Ford already has bragging rights to the highest towing and payload capacities in the half-ton segment, but for 2012 the segment-leading numbers received a substantial boost on popular Supercrew models.
The biggest gain comes on the 2012 EcoBoost-powered two-wheel drive Supercrew models with a 6.5-foot bed, jumping from 2,000 pounds of payload capacity to a whopping 2,590 pounds, according to the 2012 Fleet Preview Guide scoured over by PickupTrucks’ Mike Levine.
Another notable change comes for the 4X4 version of the otherwise same configuration as listed above, jumping from 1,890 pounds to 2,340 pounds maximum payload with the 6.5-foot box.
While it is not uncommon for manufacturers to add a few pounds here or there, and even just over 100 pounds of additional payload to keep products competitive, a nearly-600 pound gain comes not from additional testing and fudging of numbers, but rather a significant physical change.
While Ford has yet to confirm exactly what that change is officially, the most reasonable explanation is that Ford has decided to extend the availability of its heavy-duty payload package from the Regular cab and Supercab configurations with eight-foot beds to the more popular Supercrew. This beefs up the thickness of the frame rails, adds seven-lug wheels (and corresponding larger 10.25-inch gear set), heavy-duty shock absorbers, springs and battery, additional engine cooling, oil-to-air auxiliary transmission cooler and a more aggressive 4.10 axle ratio.
Looking closely at the numbers shows that Ford did not boost the payload capacities for the 5.5-foot bed-equipped Supercrew, which would be explained by the use of the same frame from the Supercab and eight-foot box on the Supercrew with a 6.5-foot box – allowing the carryover of the Heavy-duty Payload package.
Despite that, Ford did still bump the 5.5-foot bed Supercar slightly, from 1,880 and 1,960 to 1,930 and 1,970, respectively, for 4X2 and 4X4 models. The Supercab with the 6.5-foot box also saw a 10-pound jump.
The downside (to some) of the heavy-duty package is the switch to seven-lug wheels, which have fewer aftermarket replacements available than the more common six-lug variants. The truck will also be heavier due to the additional components and heavy-duty nature of certain aspects of the vehicle, which can negatively affect fuel economy, acceleration and deceleration slightly.
Given the highly desirable nature of the Supercrew cab configuration across the 1/2-ton truck segment, Ford’s move to offer heavy-duty capacities will give the truck-heavy automaker a significant advantage in the segment, which may prompt others to follow suit with similar changes or risk losing sales.
Stayed tuned as Leftlane obtains confirmation of the changes from Ford.
References
1.’2012 Ford F-150…’ view
