I got the opportunity to drive a 2011 F-250 Lariat SuperCrew for four days
this February and since I already own a 2011 F-250 extended cab XLT I
wasn't expecting much of a difference...I was wrong.
The first thing I noticed was the smoother than extended cab ride (even
while unloaded, throw a couple hundred pounds in the spacious box and it's
even better). I dont expect a touring sedan smooth ride when driving a 3/4
ton truck but Ford has really smoothed things out...even over rough gravel
roads. The longer wheelbase of the SuperCrew really lessens the bounces I
felt vs. my extended cab.
Secondly, when backing up with a fully loaded 12,000 lb. trailer I was
expecting the longer SuperCrew to be cumbersome but didn't notice a
difference compared to my shorter extended cab. Thanks to Ford's very
generous turning capacity maneuvering is a breeze.
As with all new 6.7L Ford diesels this one was quieter than most gasoline
trucks from even less than 5 years ago. Diesels are traditionally known
for towing power (which the F-250 has no shortage of) and noise (which
thankfully now is lacking). I spoke to a customer mine through the open
driver's side window with him standing 10 feet away and didn't have to
raise my voice to be understood...try doing that with any other diesel!
I deliver firewood and as such routinely haul upwards of 12,000 lbs of
wood in a bumper hitch trailer and another 1500 lbs in the box. Of course
you know the added weight is there but the combination of horsepower,
torque, 6 speed automatic, trailer tow assist settings and elecronic sway
control go a long ways to helping out...be it on the highway or
maneuvering through small city back lanes and parking lots.
The leather seats, sunroof, amazing stereo sysem (complete with Sirius
satellite radio) all help to make the work day seem that much shorter.
Especially if your "office" is the cab of the F-250.
About the only thing I would change is the complexity of the onboard GPS
system. Entering a destination feels like it takes about 3 more steps than
it should but that may be because I'm used to my trusty portable Garmin
GPS. Though having the coordinates / display right there on the console
certainly made navigation a breeze.
Overall, a great truck....be it for work or cruising around showing off
all that size and chrome.
