How Well Does the 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Perform?
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Company
As part of testing prior to the start of full production and sales, Ford provided two pre-production 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickups to Florida Power and Light. How have the trucks held up since September 2009, moving equipment across the state’s highways and servicing hardware in the Everglades?
“So far, so good,” said Claude Masters, FPL’s vehicle acquisition and fleet manager at Ford's first drive media introduction for the new Super Duty.
How did the power utility wind up with two Super Dutys more than six months before they’re set to go on sale? FPL is recognized as a “top 10 benchmark fleet” by the U.S. work truck industry, Masters said. FPL is also a member of Ford’s fleet advisory board, which is made up of a select group of commercial customers that provide feedback to the company for current and future products.
“We told Ford that the new trucks have new engines, a new transmission and diesel exhaust fluid [system for emissions],” Masters said. “If we heard all of that stuff on the first day of sales, we’d be very skeptical [customers]. If [Ford] wanted us to, we’d be the guys to test it, and we’ll tell others what we think.”
Ford also could closely monitor the trucks out in the field using wireless remote data collectors that continuously send information back to Ford’s engineers.
Both of FPL’s Super Duty pickups are equipped with Ford’s new in-house designed and manufactured 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V-8. One is four-wheel drive, and the other is two-wheel drive.
“Most of our fleet runs on diesel fuel,” Masters said. “There’s a strategy behind using diesel because we get a lot of hurricanes [in Florida]. We’ve had up to 9,000 vehicles doing hurricane restoration, and they all ran on diesel. It’s easier to find diesel than it is to find gasoline, and I can run [the test trucks] on biodiesel.”
FPL champions the use of renewable fuels, so both trucks have been running on B20 biodiesel (80 percent ultra-low sulfur diesel, 20 percent biodiesel). The utility runs its own quality checks on the fuel to make sure it exceeds ASTM International standards, so problems such as contaminated fuel won’t damage the engines.
One of the earliest concerns that FPL’s fleet operators had was how much of an impact refilling DEF would have on drivers. Time spent refilling fluids and taking care of other maintenance items takes away from tending to business activities.
DEF is one method used by clean diesels to scrub harmful nitrogen oxide pollution from the vehicle’s exhaust stream. The urea-based solution (32.5 percent industrial urea and 67.5 percent deionized water) is held in a separate storage tank and injected as a fine mist into the hot exhaust gases. The heat turns the urea into ammonia that, when combined with a special catalytic converter, breaks down the nitrogen oxide into harmless nitrogen gas and water vapor.
“On some commercial vehicles, our guys have to add DEF every second or third fill-up,” Masters said. “Ford told us the target was to add DEF at the time of the first oil change, at around 7,500 miles. After checking the oil life monitor, we waited until the trucks had 9,000 miles to change the oil and add DEF. The DEF tank still had more than 25 percent DEF remaining. That was a good-news story because we’re trying to figure out if adding urea and oil service intervals could get out of balance.”
DEF use can vary with a diesel engine’s duty cycle. The harder an engine works, the more DEF may be used to clean the exhaust. One of the Super Dutys has been used primarily unloaded on the highway, and the second has been used to pull a 9,000-pound enclosed trailer carrying sophisticated electronic equipment and a 21-foot boat needed to navigate the remote swamps where some FPL equipment is located.
“If I had to guess how often the second truck is pulling a trailer, it’s about 60 percent of the time,” Masters said.
The Super Dutys have racked up about 15,000 miles.
Ford has said its new Super Dutys will have best-in-class fuel economy, promising an 18 percent improvement for its diesel pickups. What kind of mileage has FPL observed?
“One guy drives all over the state,” Masters said. “If he’s driving from South Florida to North Florida, he used to have to stop to fill the truck up. Now he doesn’t. There are also remotely monitored driver logs and manual records. I can’t tell you that fuel economy has improved from 15 mpg to 18 mpg, but anecdotally they’re seeing an improvement of anywhere from 18 percent to 25 percent. I can’t provide a specific number because the trucks idle so much.”
Based on the maintenance track record of Ford’s two previous diesel engines, Masters is keeping a close eye on the trucks’ reliability and durability.
“I’m expecting the turbocharger and fuel system to have a better track record [than the previous 6.0-liter and 6.4-liter diesels],” Masters said. “So far we haven’t had any problems. There haven’t been any service-related interruptions to the trucks.”
Comments
well this doesnt sound to bad to me! Go Ford!! still cnt wait for the Shootout.
i like the super duty black grill. it looks tough.
"How did the power utility wind up with two Super Dutys more than six months before they’re set to go on sale? FPL is recognized as a “top 10 benchmark fleet” by the U.S. work truck industry, Masters saidBased on the maintenance track record of Ford’s two previous diesel engines, Masters is keeping a close eye on the trucks’ reliability and durability. "
“I’m expecting the turbocharger and fuel system to have a better track record [than the previous 6.0-liter and 6.4-liter diesels],” Masters said. “So far we haven’t had any problems. There haven’t been any service-related interruptions to the trucks.”
Uh by the way FPL received a grand total of "two" new trucks to use for the past year.
with quotes like this coming from a ford acknowledged top 10 benchmark for fleet study, now you know why just a quick search on a popular online motor search page for used pickups will show that although FORD sells say something like 10-20% more overall trucks than GM, theres exactly TWICE as many used 3/4 ton Fords for sale!
Now Ford advocates/diehards explain them apples with a honest straight face!
Madman, you actually have to substantiate your claims before you can ask us to explain them. Because when I looked for a used pickup, there were a lot more Chevy's to choose from. A dime a dozen they were. I already had a Chevy, and didn't want another one. It was harder to find a used Ford or Dodge.
The Chevys were cheap, because of an oversupply on the used car market. That is my experience. It's anecdotal, but I wasn't looking for evidence to try to prove anything, that was just my experience in shopping for a truck.
You are here to prove something. So back it up. As a GM fanboy, you have every right to conduct an independent test if you don't like to hear/read positive things about Fords. So go ahead, and let us know how it works out for you.
I am a GM fan, but I have to say that the black grill does look really good IMO.
x2, I'm ready for the shootout. I wonder what the Ram will bring to the table for 2011.
Alex, you're full of $hit. I just did a search in the central Texas area and I found twice as many Ford Heavy Duty trucks for sale than Chevy/GMC combined!!! Pull your head out of your a$$ and stop coming on here as a Ford fanboy and spewing lies and exaggerations! Texas is probably the largest truck market in the world and we set the benchmark for the rest of the country. Do a search on cars.com and see for yourself! Ford may be selling more Heavy Duty trucks than GM, but a lot more people are trying to get rid of them too! I certainly wouldn't be buying a guinea pig engine from Ford anytime soon. The Duramax motor is a proven Hoss and is extremely reliable/dependable and I'd be damned if I'm going to risk buying a Ford just because it's updated. We'll know in a few years how good those diesel engines are that Ford is making, until then, people should stick with the best, the Chevy Duramax and Allison Transmission!
WOW Ford is serious with the truck all those test will debug the trucks weak point before it reach the customer.
Good job Ford
"Alex, you're full of $hit. I just did a search in the central Texas area and I found twice as many Ford Heavy Duty trucks for sale than Chevy/GMC combined!!! Pull your head out of your a$$ and stop coming on here as a Ford fanboy and spewing lies and exaggerations! Texas is probably the largest truck market in the world and we set the benchmark for the rest of the country. Do a search on cars.com and see for yourself! Ford may be selling more Heavy Duty trucks than GM, but a lot more people are trying to get rid of them too! I certainly wouldn't be buying a guinea pig engine from Ford anytime soon. The Duramax motor is a proven Hoss and is extremely reliable/dependable and I'd be damned if I'm going to risk buying a Ford just because it's updated. We'll know in a few years how good those diesel engines are that Ford is making, until then, people should stick with the best, the Chevy Duramax and Allison Transmission!"- Chris
Someone pissed in his wheaties this morning. Hahahah lol!. Spin it anyway you want Fanboi.
GM are you listening. Why can't you go out and get company to test you're turds. Oh wait, I don't think they want too.
LMAO!!!
By the way, nice article.
Chris, I have been to cars.com, autotrader.com, ebay.com all when I was looking to buy a truck. I am not looking now. I couldn't give a rat's @ss if there were more Ford's for sale. In fact, that's what I wanted. I would have loved a cheap Ford. But it was a lot easier to buy a Chevy. The Chevy's were going cheaper too. Of course, you don't sound like a Chevy fanboy at all.... no really, not at all :P Keep fighting Chris!
Alex and Frank, As a Ford Fanboys you have to admit it looks like Ford is in some serious trouble with this urea fill up thingy. Go Chevy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GM doesn't use urea.
Looks like a pretty softball testing there. Why not give it to companies that haul or tow loads? Bizarre!
Just did a search of my surrounding area and Fords and Chevy/GMC are even. Both are about twice as much as Dodge or Toyota and over 100X greater than Subaru which was single digit.
So let us proclaim here and now what we've always known. The best most loved trucks on the road are Subaru's ITS OFFICIAL, END OF STORY!!!!. Thanks madman.
I can't imagine why anyone would use the used car market to determine the quality of a vehicle, especially a truck.
Logical fallacies seem to permeate a few posts here.
Yeah Alex, change your story yet again. Chevy's were cheaper? Really? How about getting yourself an education! Ever hear of price elasticity of demand? The larger the supply, the lower the price....that's as easy as I can make it for a Ford fanboy like yourself. You're full of $hit, end of story.
Frank, why would Chevy need to debug something that isn't broken? You just made yourself look stupid. The Duramax has been out for about 10 years now and all the bugs are gone, in fact, it's getting better in 2011. No need for them to have companies test them for bugs and problems which is why I would never buy a whole new powerplant in its 1st year of production! You know there are going to be problems!
Bobby, yes the new Duramax will use the Urea fill up like Ford. Dodges don't but other than their diesel motor, they're crap.
Actually Dodge is the only one not using Urea for the 2011 model year, and I'm pretty sure FPL just displayed how well it works in the new SD. I love that grille, do away with the chrome!
Chris, sounds like you have started studying the very basics of economics right now, and now you think you're smart. Haha. Yes there is an oversupply of Chevy's on the 2nd hand market, and... not much demand for them. That's why their price is lower. The elasticity has to do with how much the demand would change if the price were to vary, not really what I was talking about, but ok...
I'll give you 4 gold stars for randomness.
"Alex and Frank, As a Ford Fanboys you have to admit it looks like Ford is in some serious trouble with this urea fill up thingy. Go Chevy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GM doesn't use urea". - bobby1971
Ill-informed as always.
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"Bobby, yes the new Duramax will use the Urea fill up like Ford. Dodges don't but other than their diesel motor, they're crap". - Chris
Thank you.
"Frank, why would Chevy need to debug something that isn't broken? You just made yourself look stupid. The Duramax has been out for about 10 years now and all the bugs are gone, in fact, it's getting better in 2011. No need for them to have companies test them for bugs and problems which is why I would never buy a whole new powerplant in its 1st year of production! You know there are going to be problems". - Chris
WTF are you talking about? Where did I mention a D-Max.
Companies can also test suspension and all other aspect of the truck other then the Engine. You failed to read my post.
You're IQ score is the size of you're shoe. Who looks stupid now?
GM says the LML is a new engine. Yes it is still displaces 6.6L, does that make it more reliable than if they changed the displacement? If Ford made the 6.7 500cc bigger, people would be like "Yes! Ford brought back the reliable 7.3, but better!" This whole perception thing is retarded, but it definitely exists. You are no less of a guinea pig if you buy the new LML rather than the new Powerstroke.
Why do you guys always get into a pissing match over ford,chevy dodge? Sound like a bunch of kids fighting on the playground!
GM will be using urea and dodge will be using urea
(urea is DEF)
Dodge already uses DEF in there cab/chas
No matter which way you spin it, ALL will be using DEF in 2011
Cool report Mike! I love this kind of feed back, because if anyones going to find faults in the new Super Duty its going to be the guys who use them commerically. Glad to two test vehicle wer diesels!!!
Not to point out the obvious, but if company A (Ford) sells as many trucks as company B (Chevy) and C (Dodge) combined, then yes, there will be more trucks for sale / resale. Fleet companys usually don't keep trucks for more than a couple years.
Is it really a surprise that in central texas there are 2x as many Ford for sale. Have you looked at the sales numbers? Ford sells more than 2x as many trucks in Texas.
And while the duramax might be 6.6 L still, there have alot of changes and updates making it a new motor. Gen I and II compaired to now? Turbos/fuel system/exhaust system/head bolting is different.
And to top all this off, i drive mostly GM products. Ford makes a good product, there just is a few reasons why i currently own GM.
Blindsided brand loyalty is akin to a highschooler cheering for thier team, even if the football hasen't won a game in years.
Well I would like to here how well the 6.2 does as the v10 did amazing in the shootout for gas motors. If this diesel does turn out to be good I'll be shopping at Ford at the end of the year. If it fails, there's always the option of picking up a cummins.
It's nice to read how the trucks are fairing in the real world. They obviously had some problems with the previous Ford diesels as they said:"Based on the maintenance track record of Ford’s two previous diesel engines, Masters is keeping a close eye on the trucks’ reliability and durability."
It doesn't look like DEF will be a big issue.
I like the plain black grill much better than the chrome one.
OH, more info on DEF or Urea. Ford has inline heater, which i'm sure all will,rather GM,ford,dodge...read on
There is going to be a winter version of DEF. Because regular urea or DEF freezes 12 degree F.
For all you worried about DEF in winter. The winter DEF freeze point is like -20F (thats minus 20)
DEF will run about 2-3.00 a gallon,
Lots may moan over it and say i'm not buying a truck that uses DEF or say its just another tank to fill...i'm sorry but DEF in today's world is YOUR FRIEND!
It means motor can run better,more power,around 20% increase in mileage.
And with the small cost of urea and the Gain of All the extra power and around 20% in MPG's..Hell yeah!!!
here is some more: For all you that love your duramax..(even though i have a 2011 Ford ordered)
when chevy switches to DEF...I heard some Big numbers for increasing MPG's! I'm not sure how true, but i heard easy mid 20's, maybe even close to 30mpg!! Thats pretty cool and awsome mileage! Ford has increas in mileage too, i heard one guy who was driving f350 DRW getting around 22mpg. Which is GREAT! But i'm GM get high 20's, WHOA! Thats AWSOME!!
@Mike - your temperature numbers- I asume you are talking farenheit as opposed to Celcius?
In the heavy truck market, Navistar is going to meet the new emissions regs without DEF, however, they have admitted that doing so will cost them mpg. They said their strategy is that the convenience of not having to add the DEF will attract buyers. I suppose there may be some buyers that will go along with that, but I would guess most don't think spending $1.00 extra in fuel to save $.05 in DEF is a good plan. Dodge must have the same plan of marketing to the math challenged.
about time they have a diesel,remenber the garbage diesel before y thing maybe they have a good diesel not only on paper,,to continue....
This proves nothing about that ugly, under-performing, mediocre appliance.
The so-called "new" Super Doody is hideous on the outside, has a terribly cheap interior, mediocre engines, and being from Ford...will NOT live up to Ford's severely inflated capability claims and will spend most of it's time in the shop.
But, then, it's a Ford...they wouldn't know quality and reliability if it was delivered to them on a silver platter.
"This proves nothing about that ugly, under-performing, mediocre appliance.
The so-called "new" Super Doody is hideous on the outside, has a terribly cheap interior, mediocre engines, and being from Ford...will NOT live up to Ford's severely inflated capability claims and will spend most of it's time in the shop.
But, then, it's a Ford...they wouldn't know quality and reliability if it was delivered to them on a silver platter" - P
You must be confusing this Company with GM. It seems like Mr. P here is envious of this product. Laughable at best. Thanks, who ever you are.
@ "P" - did you read the story? Doesn't sound like it. I get the impression that FPL is very happy with the 2 pre-productiion units they have.
As far as quality and reliability goes - Ford's the only one that has shown an across the board improvement.
Have to admit the black grill looks far better than the chrome. Wheather you like it or not I think we will have to live with def if you are in need of a diesel. Unless you live in a state like I do where we dont have emissions testing. I am sure there are companies out there working on eliminating the whole system just as they have 02 sims/eliminators to remove your cats.
I really hope that hood isn't the one that comes in production trucks. Looks like the wierd bumps on the Chevy Heavy Duty. Otherwise looks the same as always, outdated. Well i'm glad to hear the electic company had troubles with reliability with their 6.0L and 6.4L trucks like i did. I will wait a year or so still before i buy anather Ford diesel, 250,000 miles with no issues before it can claim reliable and worthy of the diesel name. Glad to see these guys are the guinea pigs. The new Cummins trucks don,t have to deal with the DEF fluid at all , making it a choice to consider for now untill ford can prove a good reliable diesel.
@ Jeff , No we dont have to use DEF weather we like it or not. The Cummins burns clean without the Urea fluid and does not have this system in their 3/4 ton and 1-ton pick-ups. A solid proven reliable engine and no DEF, i like my new Dodge Cummins , more so now than my awesome 07 Duramax. Hope Ford finally gets it right with diesel HD trucks , if so maybe i will own all three brands of HD trucks in a year or two, by then i hope they change the exterior look of the Ford as i find it quite boring and the 2011 looks too square in the grill and odd looking hood, liked the 2005 look the best so far.
@Snowman, was I talking about the Cummins? NO
As for the cummins it does use the DEF in the chasis cabs and will soon be on all the cummins equpped rams as stated on this site. So yeah you will have to deal with it.
No Cummins equipped pick ups will not have to use DEF in the future. This site is not always correct.
@snowman: Where did we say the Ram pickups were going to use DEF? Only the Cab Chassis trucks will.
dodge cab/chas already use DEF
I did a little more research. I stand corrected..Cummins isn't sure if there going to use DEF for future ram trucks. they are working on different system to meet the STUPID tough emissions (some kind of premix combustion)
(why and hell don't they go after regular cars, they produce more???)
I find it very interesting of what they are going to do to compete with all the higher MPG's If they do not go with the DEF route.
I betcha they will, its easier to meet EPA, easier system to design and cheaper to get Higher MPG's and More cummins power!
BUT...on the other side..then they can market "our truck doesn't need DEF)
heres a good link for you Ford guys! New Ford 6.7 pulling 100,000 lbs Loader (which i will say is rather impressive)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gw1F4t2MMc
@glenn , you better wait more than a year if you want to figure out how good this ford diesel will be. Heck even in 5 years most of these "super duty" diesels won't even have a 100k yet, only hauling 500lb. atv's, or some small flatbed landscape trailer w/ a couple mowers, hardly a test of what these things are claiming to be able to do.
Actuallly even a small-block v-8 will last in extreme duty conditions longer than that with few problems if any.
I realize that quite a few folks need to be able to tow large loads, but the truth is MOST folks only WANT to say they can tow large loads, when they'd be better off with a 1/2 ton.
The way i see it even if someone can GUARANTEE and then time proves this could be the best engine there'll ever be in a p/u (the title that Cummins can claim now), wait ten years and buy a well used one for a fraction of the cost, because i guarantee there'll be THOUSANDS to choose from.
Truck looks mighty sexy with flushed headlamps and black bumper/grille combo. I super-duty like it!
I would like to know where you guys get your facts? All pickups will be using DEF to meet Emissions the only engine right now that is trying not to use DEF is Navistar/Caterpillar. Cummins has been on the band wagon to use DEF they are not that clean burning of an engine. By the way Chevy is going to build there own engine to dropping the Duramax now watch them go down hill.
GO FORD! love the grill! have u checked out the touqe numbers! looks so much tougher and stronger than the stupid weak durmax! and the cummins just sucks gas!
this superduty makes guys who drives chevy and dodge look like girls, while ford passes them towing 24000lbs dodge and chevy are left in the slow vehicle turn out lane!
GO FORD!
Looks like Ford tried to copy Chevy hood, but came out rather ugly.
People are really bailing out of Dodge's & Chevy's since the bankruptcy. In fact, Chevy no longer produces medium duty trucks and couldn't even find a buyer for the division. Who knows what will happen @ Chrysler.
dam that looks like sumpthing i wood do. but it is a ford so it wont hert it i love fords the new ones are the best yet
tundra trd - is this truck better than gm and ford?
hope all you gm idiots know that the duramax 4500 is going to use urea by mid 2010 so you can't stop talkin your crap about the urea set-up... only reason they haven't yet is cause they are scraping by on their non-emission passing current version... same with dodge... they will ALL have to do the urea until someone figures out a sure way for ethanol injection to work... sure i'm a ford mechanic... but i drive a chevy... call me biased all you want but i know my stuff... the new torqueshift6 is going to be the allison crusher... sure nothing will match dodge 6-speed manual but thats cause it's a manual so nearly bullet proof... the dodge turns the sharpest... the chevy looks the sharpest... but nothin can pull up to the mechanics of the new ford... the urea set-up will work and will match the expected 18% gain in fuel economy vs the 6.4... any ya'lls got a problem come at me... i'll answer your questions unbiased and truthfully...
plus... urea is 6 dollars a gallon rather than you who said 2-3... ford has heaters on the lines and tank... and if urea freezes in the tank? no big deal. damage will not be done because ford's design on the tank is to compensate the possibility of a freeze... think they should heat it more than your an idiot... you'll have a dead battery after 3 days... plus the "estimated" 10,000 mile service interval is a fairy tale i agree, but even on a 5,000 mile interval the extreme power and improvements on fuel economy will be worth it IF you NEED a diesel... otherwise the new 6.2 will rock any other gas guzzler out there... i don't see ford selling another 6.8 ever cause of the new 6.2. and just wait for the raptor with the 6.2 it'll kick so much ass you chevy ties and dodge horns will be draggin... the power wagon can't touch the raptor and a z71? is that even considered off road? and if you have time to wait i have info of a crew cab raptor on the verge... sounds pretty kickin to me
Good mileage bad built I drive 5000 miles a week plus I replace wiring on truck ford dnt cover it cause they say is a third party deal on shortage that burn all the wires on my new truck trailer had a shortage some where but thats what fuses are for right no problems with my 7.3 still running strong 260 thousand miles plus and out do 2011
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