2009 Ford F-150 Supercrew

Ford’s newest light-duty pickup truck features enhanced cargo, towing and safety technology

By Nina Russin

2009 Ford F-150

The F-150 Supercrew has more affinity to sport-utility vehicles than traditional pickup trucks, despite the open cargo bed. This isn’t to say that Ford’s best-selling pickup lacks toughness or durability. It’s fully off-road capable, and has a 11,000 pound towing capacity.

Crew cabs, especially upscale models, are all about the passengers. The F-150 Lariat has many of the same comfort and convenience features as luxury SUVs: navigation, satellite radio, downloadable hard drive, 5.1 surround sound audio, heated and cooled leather seats, and a power moon roof. The only thing missing is a rear-seat DVD unit for the kids.

The new crew cab is six inches longer than the previous model, offering second-row passengers more legroom. The rear seats flip up and out of the way to create a large cargo space behind the front seats.

The white metal flake exterior is almost too sweet to get dirty: ditto for the twenty-inch aluminum wheels. A three-bar chrome grille, similar to the design on the F-Series super duty trucks, is macho enough for the rodeo king.

Easier to load

Designers added some important features that ease cargo box access. An available box sidestep on 6.5 and 8-foot Styleside boxes stows under the cargo box when not in use. The eleven-inch step deploys with the push of a button, and holds up to 500 pounds.

Ford has added the available rear tailgate step introduced on its super duty series to the F-150 lineup. The step, which is integrated into the tailgate, can support up to 300 pounds.

An optional bed extender legnthens the Supercrew’s relatively short cargo bed. The bed extender adds a couple feet of storage space by securing cargo with the tailgate down. It can also act as a divider, to keep smaller items from shifting around.

A cargo management system available with the 6.5-foot cargo bed adds side rails and cleats for securing items. Side mounted tool bins hold up to sixty pounds and are waterproof. A lockable toolbox available on regular and Supercabs provides lockable, weather and dustproof storage, mounted to the front of the cargo box.

Easier to drive

Ford added a couple of key features that enhance visibility around the truck and make it easier to tow large trailers. A rearview camera on the test truck displays a wide angle view to the rear on the navigation screen, when the driver shifts into reverse. It’s a feature I strongly recommend to parents with small children. Considering the F-150’s large footprint, the rearview camera also makes parking much easier.

An integrated trailer brake controller lets the driver to operate the trailer’s electronic brakes using a control module on the instrument panel. Trailer sway control works in conjunction with the truck’s traction and roll stability control systems to determine if the trailer is swaying. The system can apply the truck brakes or reduce engine power to bring the trailer under control.

A tow-haul mode modifies transmission shift points to boost power on uphill grades. The system downshifts on downhill grades to add engine braking, and can apply the truck’s brakes as necessary. Read the rest of this entry »