2003 Ford F-450 in Nashville, TN - $24,988

The Ford Motor Company continues to "put its money where its mouth is" for 2012 with best in class towing capabilities, a beefed-up frame and improved hitch designed for hard work and lots of it. A continuous stream of improvements for the 2012 model year keeps this heavy-duty pickup at the head of the pack. Higher-strength steel in a frame cross member and an upgraded trailer hitch enable best-in-class conventional trailer tow ratings of 17,500 pounds and 24,500 pounds with fifth-wheel hitch.

The 2012 Ford F-450 is offered only as a 4WD Crew Cab model with dual rear wheels (DRW) and available in XL, XLT, Lariat and King Ranch trim levels. Power for the Ford F-450 Super Duty is generated by a new Ford-engineered 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbocharged diesel engine. Torque is communicated to all four-wheels through a6R140 TorqShift six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

The Ford-designed and built 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine delivers as much as 20 percent better fuel economy than the 6.4L it replaced. The engine also can run on up to B20 biodiesel fuel.

The 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty offers an array of towing options from inside the bed thanks to the first-ever factory-installed and warranted fifth-wheel and gooseneck substructure directly attached to the frame. The electrical connection is mounted in the side of the bed wall, providing a clean installation. Factory gooseneck and fifth-wheel hitch kits are available as well.

Inside the passenger cabin, the available 4.2-inch productivity screen helps customers get the most out of their Super Duty. Menu options, which include information related to fuel economy and towing performance, among others, are accessed through a five-way switch on the steering wheel. A towing checklist for conventional, fifth-wheel and gooseneck applications is available to help even novice towers tow like a pro.

Available Ford Work Solutions™ features Crew Chief™, a telematics and diagnostics system to inform fleet managers of their fleets' locations and maintenance needs; and Cable Lock, a security system to secure large tools or equipment in the cargo area.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 156.2; overall length: 246.8; width: 96.0; height; 79.7

All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 6.7L V8 turbo-diesel – 400 hp at 2,800 rpm and 800 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed heavy duty automatic.

Payload capacity: 5,260 lbs.

Towing capacity: 17,500 lbs (conventional); 24,500 lbs. (fifth-wheel)

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc Hydro-Boost brakes with anti-lock, limited slip rear differential, tire pressure monitors, front recovery hooks, hill decent control, traction control, stability control, SecuriLock theft deterrent system, trailer sway control, and full-size spare tire. XLT adds remote keyless entry and alarm system. Lariat adds SYNC communications system, fog lights, reverse sensing system and power adjustable pedals. King Ranch adds universal garage door opener, remote engine start, and rearview camera.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Ford F-450 Super Duty pickup truck starts from $49,395 for the XL upto $63,615 for the King Ranch. Destination charges add $995.