2018 Ford® Super Duty® Pickup Truck | Durability Features | Ford.com

2018 Ford Super Duty towing trailer on a work site

Durability you need today — and over the long haul.

Today’s generation of the Ford Super Duty® is the toughest, most capable heavy-duty pickup we’ve ever built. Body weight was slashed by going with high-strength, military-grade60 aluminum alloy. Some of that weight savings was then reinvested where it really counts in a work truck — stronger axles, beefier steering and chassis components, and a fully boxed frame built of over 95 percent high-strength steel. The result is a pickup that’s stronger yet lighter, delivering class-leading* payload and towing.
*When properly configured. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. (3,855 kg) GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
2018 Ford Super Duty standing on dirt field

High-Strength, Military-Grade, Aluminum-Alloy Body

The Super Duty® has the only high-strength, military-grade60, aluminum alloy body in its class.* Aluminum alloy is substantially lighter than the previous body, yet it’s remarkably strong. It’s also more dent-and-ding resistant and not subject to red rust corrosion. Use of aluminum alloy allowed some of the weight savings to be reinvested where it matters the most, especially in the frame that’s the foundation of strength and toughness.
*Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. (3,855 kg) GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
Stripped 2018 Ford Super Duty frame

Fully Boxed High-Strength Steel Frame

The fully boxed frame is built with 95 percent high-strength steel with up to ten crossmembers. The result? It’s 24 times stiffer than the frame in previous generation. That means less flexing and twisting while maximizing strength and torsional rigidity — and helps Super Duty® achieve the highest payload and tow ratings in its class*.

*When properly configured. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. (3,855 kg) GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
Underside of the 2018 Ford Super Duty, showing axle

Strong Axles

Like the fully boxed high-strength steel frame, the axles are stronger in today’s generation of the Ford Super Duty® pickup. That means greater weight-bearing capability so you can get more done, whether you’re operating an upfit like a snowplow, or hauling big payloads that concentrate more weight on the rear axle. The axles are also designed to handle the 935 lbs. ft. of torque of the available 6.7L Power Stroke® Turbo Diesel.
2018 Ford Super Duty kicking up dust on trial road

Responsive Ride, Handling and Steering

Today’s Ford Super Duty® is engineered with stronger-than-ever frame and axles for superior load-carrying capability. The suspension and steering components are also stronger, to deliver the responsiveness and control you need while hauling or towing huge loads on the road or at the job site. The springs are specifically designed to work with the new frame and take advantage of the lighter aluminum alloy body*.

* Versus predecessor generation

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2018 Ford Super Duty pulling large boat trailer

AdvanceTrac® with RSC® and Trailer Sway Control19

Super Duty® comes with standard AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ (RSC® )19  and Trailer Sway Control19  on both single- and dual-rear-wheel models. Both systems use gyroscopic sensors and apply a combination of reduced engine power and selective wheel braking to help maintain the stability of the vehicle and the trailer in tow.19
Close-up picture of brakes on 2018 Ford Super Duty

Largest Brakes in Class (F-450)

The components of the 4-wheel anti-lock brakes in the F-450 model are the largest in their class* — and for two important reasons. You want them to provide the sure stopping power you expect when you’re out on the job hauling tons of whatever it is that’s riding along with you behind the cab. And you want them to last, because having to replace brakes too often can be a real drag on your bottom line.
*Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. (3,855 kg) GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
2018 Ford Super Duty on open road

Over 19 Million Kilometres of Testing

We committed this latest generation of the Super Duty to over 19 million kilometres of testing, under real and simulated conditions. We also put prototype models in the hands of people like you, working in some of the most demanding industries. Our goal: Build a line of Class 3-5 trucks with extraordinary performance and capability.
2018 Ford Super Duty in mud testing tunnel

Engineering for the Extremes

We evaluated the Super Duty® on computers and dynamometers in the lab, then tested it at the proving grounds and on public roads and highways at temperatures across the spectrum to ensure this truck is ready for all the extremes Canada has to offer. We conducted thermal shocks that swung ambient temperature 120 degrees Celsius in under two minutes, as well as powertrain tests that replicated going up a six-degree grade over 800 kilometres. We subjected Super Duty® to four-post frame twists, gravel, dust, water, salt brine, mud baths and even intentionally tested with worn or broken parts. We’re talking here about extreme conditions that often went far beyond what you would likely encounter on your toughest of jobs.
Try to avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs and proceed slowly. Refer to your owner’s manual for detailed information regarding driving through water.

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