It’s no secret: the real story of every Ford F-Series Super Duty truck begins when you drive it off the lot. These trucks are at their best when you’re putting them to the test, whether you’re hauling a salt spreader or ATV carrier.

That’s why when it came time to develop the all-new 2017 Super Duty, Ford put the new truck line through the wringer like never before to make sure it’s ready for just about anything you have to throw at it.

Ford’s unconventional methods included virtual torture testing in supercomputers and sending the Super Duty through purpose-built potholes. To add further accuracy, Ford engineers fitted the latest version of their truck with a variety of popular aftermarket equipment, including glass racks, salt spreaders, and other cargo boxes.

High-strength materials deliver exceptional quality

The 2017 Ford Super Duty cargo box is tougher than ever with an all-new body incorporating high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy, making it more dent- and ding-resistant than the outgoing model and eliminating the risk of red rust corrosion. The new body is paired with a brand-new fully boxed frame composed of more than 95 percent high-strength steel that’s up to 24 times stiffer than the previous frame.

Ford body structure engineers utilized supercomputer simulations to virtually optimize cargo box performance before the first models arrived at the Michigan Proving Grounds. It’s just one example of how Ford is using the latest technology to improve efficiency and deliver exceptional performance—and of how the Super Duty is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of drivers and jobs.

Once the prototypes hit the track equipped with aftermarket accessories, the results were just as phenomenal. Even after overloading select equipment, the Super Duty’s new box design passed every test with ease. Ford examined the test vehicles in the lab following the challenge and found no concerns in either the supporting structure or mounting surfaces.

2017 Super Duty arriving at Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands late this year

The 2017 Super Duty will be produced at the Kentucky Truck Plant and is expected to arrive at dealerships in late 2016. Before then, you can keep up with the latest info through the Gullo Ford of Conroe - The Woodlands newsletter. Contact us for more information. 

Image: Ford Motor Company