Several months back, we were introduced to the 2017 Ford Super Duty which will be constructed with aluminum exterior body panels, in the same fashion as the smaller F-150. While the aluminum body supposedly provides an increase in dent resistance, the biggest difference in the material change is weight savings. What we thought best about that change, is the fact that this enabled Ford to add more weight to the suspension and drivetrain, without adding any additional mass compared to the previous steel bodied variety.

According to PickupTrucks, “The fully boxed frame is composed of 95 percent high-strength steel, making the frame 24 times stiffer than the previous generation. The truck sits about 1.5 inches taller, due in large part to the taller and heavier-duty frame and corresponding suspension points. Each point along the driveline is stronger and thicker to better handle new, heavier towing and carrying loads.” Ultimately the aluminum body enables the new Super Duty to have higher strength components, a stronger frame, and still weigh 350 pounds less than the previous model.

The new Super Duty can also be factory equipped with up to seven cameras. The guys at PickupTrucks explain, “One forward looking (used for lane departure warning and automatic high beams) at the top of the windshield, one in the front grille and one on each side mirror (used for the 360-degree surround view feature), one on the tailgate for backing up, one in the third brake light at the top of the rear window for easier trailer hookup and a new class-exclusive remote camera that can be placed on the back of a trailer. This remote trailer camera comes with a super-long cable that plugs into the trailer brake connection at the hitch and activates when the truck is shifted into Reverse, allowing the driver to see what’s behind the trailer (or, ostensibly, anywhere the driver decides to place that camera).”

These changes seem to be welcomes by the majority of Super Duty buyers, especially those additions that help with towing. A good percentage of diesel truck owners use their trucks to tow and haul, and considering the number of the Super Dutys purchased, these changes should help out a large percentage of the Ford truck market.