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Ultimate Towing Machine: 2015 Ford F-450 Rated Best-in-Class Using Society of Automotive Engineers J2807 Standard

  • For customers who require no-compromise towing capability, the 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty Class 3 pickup boasts the highest rating of any pickup truck in the United States – 31,200 pounds, measured using the Society of Automotive Engineers J2807 standard
  • F-450 Super Duty towing capability is 2,200 pounds greater than its closest competitor’s crew cab 4x4 pickup truck
  • Ford will rate 2015 F-Series Super Duty maximum payload using base curb weight, aligning its payload rating practices with other manufacturers to make it easier for customers to compare vehicles

Ford reaffirms the undisputed heavy-duty towing leadership of the 2015 Ford F-450 Super Duty Class 3 pickup at 31,200 pounds after testing using the Society of Automotive Engineers J2807 standard.

SAE J2807 establishes tow vehicle performance requirements against certain performance criteria to determine a truck’s maximum trailer tow rating. Ford is a founding member of the J2807 committee, which includes other truck and trailer manufacturers.

“We leave no doubt with customers that the F-450 pickup truck has best-in-class towing of 31,200 pounds – whether tested using our own internal towing standards or SAE J2807,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

2015 Ford F-450 upgrades
Ford improved the 2015 F-450 pickup by giving it a more capable version of the F-350 frame, plus a more capable suspension and 19.5-inch wheels and tires to enable its best-in-class towing.

The F-450 pickup is available exclusively as a crew cab 4x4. The truck’s J2807-certified maximum tow rating is 2,200 pounds greater than its closest competitor’s crew cab 4x4 pickup.

Best-in-class towing performance is achieved with Ford’s second-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbo diesel engine that has been developed to provide the segment’s top combination of power, torque and efficiency. The Power Stroke boasts best-in-class 440 horsepower across all Super Duty pickup models – from F-250 to F-450. Super Duty also offers 860 lb.-ft. of torque for the same models.

Ford is the only heavy-duty pickup truck manufacturer that designs and builds its own diesel engine and transmission combination – from concept to execution – ensuring the powertrain will work seamlessly with all chassis components and vehicle calibrations. This approach enables Ford engineers to optimize the vehicle’s performance across the entire lineup.

Ford previously determined F-450 pickup towing capacity using rigorous internal testing standards exclusively. Now it has added SAE J2807 test procedures, reaffirming the F-450 pickup rating. F-450 passed the additional tests with 31,200 pounds in tow, just as it passed Ford internal tests.

SAE J2807 requires the vehicle to be loaded with about 400 pounds more weight than Ford’s internal test (two passengers instead of one, and base curb weight instead of minimum curb weight), but the weight addition has no effect on F-450 towing capacity. Using either standard, F-450 has best-in-class towing capacity of 31,200 pounds.

As a result of the J2807 test results, Ford is also increasing the F-450 pickup’s already best-in-class gross combined weight rating from 40,000 pounds to 40,400 pounds – topping the nearest competitor by 2,500 pounds

Payload rating changes
Ford is migrating to the J2807 standard when it introduces all-new vehicles and will use base curb weight, rather than minimum curb weight, to determine payload ratings for all of its pickup trucks. The change will align Ford’s payload rating practices with other manufacturers to make it easier for customers to compare vehicles.

Using base curb weight, maximum payload for the 2015 F-450 pickup goes from 5,450 pounds to 5,300 pounds.

As always, actual payload ratings are determined for an individual vehicle in its as-built condition at the factory. Ford F-Series Super Duty customers continue to have the flexibility to add or delete equipment to meet their specific payload needs. Each truck’s unique payload rating can be found on the tire and loading label on the door frame.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.