.
On the highway, the F-250 I tested offered a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. An icy side street filled with ruts and potholes produced a rougher ride, perhaps not surprising in a pickup truck that needs heavy springs to haul a good-sized load. As always, a wide range of trim levels, practical features, and convenience-oriented amenities are offered. At Norris Ford in Wainwright, 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, dealer principal Tony Norris said sales of the new Super Duty are up 50 per cent this year. For 2006, a new Amarillo Package, available on Lariat Crew Cab models includes a number of visual enhancements, including Blazing Yellow paint, 18-inch polished-aluminum forged wheels, brushed aluminum door trim, black leather seating surfaces, and chrome accents inside and out. That means drivers will have to treat the rear bumper with care or face expensive repairs to fix the sensing system.
The bigger, bolder, and more powerful members of the F-Series family of full-size pickups feature more rugged-looking exteriors than the F-150, with stronger available powertrains and added hauling and towing abilities. The contrast is clear with Ford Motor Company trucks. The V10-equipped truck arrived in slippery, snowy conditions in February when I had no towing plans. Whether buyers will want this heavy, grained leather rather than the usual soft, smooth finish is a matter of individual preference. Customers are responding to the new version of the Super Duty, increasing sales at some Alberta dealerships. The electronic trailer brake controller is factory installed and warranted.
With vehicles this tall, the mirrors are an important assist to shoulder-checking when changing lanes. Truck buyers who pull big trailers want the extra torque the diesel delivers — 570 pound feet compared to 455 from the V10 gas engine. Another feature that customers who plan to do some heavy towing will appreciate is the larger receiver hitch that is optional on the Super Duty trucks. It gives audible and visual warnings if trailer wiring becomes disconnected. I appreciated the large mirrors that have a small convex portion at the bottom as an aid when making manoeuvres in traffic. . .
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