Workhorses, such as the 2016 Ford F450 XLT, are designed to be used as tools. Their purpose is to perform hard labor, and they can haul, move, and tow heavy loads unlike any passenger vehicle could. At the head of Ford’s F-series line of trucks is the F450, which has not been altered much from its 2015 retooling. Ramped up competition among manufacturers has led to the creation of a number of desirable heavy duty pickups, but the eye-catching design and capabilities of the 2016 Ford F450 XLT continue to elevate it above its competition.
In fact, the F450 XLT possesses an astronomical tow rating that, when fully exercised, would require the operator to have a commercial driver’s license. When outfitted with the proper accoutrements, the 2016 Ford F450 XLT is capable of towing a mind-blowing 31,000 pounds. The muscle behind the brawn is a 6.7 liter V8 turbodiesel engine that boasts 860 lb/ft of torque and 440 horsepower. The F450 XLT is outfitted with engine exhaust braking to assist in maintaining control during towing while on downhill grades.
Coming standard are four-wheel drive, a limited slip differential, and a six speed automatic transmission. With its conventional trailer hitch, the F450 can tow upwards of 19,000 pounds. When arranged for fifth wheel towing, the number increases to 31,000 pounds. With proper equipment, the max payload capacity for this truck is slightly over 5,000 pounds. On average, the 2016 Ford F450 XLT will reach 0-60 in 8.3 seconds.
With regards to safety, the XLT is equipped with standard antilock brakes, hill start assist, trailer sway control, curtain style side airbags, and SOS post-crash alert system. Although stability control is not available on the XLT, traction control is a standard.
In terms of trim and accessories, the XLT is a step up from the base XL and provides a chrome grill and bumpers, deep tinted rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, remote keyless entry, padded door armrests, an integrated trailer brake controller, cloth upholstery, a carpeted floor, and a middle seat that can be converted to a center console. When it comes to electronics, the XLT boasts the Ford Sync command system, audio and Bluetooth phone connectivity, a four speaker sound system, and a CD player that is equipped with satellite radio, a USB port, and an auxiliary radio jack.
Also available is the optional Ford Work Solutions package, which includes an in-dash computer that can be customized to meet the needs of fleets and other commercial users. Another optional package, the FX4 Off Road Package, includes Rancho shock absorbers and skid plates.
For heavy duty applications, the 2016 Ford F450 XLT is more than capable of handling the job. Like other heavy duty, crew cab trucks, it casts an imposing figure. Measuring 9 feet wide and nearly 22 feet long, it is a handful, and because it has a wider track than those of Super Duty models, it does require more room to turn around.
To learn more about what the 2016 Ford F450 XLT has to offer, contact your nearest dealer today.
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