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This is no Stick in the Mud Truck

By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

Recently I had a chance to test drive new Ford Trucks. These trucks are not just well-built and well-designed. They are hard working trucks that do the job with style-- and are a lot of fun to drive.

We certainly put these trucks to the test. On a rare ice-storm in South Texas, Ford handled the double challenge of critical automotive journalists and weather that was fighting them on every front. Ford had planned to fly us in their company plane from Dallas to Kerrville, and then go on to a ranch in the Texas Hill Country.

No such luck. Although the trucks could have driven there, it was not possible to fly-in. Ford quickly rerouted us, first to San Antonio, and then finally down to Corpus Christi, Texas, 200 miles to the South.

The trucks were driven down to Corpus Christi, to meet several dozen eager but weary automotive journalists. We drove a route they had set up to show off the skills and features of the trucks. The weather got worse. The highways were closed. But the Ford team always had a solution.

It was like we were fighting a battle with an unseen enemy who had unlimited resources and lots of tricks up their sleeve. Each time the weather attacked, Ford changed the battle plan and quickly rerouted or rescheduled us.

I realized people who can handle challenges like this, can certainly build a vehicle. A great vehicle. No wonder these trucks have had the slogan Tough Built for thirty years.

The writers were wet. We were weary. But we were certainly aware of the wonders of these trucks.

While the more veteran writers were impressed by the new features and fine tuning of the engine, I was impressed by the luxury and convenience features. I am not an a frequent truck driver, but the experience with these Ford Built Tough trucks gave me a whole new outlook.

From the minute I hopped into my first 450, I began to understand what makes these trucks so popular. I am short. I always find it hard to get into the cab of a truck. But these trucks had a running board design along the side that made it easy to get in. I bet you could even do it in a straight skirt.

And the interiors looked so classy, I wondered if they had been done by an interior decorator. Much more luxurious than what I expected. An example of one of the nice little touches is the extra switches on the dashboard. These can hook up to anything the owner wants to add, a frequent customization by truck owners.

I loved the little details. Even adjusting the mirrors was something special. The side mirrors close in flat—really neat. I don’t know of any other truck that does that.

Later, I had a chance to see how well the 2008 Ford-F Series could pull a load. We tested both 30,000 and 60,000 pounds. It drove well, with no feeling of pulling. That means I could get all the things I wanted from the mall home with no problem.

STEPPING IT UP

The 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty’s Integrated Tailgate Step™ is one small step for man (and woman) , one giant leap for convenient cargo loading. The Tailgate Step ™ is fully integrated, housed inside the tailgate and virtually invisible when not in use—the lower step becoming the center of the top rail of the tailgate when stowed.

VERY  ENTERTAINING

All audio systems in Ford Built Tough Trucks are now MP3 capable with a standard auxiliary audio input. A DVD navigation system with an in-dash screen is available on the FX4 and Lariat SuperCabs and Crew Cabs. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system is available on the XLT, FX4 and Lariat crew Cabs.

CLEAN AND GREEN

The cleanest, quietest  Power Stroke® diesel ever powers the 2008 Ford Super Duty pickup.  Because diesel engines consume less fuel per mile than conventional gasoline engines and are able to extract more energy from a given quantity of fuel, they can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

FORD TURNS THE WICKED WEATHER INTO AN ADVANTAGE

Although I am not an experienced off-roader (okay, I did do it once before) I really enjoyed driving these deluxe trucks around a ranch. And the muddy fields gave Ford a chance to show off the traction and other features.

Thanks to the rainy weather, Ford was really able to make a big splash in introducing these tucks.

THIS WAS A TRUCK I LOVED DRIVING, AND THAT’S NO BULL

Madelyn Miller is a travel, food and auto driver who drives a Ford Escort. But she is lusting for one of these Built Tough trucks. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.chocolateatlas.com ,  www.teatlas.com , www.cocktailatlas.com and www.teaAtlas.com. She has a couple more websites up her sleeve.

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