?2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Crew Cab 4×4?
Who says that size doesn’t matter?
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What?s bigger than a bread basket? Obviously a lot of things, But when a new Ford F-150 Super Cab just isn?t big enough to get the job done, there?s always the Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab, and the King Ranch version in a 4×4 configuration should be able to handle just about any task thrown at it. And, it?s not like any truck that Henry ever manufactured in his day. It?s a work truck of the first magnitude, but it?s also a powerful luxury vehicle with enough amenities to rival a high-end luxury sedan.
There are two engines available to power this Ford F-350 behemoth. First is a healthy 6.2-liter SOHC 16-valve gasoline V8 that puts out 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm along with 405 pound feet of torque at 4,500 rpm (under 10,000 GVWR) or 316 horses at 4,179 with 397 pound feet of torque also at 4,179 rpm (over 10,000 GVWR). The next choice is a second generation 6.7-liter OHV, 32-valve Power Stroke? Turbo diesel that delivers 440 horsepower at 2,800 rpm, while developing a whopping 860 pound feet of torque at 1,600 rpm. Got any stumps to pull?
Both engines mate to a TorqShift? heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift? to gear motive force to either the rear wheels (4×2) or to all four (4×4). A high capacity tow package on the F-350 allows for 35,000-pound gross combined capacity weight rating and up to 26,500 pounds fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capability. The Package also includes new front springs and a wide track axle.
The new Ford F-350 comes in five trim levels: the base XL, XLT with more goodies, Lariat, the King Ranch and a Platinum. F-350 pricing begins at $31,045., plus $1,195 Destination and Delivery charges and taxes. There are three cab configurations from which to choose: Regular Cab; SuperCab; and Crew Cab, with two available bed lengths: 6.5 ft and 8 ft.
The exterior appeal of the F-350 Crew Cab is as attractive as any Super Duty truck can be. It is, after all, still a truck on the outside as it should be to accomplish its mission statement. The interior ambience presents an altogether different image. The cabin both fore and aft delivers sumptuous and luxurious surroundings. In fact, if the King Ranch version of this truck doesn?t have it, you probably don’t really need it.
Included as standard fare: fog lamps, body color painted grille surround with chrome insert, locking removable tailgate with lift assist, box tie-down hooks, power sliding rear window with privacy tint and defrost, spare tire and wheel locks, tow hooks, 1 touch up/down driver and passenger windows, 10-way power driver and passenger heated and cooled front seats, 110V/150W inverter in IP, 60/40 rear bench seat with flip up/fold down with head restraint and under seat storage, color coordinated carpet and floor mats, dual zone electronic automatic climate control, SONY premium stereo and single CD, SYNC with My Ford Touch, tilt/telescopic steering column, electrochromic mirror, fixed interval wipers, hill start assist, manual locking hubs, power windows and locks, powerscope TT power fold mirrors, power heated glass and signals, reverse sensing and rear view camera, trailer brake controller, trailer sway control, trailer tow package, 4-wheel ASBS, airbags and safety canopy, autolamp/ rainlamp, autolock/unlock, driver/passenger air bags, remote keyless entry, securilock pass anti theft, securicode keyless keypad and SOS post crash alert system.
And then, there were the following options: the Ruby Red metallic paint, lower two-tone Caribou accent paint, Preferred equipment Package, 6.7 Power Stroke V-8 diesel, 6-speed automatic transmission, LT 275/65 R20 OWL All-Terrain tires on Premium cast 20? polished aluminum wheels, 3.55 Locking Axle, King Ranch Trim and floor mats, cab steps (running boards) with lights, Navigation system, remote start system, universal garage door opener (assuming your garage is large enough), bodyside protection moldings, 11,500# GVWR Package, skid plates, 50 state emissions, spare tire and wheel, 5th wheel hitch prep Package, jack, trans power take-off provision, upfitter switches, dual alternators, tough bed spray-in bedliner and Destination and Delivery charge.
My test 2015 Ford F-350 King Ranch Crew Cab 4×4 with the PowerStroke V8 Diesel and 6-speed automatic wore a two-tone exterior of Ruby Red metallic upper and Caribou lower accent and featured an Adobe leather interior with King Ranch branding and was base priced at $54,895., with the options bumping the final sticker total to $68,460. Included was a 3-year/36,00 bumper to bumper warranty, a 5-year/60,000 powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000 roadside assistance program.
SUMMARY: As a stellar example of a Super Duty hauler, the King Ranch 4×4 Crew Cab version of the Ford F-350 is a force to be reckoned with, whether serving as a work base platform or as a luxury ride to a stylish social function. Admittedly, it?s not as easy to parallel park as some smaller luxury sedans, but it provides at least the same level of comfort and convenience amenities and often more. In a word, the Ford F-350 is ?humongous? or ?ginormous?. The F-350 is available in both Single Rear Wheel (SRW) or Dual Rear Wheel (DRW) for an even larger presence.
The big 6.7-liter PowerStroke diesel V-8 generates more muscle than one is likely to need on a regular basis, but it?s there if you need it.
Once you’re inside (entry is a bit of a chore for vertically challenged individuals) the big King Ranch pickup envelops one in sumptuous surroundings, while serving up virtually all of the latest in technology with intuitive controls and switchgear. It is capable of being both a home office on a construction site, or doing super duty for a gentleman or lady rancher.
Initially, the price seems as big as the truck itself, but given its content, versatility and capability, the Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Crew Cab 4×4 is actually priced less than say, a new fully equipped Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon Denali.
All in all, this big, good-looking truck is a vehicle for all seasons and reasons ? it?s powerful and luxurious rolled into one elevated ride, but you might want to lengthen your garage to accommodate it.
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?[wptabtitle] SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Ford F-350 Super Duty King Ranch Crew Cab 4×4 [/wptabtitle]
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| Base Price: | $54,895. |
| Price as Tested: | $68,460. |
| Engine Type and Size: | 6.7-liter OHV Power Stroke? Turbo Diesel with High-pressure common rail fuel injection. |
| Horsepower (bhp): | 440 @ 2,800 rpm |
| Torque (ft./ lbs.): | 860 @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission: | TorqShift heavy-duty six-speed automatic with SelectShift. |
| Drive Train: | Longitudinally-mounted front engine / 4×4 |
| Suspension: |
Front – Mono beam (narrow front track) with coil springs, shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. Rear ? Live axle with leaf springs, staggered shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. |
| Brakes: | Vacuum power-assisted four wheel vented discs with ABS. |
| Tires: | Michelin LTX All-Terrain LT 275/65 R20EW All-Terrain OWL mounted on 7-double-spoke alloy wheels. |
| Wheelbase: | 156.2 inches |
| Length Overall: | 246.8 inches |
| Width: | 104.9 inches ? with mirrors (110.0? with mirrors extended). |
| Height: | 80.8 inches |
| Curb Weight: | GVWR: 10,000 to 11,500 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 26 gallons |
| EPA Mileage Estimates: | Fuel Economy ratings not required on this vehicle. |
| Drag Coefficient: | Not listed. |
| 0 – 60 mph: | Not tested. |
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Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
