Industry-first PowerScope integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors

Super Duty continues to lead the pack when it comes to towing and capability by offering such innovations as the industry’s first power-fold and power-telescoping side mirrors.

Industry-exclusive power-fold and power-telescoping side mirrors combine improved functionality with a design that has been toughened to match the Super Duty’s good looks. The large mirrors extend outward up to 2.75 inches and feature a power-adjustable main mirror with a manually adjusted spotter mirror that is more than double the size of the previous generation, greatly improving visibility. The mirrors telescope or fold at the touch of a switch mounted to the windowsill and are integrated into the vehicle’s seat-position and pedal-memory system. The mirrors also feature heated glass, clearance lamps and integrated turn signals.

Proven chassis and revised suspension deliver refined capability

Super Duty’s superior ride and handling and class-leading capability are the result of a rugged chassis and refined suspension designed specifically to meet the growing needs of today’s customers.

Every 2008 Super Duty frame now has a new front stub designed with safety in mind. By lowering the frame horns seven inches at the front, the new frame meets vehicle compatibility standards without the need for add-on components. The new design also improves cooling and provides a solid foundation for the hydroformed body structure. Every Super Duty frame is e-coated for improved corrosion resistance.

The newly designed leaf-spring rear suspension delivers superior ride and handling in all load situations. The eight-inch longer springs attach farther forward on the frame giving the vehicle more balance and better control. New damper tuning further improves Super Duty’s confident feel on the road.

The Super Duty is the first truck in the industry to use a high-strength steel front body structure. The patented structure, made up of two side rails that are welded to the bulkhead and frame, not only serves to create a very rigid foundation, the system’s modular construction eases assembly and delivers higher quality and better fit and finish.

The revised frame and front-end structure enables a Front Gross Axle Weight Rating (FGAWR) increase to 5,250 pounds on 4x2 F-250 and F-350 trucks. A 12.5K trailer hitch is now standard on F-250/350 SRW and some F-350 DRWs. A 15K hitch is standard on most F-350 DRWs and all F-450 pickup models receive a 16K hitch.

Exclusive features add to Super Duty’s towing prowess

Ford’s available TowCommand™ System still includes the industry’s first factory-installed and warranted electronic trailer brake controller, offering smoother operation and safety features. This includes a special trailer brake strategy for when the truck’s anti-lock braking system detects poor traction. No aftermarket trailer brake controller can provide this.

Ford’s TowCommand™ System also includes the TorqShift™ transmission with tow-haul mode and trailer tow mirrors. TorqShift™ with tow-haul mode changes shift points under acceleration, keeping the truck at a higher rpm and further up in the power range. Tow-haul also prevents the transmission from upshifting when the vehicle crests a hill, and it provides downhill braking that allows the transmission to downshift, letting engine-compression braking slow the vehicle and maintain a steady speed while going downhill.

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Source: Ford Motor Company