The Ford Super-Duty: A Forest Firefighters’ Truck of Choice

by Ian Harwood on Thursday, August 7th, 2014

There is a variety of vehicles in the firefighter fleet but lately they have been using the Ford Super-Duty as the prime support vehicle…

Forest fire conditions in this province are at an all-time high and the wood is very dry.

The men and women that fight these fires every year rely on their vehicles to take them to the battlefield. Remote back roads and sometimes the forest floor are the roads on which they must travel.

There is a variety of vehicles in the firefighter fleet but lately they have been using the Ford Super-Duty as the prime support vehicle. The new 2015 version is powerful enough to haul heavy trailers and large enough to double as a mobile office.

The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo Diesel V8, with higher power ratings for 2015, coupled with a 6R140 heavy duty Torqshift six-speed automatic transmission delivers improved torque, horsepower and fuel economy. The engine pumps out a whopping 860 ft.lb of torque at 1,600 rpm and 440 horsepower at 2,800 rpm.

It has lots of get up and go. Ease your way into the throttle and before you know it, you are at highway speeds. Power and acceleration are smooth and effortless. When properly equipped the Super Duty has a maximum tow rating of 14,152 kg (31,200 lbs) and a total payload of up to 3,293 kg (7,260 lbs)

The interior is very functional. The available LCD productivity screen keeps you up to date with vital information, for example fuel economy numbers, towing, off-road information and voice command navigation.  A rapid heat supplemental cab heater is available for those cold days that you need interior heat quickly.

When you leave your mobile office, it is nice to know you have options with storing your valuables. Under-seat locking storage compartments beneath the first and second row seats provide space for laptops and other important things.

I really liked the layout of the gauges and controls in this vehicle; all are easily read and accessible. There are 12-volt outlets everywhere, two in the dash, one in the centre console, one in the back of that console, right beside the newly added 110V/150W power inverter and there’s a supply located in the rear under seat storage bin on the driver’s side.

The front seats I found very comfortable and perfect for a long day at work. The rear seating positions were also very comfortable with lots of legroom.

Noise levels in the cab, or lack thereof was amazing. This is must be the quietest diesel on the planet. It runs as quietly as a gasoline vehicle. You can easily hold conversations in the cab at any speed with no interference from outside sources. It was also a treat to be able to order from a drive thru window without having to shut the truck off!

Remember, when travelling the back-roads this summer, pay attention to the Fire danger rating, follow any camp fire bans, and report any fires you see too 1-800-663-5555 or *5555. Help the firefighters keep their trucks clean and shiny for longer!

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca