Ford, Ram Quarrel over Heavy-Duty Pickup Towing Title

Here we go again. :(

Larry P. Vellequette - Automotive News - July 28, 2014



2015 Ford F-450 DRW 4x4 – $52,915 to start incl. D&H. while offering a 31,200 pound tow rating with the std. 4.30 rear end.



Ford’s second-generation 440 hp and 860 lb.-ft. of torque 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel in the 2015 F-450 tops the F-Series Super Duty pickup truck lineup with maximum fifth-wheel/gooseneck towing capacity of 31,200 pounds.



6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel Engine improvements



The 2015 Super Duty achieves “best-in-class” towing performance with its second-generation 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel engine.



The 6.7L Power Stroke was built around its compacted graphite iron engine block and reverse-flow layout and shorter airflow from the exhaust system to the new larger turbocharger.



New injector tips spray a higher flow of atomized fuel into the cylinders, which helps provide additional power, a more complete burn and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. Other benefits include lower emissions and less fuel deposit buildup on the intake valves over time.



The Sticking Point, Chassis Improvements



Improvements to F-450 that allow it to handle the increased tow rating include commercial- grade 19.5-inch wheels and tires, upgraded rear U-joints and suspension components with new leaf springs, front and rear stabilizer bars and shocks. The steering system has stronger gears and linkages and the fifth-wheel/gooseneck has increased towing capacity. The brakes, shared with Super Duty chassis cab models, are larger and feature new antilock calibration for enhanced performance.



All italicized text is our own… -- Ed.



Auto News Article



Ford is threatening legal action if Ram keeps claiming that its pickups offer "best-in-class" towing.



Ram's response? In so many words, it's telling Ford to go pound sand.



At issue is Ford's claim in mid-July that a 2015 F-450 4x4 Crew Cab pickup can tow 31,200 pounds.



That is 1,200 pounds -- about the weight of a good-sized horse -- more than the Ram 3500's highest towing capacity of 30,000 pounds in a 4x2 Regular Cab pickup. So Ford claims the "best-in-class" towing crown for heavy-duty pickups.



But it's not that simple, thanks in part to the unique way Ford calculates maximum payload.



Ram says the F-450 and the Ram 3500 aren't in the same class. It says the F-450 is a larger, Class 4 pickup -- in fact, the only Class 4 pickup offered by any automaker… [Read More]

Ford, Ram Quarrel over Heavy-Duty Pickup Towing Title