2015 Model Year F-450

F-450 Back to its Roots, Backbone of Super Duty Lineup

Published September 15th, 2014

Ford F-450 revised for 2015 model year, widens gap between F-450 and F-350 models, recoups "Best-in-Class" towing despite Ram's claim that the F-450 and Ram 3500 do not compete in the same category.

The F-450 was the backbone of Ford's Super Duty lineup until the 2011 model year, when the gap between the F-350 and F-450 grew closer than ever. For 2015, the F-450 takes a step back to its roots, not only providing a viable option for buyers who need a little more than the average 1 ton pickup has to offer, but also recouping the "Best-in-class" max tow title.

For 2015, the F-450 remains available in a Crew Cab, long bed (8'), 4x4 configuration, and the only engine offered is the 2nd Gen 6.7L Power Stroke mated to Ford's TorqShift 6 speed automatic transmission. 440 horsepower and 860 lb-ft of torque help the heavy-1 ton pull a maximum 19,000 lbs conventional and 31,200 lbs 5th wheel, ratings of which were developed per SAE J2807 standards.

The new Power Stroke's larger, single turbocharger configuration contributes to enhanced engine braking and decent control. An extra wide front track width offers increased stability, as does the standard trailer sway control system. The F-450 will be offered in five trim levels - XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, and the top tier Platinum.

The F-450 comes standard with 19.5" forged aluminum wheels. If payload is what you need, you'll want to stick with the F-350, which carries Ford's maximum rating of 6,840 lbs (1,500 lbs greater than the hefty F-450). At just North of 8,600 lbs curb weight, keeping the 37.5 fuel tank full might prove expensive as a daily driver, but if you've got some heavy lifting to do, the F-450 just might be the ticket.

2015 Model Year Comparison*

 

2015 Ford F-350

2015 Ford F-450

2015 Ram 3500

2015 GMC/Chevrolet 3500 HD

Engine:

6.7L Power Stroke

6.7L Power Stroke

6.7L Cummins H.O.

6.6L Duramax LML

Horsepower:

440 hp @ 2,800 rpm

440 hp @ 2,800 rpm

385 hp @ 2,800 rpm

397 hp @ 3,000 rpm

Torque:

860 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

860 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

865 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm

765 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm

GCWR:

35,000 lbs

40,400 lbs

37,600 lbs

30,500 lbs

Payload:

Up to 6,840 lbs

5,300 lbs

Up to 6,717 lbs

Up to 6,952 lbs

Conventional Tow:

Up to 19,000 lbs

19,000 lbs

17,000 lbs

16,000 lbs

5th Wheel Tow:

Up to 26,500 lbs

31,200 lbs

Up to 30,000 lbs

Up to 23,200 lbs

*Diesel engine equipped vehicles only - all ratings for gasoline equipped trucks omitted from comparison.

Source: ford.com, chevrolet.com, gmc.com, ramtrucks.com