Innovative ideas: industry-unique Tailgate Step and stowable bed extender

Ford’s unique relationship with the Super Duty customer has fostered the kind of innovation that creates products like the Tailgate Step and stowable bed extender.

The Tailgate Step is fully integrated into the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use. The 16.7-inch by 4.5-inch flip-down step is housed in the tailgate. To use the step, simply drop the tailgate into the down position, grab the bottom step, pull it straight out and drop it down into the step position – all in one easy motion.

A unique grab handle folds up and out of the tailgate to provide extra support when using the Tailgate Step, supporting up to 350 pounds. When not in use, the grab handle fits snuggly into a channel molded into the tailgate inner liner. The tailgate liner has an added coating creating a non-slip walking surface.

The Stowable Bed Extender works like others, extending storage space to the end of the bed, or it can sit inside the tailgate leaving a small, enclosed section that keeps cargo from sliding forward near the cab. But the similarities end there. Ford’s extender separates into two pieces that fold and snap securely to the sides of the bed, allowing full space and functionality of the bed when the extender is not needed.

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 innovations such as the industry’s first power-fold and power-telescoping side mirrors.

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, 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.

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 has been engineered with safety in mind. The front portion of the frame has been lowered 7 inches, allowing the new frame to meet 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.

The newly designed leaf-spring rear suspension delivers superior ride and handling in all load situations. 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 welded to the bulkhead and frame, creates a rigid foundation, 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 stronger trailer brake activation when the Anti-lock braking system (ABS) is operating.

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.

Key Features and Options:

XL: 5.4-liter three-valve SOHC TritonÒ V-8 gas engine with 6-speed manual transmission; Four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS); Stationary Elevated Idle Control (SEIC); Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); Black painted bumpers; Black painted grille; Halogen sealed beam headlamps; Black manual fold away side view mirrors; 12.5K trailer hitch receiver with 2-inch hitch; Trailer tow package; 2-ton mechanical jack; Manual fold-away side view mirrors; Tow hooks; 17-inch Argent painted steel wheels; AM/FM stereo/digital clock with two speakers; Black, full-length vinyl floor covering; Auxiliary power point; Front full bench seat with recline.

XLT adds: Chrome front and rear bumpers; Grille with chrome surround and medium platinum insert; Dual beam jewel effect headlamps; Black manual fold-away side view mirrors with power glass; 17-inch chrome-clad steel wheels with bright hub covers/center ornaments; Air conditioning; Auxiliary audio input jack; Premium electronic AM/FM stereo with digital clock, Single CD/MP3 player and four speakers; Cruise control; Color coordinated full carpet floor covering; Power windows and locks; Front, high series cloth; 40/20/40 split bench seating.

FX4 adds to XLT: 4x4 only; limited slip rear axle; Rancho-branded shocks; skid plates; Dark Shadow Grey bumpers; Dark Shadow Grey wheel lip moldings; Body color billet-style grille surround with medium platinum insert; Body color door handles; 18-inch premium chrome-clad steel wheels with bright hub covers and center ornaments; Black full carpet floor covering; All-weather floor mats; Black leather wrapped steering wheel; Advanced Security Group; SecuriLockÒ Anti-Theft Ignition.

Lariat adds to XLT: 18-inch premium forged polished aluminum wheels; manual sliding rear window; Dual-zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control (EATC); metallic-faced instrument cluster with enhanced message center and trip computer with compass; electrochromic self-dimming rearview mirror with electronic compass; premium leather 40/20/40 split bench seating; power drive and front passenger seats; color coordinated leather wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio and climate controls; Advanced Security Group; SecuriLockÒ Anti-Theft Ignition.

Optional Equipment: 5.4-liter 3-Valve TritonÒ V-8 with 5-speed manual with Tow/Haul Mode; 6.8-liter 3-Valve TritonÒ V-10 with 6-speed manual; 6.8-liter 3-Valve Triton V-10 with 5-speed automatic; 6.4-liter Power Stroke Diesel V-8 with 6-speed manual transmission; 6.4-liter Power StrokeÒ Diesel V-8 with 5-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch chrome clad steel wheels; 18-inch premium chrome-clad steel wheels; 18-inch premium forged polished aluminum wheels; 20-inch premium polished forged aluminum wheels; Dual alternators; Extra heavy duty alternator; Electronic shift-on-the-fly; Engine block heater; SecuriLock Anti-Theft Ignition; Traction control; PowerScope Trailer Tow Mirrors; TowCommand integrated trailer brake controller; Transmission power take-off-provision; Privacy glass; Power sliding rear window; Bodyside molding; Lower accent two-tone paint; Power slide moonroof; Reverse camera system; Stowable bed extender; Tailgate step; Adjustable pedals; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Audiophile AM/FM Stereo with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player and eight speakers; Navigation radio with in-dash screen and DVD ROM and Audiophile AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player; Rapid-Heat Supplemental Cab Heater; Heated seats; Power seats; Universal garage door opener; Upfitter switches.

Package options: 4x4 Off Road Package; Advanced Security Group; Camper Package; Chrome Package; Driver’s Memory Package; Heavy Service Suspension Package; King Ranch Package; King Ranch with Chrome Package; Power Equipment Group Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System; Snow Plow Prep Package; Stabilizer Package; TowCommand System; XL Décor Group; SLT Sport Package.

The F-Series Super Duty is built in Louisville, Ky.

Quiet Steel ® is a registered trademark of Material Sciences Corporation.

Source: Ford Motor Company