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AUTO REVIEW
I don’t think so, but fanboys of Ford, GM, engine, and the extra torque was wonderful. tow anything during my time with the F-
and Ram pickups will continue to argue this Was it $8,595 wonderful? That’s up to you. 350, so I’ll leave it at that.
point forever.
Ford offers the F-350 in XL, XLT, Lariat, The new aluminum bodied Ford F-350
The interior, on the other hand, is a lot King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels. My pickup is a huge vehicle that has amazing
more advanced than interiors used to be in test truck was a King Ranch, which was cer- towing and hauling capabilities, and yet it
pickups. The seats are comfortable and al- tainly nice thanks to many creature comforts has a nice ride as well as luxury car-like tech
most infinitely adjustable, the gauges and that used to be the exclusive purview of lux- and creature comforts. While I’d never do it,
dials are fully electronic and oh-so high tech, ury cars. Having said that, my tester had a I can see why some owners use their Super
and the materials you see and touch are al- sticker price of, gulp, just over $80,000. For Duties for everyday transportation. They’re
most — almost — luxury car nice. There’s a pickup truck. impressive vehicles.
also Bluetooth phone and audio connectiv-
ity, apps like Pandora, and Apple Ford Super Duty pickups have always If you’re in the market for this kind of ve-
CarPlay/Android Auto. Pickups used to be been about towing horse trailers, campers, hicle, call Phil Hornbeak at 210-301-4367.
so utilitarian back in the day. Not anymore. and boats, and with that in mind Ford
boasts that the F-350 can now pull up to Steve Schutz, MD, is a
F-350s come standard with a 6.2-liter V- 32,000 pounds of whatever behind it. If you board-certified gastroenterolo-
8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmis- need to approach the towing limits of this gist who lived in San Antonio
sion. Ford offers its 6.7-liter turbo-diesel V-8 big beast, you’ll need the optional goose- in the 1990s when he was sta-
on all models for an $8,595 upcharge. That neck/fifth-wheel trailer attachment, but the tioned here in the U.S. Air
extra money buys you greater towing capac- standard (adjustable) under-bumper receiver Force. He has been writing auto reviews for
ity, a heavy-duty transmission, and better hitch is rated for towing up to 21,000 San Antonio Medicine since 1995.
fuel economy. My tester came with the diesel pounds, which is a pretty big boat. I didn’t
visit us at www.bcms.org 53
