Harry Gibson on February 27, 2023 No Comments
Ford is, I think, one of the most diverse carmakers in the world. They make hot hatchbacks, pickup trucks, muscle cars, SUVs, vans, crossovers, supercars, GT racers, electric vehicles, and absolutely everything in between. Among them are commercial vehicles, as it remains to be one of Ford’s most prized divisions. Hauling cargo and getting the job done, the F650 super truck is a hard worker.
But you might not have heard of this F650 before, have you? Indeed, Ford doesn’t just manufacture the F-150 as its only pickup on offer. Beyond that, there’s a whole other sphere of heavy-duty trucks like the F650 super-duty truck and its sibling, the F750. Ultra-rugged and with only a few things that it can’t do, the F650 super truck is the sort of ride you need for the end of the world…
How Did Ford’s F650 Super Truck Came To Be?
The F650 super truck’s origins start far back in Ford’s history, as early as 1948. Derived from smaller and road-going F-Series pickup trucks – such as the famed F-150 – Ford built them up into larger and brawnier commercial medium-duty trucks. Initially, these were slotted just below Ford’s heavy-truck line-up. But since Ford left that market in 1997, the Super-Duty trucks are Ford’s biggest vehicles.
Ford’s commercial F-Series line even competed against big rigs for sheer power and hauling ability. These big trucks, like the F650 and (slightly larger) F750, are beloved not just for their performance, but also for their configurability. With only a cab up front and an open chassis around the back, you can modify the F650 (or F750) for any application or work you need. Commonly, they’re used as large haulers.
With a huge lift bed on the back, you could carry anything from haybales to building materials, or tow around cars. Besides that, the F650 and F750 could otherwise be rejigged as combat vehicles or armored personnel carriers. You could turn it into a large ice-cream van and food truck. And if you think that’s too “pedestrian”, wait till you see an F650 with a big utility crane on the back.
An F650 super truck can be optioned as a 2-door, 2+2 door, or 4-door truck. Some folks have even converted their F650s and F750s into very, very humungous SUVs. There’s no end to the number of ways an F650 may be adopted, hence why most like to call them, “super trucks”. Currently, Ford’s eight-generation F650 and F750 are made at their Avon Lake, Ohio assembly plant, since 2016.
Is The Ford F650 Super Truck A Light-, Medium-, Or Heavy-Duty Truck?
Something we might want to get out of the way first, which is clear enough already, is just how big the F650 is. As a “super truck”, the F650 is at the peak of Ford’s gargantuan line-up. It’s only beaten in size by its own stablemate, the F750. With so many different trucks underneath its family tree, it might be somewhat confusing to discern the sizes of Ford’s pickup truck range. Who goes where?
To make things easier, Ford’s trucks can be summarised by their overall size and outright capability. This is a light-, medium-, or heavy-duty truck. Ford also has their unique “Super-Duty” moniker, which they reserve for something that straddles between being a medium- and heavy-duty truck. In doing so, we can easily classify Ford’s trucks by their GVWR. Or, ‘Gross Vehicle Weight Rating’.
GVWR measures the maximum rated mass of a vehicle, including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo. With payload included, higher GVWR is then split into 8 classes. 1 being smaller trucks, and 8 taken up by the biggest of the bunch:
Light-Duty Truck Classes
The most popular and commonly-sighted pickup trucks are light-duty. Although, some of the bigger ones might call themselves, “light heavy-duty” trucks.
- 1 – GVWR of 0 to 6,000lbs
- 2 (2A and 2B) – GVWR of 6,001 to 10,000lbs
- 3 – GVWR of 10,001 to 14,000lbs
Medium-Duty Truck Classes
Most commercial and some larger passenger trucks are classed as medium-duty.
- 4 – GVWR of 14,001 to 16,000lbs
- 5 – GVWR of 16,001 to 19,500lbs
- 6 – GVWR of 19,501 to 26,000lbs
Heavy-Duty Truck Classes
Depending on the state, you’re not legally allowed to drive Class 7 and 8 heavy-duty trucks without a special CDL license.
- 7 – GVWR of 26,001 to 33,000lbs
- 8 – GVWR of 33,001lbs and higher
So, Where Does The Ford F650 Super Truck Sit With GVWR Classifications?
Now that we’re more aware of how truck classification works, where do individual Ford trucks – like their F650 super-truck – sit? Here’s a quick round-up of Ford’s entire truck line-up, including the ones outside of the F-Series range:
- Ranger – Light-Duty (Class 1)
- Maverick – Light-Duty (Class 1)
- F-150 – Light-Duty (Class 2A)
- F-250 – Light-Duty (Class 2B)
- F-350 – Light-Duty (Class 3)
- F-450 – Light-Duty (Class 3)
- F-450 (Chassis Cab) – Medium-Duty (Class 4)
- F-550 – Medium-Duty (Class 5)
- F-650 – Medium-Duty (Class 6)
- F-750 – Heavy-Duty (Class 7)
Now, I think you’re beginning to see why it’s important to understand truck classification before you head out to buy one. Ford’s F650 super truck is practically a mini freighter and it’s the largest truck (medium-duty, Class 6) that you can drive without applying for a CDL license. Meanwhile, its larger sibling, the F750 is hefty enough to carry larger loads such as for logistics operations.
But I digress, so let’s get back to Ford F650 super trucks, eh? As versatile as a working commercial-duty truck as the F650 is, it’s not a surprise that you can spec it in a variety of configurations. Since it doesn’t carry a bed as standard from the factory, the F650 isn’t technically a “pickup” truck, as we may have insinuated. Rather, you get a bare chassis that you can then set up however you want.
For the 2022 (current model year), there are five different variations of the F650 super truck, as you step up in dimensions and performance. Here’s what you can get from Ford’s showrooms:
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- (Gasoline) F650 SD Gas Pro Loader – $59,525
- F650 SD Diesel Pro Loader – $68,770
- (Gasoline) F650 SD Gas Straight Frame – $60,210
- F650 SD Diesel Straight Frame – $69,445
- F650 SD Diesel Tractor – $72,840
What Are The Key Features Of Ford’s F650 Super Truck?
Ford isn’t shy about flexing just how proud they are of the F650. Work Truck Magazine nominated the F650 to win its Medium-Duty Truck Of The Year award in 2020. As selected by the magazine’s readers, Ford’s F650 super-truck gained top marks in matters of durability, build quality, servicing, maintenance, as well as running costs. It’s the seventh Ford truck to win so far.
The people have spoken wisely in this regard, as the F650 is a workhorse and a half. For the top of the line F750 trucks, you could haul loads up to 37,000lbs GVWR. Take into account its GCVWR – or ‘gross combined vehicle weight rating‘, which includes trailers – and you could tug up to 50,000lbs. This doesn’t mean that you’re just constrained to putting a bed in the back and heaving stuff.
The rear frames are so-called “work ready”, and could be upfitted to carry a variety of body styles. Modifications could be made easily, without needing to make extensive changes to the core frame of the F650. This is thanks to Ford having moved all key components such as the fuel tank, wiring harnesses, and diesel exhaust fluid reservoirs to underneath the body. Thus, they’re out of the way.
Any aftermarket upfittings could readily interface through a module where you could control them from inside the cabin with ease. The transmission in the F650 – more on that later – has a live-drive power take-off (PTO) feature. Hence, you’re able to use the engine to power industrial accessories and equipment. Say, snowplows, generators, or even a large hydraulic crane on the back.
Here are a few other notable highlights of the F650 super-truck…
1. Powerful V8 Gas And Diesel Engines
As an option, the F650 (and F750) can be fitted with one of two engines:
7.3-liter gasoline naturally-aspirated V8, with 350hp (max power at 5,500RPM) and 468lb-ft of torque (max torque at 3,900RPM). The largest engine available for the F650 features:
- This is the largest displacement of its class, offering maximal power and torque where you need it.
- Overhead valve design that could generate most of its torque down low in the rev range. This will be helpful to get the heavier payloads moving off the line.
- Incredibly reliable and robust, thanks to improved variable-displacement oil pumps, upgraded main bearings, and a forged steel crankshaft.
- Heat management is aided by the addition of piston cooling jets, which are especially useful under heavier loads.
- Note, that this 7.3-liter V8 option is class-exclusive. Only F650 specifications at Class 6 and 7 can be had with this powertrain.
6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbo diesel, with 270hp and 700lb-ft of torque as standard. However, you can opt for more performant variants of this engine. There’s one with 300hp and 725lb-ft of torque, and another rated at 330hp and 750lb-ft of torque. Ford’s iconic Power Stroke motors feature:
- Long-lasting, as the engine was given a B10 life-span rating simulated at more than 500,000 miles.
- It has a unique inverse-flow design, where the turbochargers are fitted in a “hot-vee” style, between the cylinder heads at the top of the block. The exhaust manifold is also situated closer to the turbo, which enables the turbos to spool up and displace air faster.
- You can activate engine braking on-demand by restricting exhaust flow to create backpressure. This will allow the engine to seamlessly slow you down, which has the added benefit of reducing brake wear.
2. Capable And Dependable Transmissions
Interesting, Ford is the only brand to pair its engines with its own in-house gearboxes in a truck. No matter which engine you choose, it’ll be matched with a TorqShift HD 6-speed automatic. Primarily, it’s been designed to handle the heavy loads a super truck like the F650 could be handling, and take on the powertrains’ high torque figures. There are a couple of upsides to this transmission, too:
- There’s a Tow/Haul mode for when you’re tugging or carrying massive payloads. Specifically, it can minimize gear hunting on uphill climbs. When moving downhill, it can prevent unwanted upshifting and an increase in speed. Moreover, it could reduce brake pressure, thus preserving the brakes.
- As for the live-drive power take-off (PTO) system, you could power accessories by feeding the engine’s power as efficiently as possible. Unlike older PTO systems, you can still use it while driving, or if you’re stationary. It does so by connecting the PTO output gear to the TorqShift transmission’s torque converter impeller hub to transmit power as the engine’s running.
- For the turbo diesel V8s, Ford’s TorqShift allows you to modify and install a split-shaft gearbox and attach it to the transmission’s output shaft. In other words, you could now power two separate PTO outlets, meaning two accessories can be operated together.
3. High-Tech Gadgets To Make The Drive Easier
While commercial trucks like a Ford F650 super-truck may be deemed spartan, it doesn’t mean that it can’t have the same toys as an F150. As options, you could opt to include Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite. In this package, you get extra safety systems and driver aids such as:
- Automated High-Beams – It can sense poorly lit areas and turn on the high-beam headlamps to aid invisibility. Plus, the system could detect if there are oncoming headlights, and dim the high beams automatically to prevent blinding other drivers.
- Pre-Collision Assist With Automated Braking – Sensors scan the road ahead to see if a collision is in the making. If vehicles in your path are bound to impact you, the brakes are applied automatically to prevent an accident.
- Forward Collision Warning With Automated Braking – But what if you’re getting too close to the vehicle up ahead? If that’s the case, this system can emit an audible chime and visual warning cues in the dash. If you choose to ignore it, the Forward Collision system will pump up and pre-charge the brakes with increased sensitivity. This way, they’ll be ready to respond when you do press it.
- Lane-Keep Alerts – No, it’s not a full lane-keeping assist system that can steer the truck. But, it’s still able to read the pavement and notice whether or not you’re drifting out of your lane. It’ll alert you if you’re swaying from side to side, and warn you to take a break.
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Not just the speed, but you could also set a minimum distance with those in front of you. Then, the system will take over, and starts slowing down when the traffic in front of you does, too. A Distance Alert aid will also make sure you don’t get too close.
4. Workload Versatility With Its Varying Configurations
Continuing how we’ve harped on just how capable the F650 super truck is, here’s a reminder you can have any flavor of F650 you want. Depending on your particular needs, the F650 range has an expansive GVWR range, from as low as (but still mighty) 20,500lbs. All the way up to an astounding 37,000lbs, which technically makes the top-end F650 models Class 8 heavy-duty trucks.
- If you need a low and unobtrusive frame height, the Pro Loader models are just 33.6 inches off the ground. As standard, the Pro Loaders are fitted with 19.5-inch wheels and have a GVWR between 20,500 to 26,000lbs.
- If you want something meatier, the Straight Frame models have a chassis height of 39.4 inches and sit on standard 22.5-inch wheels. Its GVWR is rated between 25,600 to 29,000lbs. Although, the higher-end diesel variants could pull as much as 37,000lbs. Should you desire more power, Ford has the F750 to suit your needs.
On top of that, the F650 (and F750) also make as wonderfully capable tractors or semis. This makes them great choices for folks that need to make deliveries, move substantial cargo around, or want increased storage. But, without having to upgrade to a full-size semi-truck. The F650 and F750 have a GCVWR rating of up to 50,000lbs, which is more than enough for most trailers.
What Are The Specifications And Details Of Ford’s Newest F650 Super Truck?
If you’re interested in getting an F650 for your work or business anytime soon, you can choose from the five F650 models that we highlighted earlier. Here’s a quick round-up of their noteworthy specs and details…
1. Ford F650 Super-Duty Gas Pro Loader (2022)
- Starting Price: $59,525
- Engine: 7.3-liter gasoline naturally-aspirated V8, with compressed CNG natural gas and Propane autogas conversions available
- Transmission: TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic, with double overdrive and PTO (optional)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Bosch HydroMax brakes with traction control (standard)
- Electrical: 210amp alternator (standard), with optional dual heavy-duty alternators (240+150amps) or an extra heavy-duty alternator (12 volts, 240amp)
- Frame: 10.75SM or 80,000psi kick-up frame
- Front Suspension: 8,500lbs parabolic leaf springs
- Rear Suspension: 15,500lbs multi-leaf springs (with variable rates), with optional 19,000lbs leaf springs
- Cab Configuration: 114.4-inch Regular Cab (standard), with optional 135.4-inch SuperCab or 149.9-inch Crew Cab
- GVWR: 22,000 to 26,000lbs as standard, up to 37,000lbs based on configuration
- Front Axle Load: 8,500lbs
- Rear Axle Load: 13,500lbs standard, with optional upgrades to 17,500lbs
2. Ford F650 Super-Duty Diesel Pro Loader (2022)
- Starting Price: $68,770
- Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 270hp and 700lb-ft of torque (standard), with optional 300hp/725lb-ft and 330/750lb-ft engines available
- Transmission: TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic, with double overdrive and PTO (optional)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Bosch HydroMax brakes with traction control (standard), with optional air brakes
- Electrical: 200amp alternator (standard), with optional dual heavy-duty alternators (240+150amps) or an extra heavy-duty alternator (12 volts, 240amp)
- Frame: 10.75SM or 80,000psi kick-up frame
- Front Suspension: 8,500lbs parabolic leaf springs
- Rear Suspension: 15,500lbs multi-leaf springs (with variable rates), with optional 19,000lbs leaf springs or a 19,000/23,000lbs air suspension
- Cab Configuration: 114.4-inch Regular Cab (standard), with optional 135.4-inch SuperCab or 149.9-inch Crew Cab
- GVWR: 22,000 to 26,000lbs as standard, up to 50,000lbs based on configuration
- Front Axle Load: 8,500lbs
- Rear Axle Load: 13,500lbs standard, with optional upgrades to 17,500lbs
3. Ford F650 Super-Duty Gas Straight Frame (2022)
- Starting Price: $60,210
- Engine: 7.3-liter gasoline naturally-aspirated V8, with compressed CNG natural gas and Propane autogas conversions available
- Transmission: TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic, with double overdrive and PTO (optional)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Bosch HydroMax brakes with traction control (standard)
- Electrical: 210amp alternator (standard), with optional dual heavy-duty alternators (240+150amps) or an extra heavy-duty alternator (12 volt, 240amp)
- Frame: 12.64SM/50,000psi or 15.14SM/80,000psi straight frame, with optional support for 10.75SM/80,000psi or 20.11SM/120,000psi frames
- Front Suspension: 8,500/10,000lbs parabolic leaf springs, with optional 10,500/13,200lbs leaf springs
- Rear Suspension: 19,000/21,000lbs multi-leaf springs (with variable rates), with optional 21,000/23,000lbs leaf springs
- Cab Configuration: 114.4-inch Regular Cab (standard), with optional 135.4-inch SuperCab or 149.9-inch Crew Cab
- GVWR: 26,000 to 29,000lbs as standard, up to 37,000lbs based on configuration
- Front Axle Load: 8,500 to 10,000lbs as standard, with optional support for 10,000/12,000lbs
- Rear Axle Load: 17,500 to 21,000lbs standard, with optional upgrades to 19,000lbs
4. Ford F650 Super-Duty Diesel Straight Frame (2022)
- Starting Price: $69,455
- Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 270hp and 700lb-ft of torque (standard), with optional 300hp/725lb-ft and 330/750lb-ft engines available
- Transmission: TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic, with double overdrive and PTO (optional)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Bosch HydroMax brakes with traction control (standard), with optional air brakes
- Electrical: 200amp alternator (standard), with optional dual heavy-duty alternators (240+150amps) or an extra heavy-duty alternator (12 volts, 240amp)
- Frame: 12.64SM/50,000psi or 15.14SM/80,000psi straight frame, with optional support for 10.75SM/80,000psi or 29.84SM/120,000psi frames
- Front Suspension: 8,500/10,000lbs parabolic leaf springs, with optional 10,000/14,000lbs leaf springs
- Rear Suspension: 19,000/21,000lbs multi-leaf springs (with variable rates), with optional 21,000/31,000lbs leaf springs or 19,000/23,000lbs air suspension
- Cab Configuration: 114.4-inch Regular Cab (standard), with optional 135.4-inch SuperCab or 149.9-inch Crew Cab
- GVWR: 31,000 to 37,000lbs as standard, up to 50,000lbs based on configuration
- Front Axle Load: 8,500 to 10,000lbs as standard, with optional support for 10,000/14,000lbs
- Rear Axle Load: 17,500 to 21,000lbs standard, with optional upgrades to 19,000/26,000lbs
5. Ford F650 Super-Duty Diesel Tractor (2022)
- Starting Price: $72,840
- Engine: 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8 with 270hp and 700lb-ft of torque (standard), with optional 300hp/725lb-ft and 330/750lb-ft engines available
- Transmission: TorqShift HD 6-Speed Automatic, with double overdrive and PTO (optional)
- Brakes: Hydraulic Air brakes (standard), with traction control, Meritor Q-Plus, and ABS
- Electrical: 200amp alternator (standard), with optional dual heavy-duty alternators (240+150amps) or an extra heavy-duty alternator (12 volts, 240amp)
- Frame: 14.18SM/120,000psi
- Front Suspension: 10,000lbs parabolic leaf springs, with optional upgrade to 12,000/14,000lbs
- Rear Suspension: 19,000/21,000lbs multi-leaf springs (with variable rates), with optional 21,000/31,000lbs leaf springs or 19,000/23,000lbs air suspension
- Cab Configuration: 114.4-inch Regular Cab (standard), with optional 135.4-inch SuperCab or 149.9-inch Crew Cab
- GVWR: 27,500 to 37,000lbs as standard, up to 50,000lbs based on configuration
- Front Axle Load: 10,000lbs as standard, with optional support for 12,000/14,000lbs
- Rear Axle Load: 17,500 to 21,000lbs standard, with optional upgrades to 21,000/26,000lbs
Facts about the Ford F-650 Super Truck:
- The Ford F-650 is a street-legal monster truck that is available for purchase at approximately $150,000.
- The F-650 is one of the most expensive vehicles in Ford’s lineup, competing with the Ford GT supercar.
- The F-650 is not the most massive truck in the Ford F-series lineup, but it is the largest one available for public consumer use.
- The cab of the F-650 looks like it could belong to a semi-truck, but it is designed for general consumer use.
- The F-650 is not designed to be a luxury truck, but rather a practical and utilitarian vehicle.
- The F-650 is not a popular truck for casual buyers and is mostly used for industrial and business purposes.
- The interior of the F-650 is not luxurious, but it is designed to withstand off-road use.
- The F-650 is powered by one of two available diesel engines that do not provide impressive horsepower or fuel economy.
- The F-650 is a rare vehicle, and outside of industrial and business use, there isn’t much reason to own one.
- The F-650 is a unique vehicle that appeals to a specific market of truck enthusiasts who want a powerful and unique-looking vehicle.
Final Thoughts; Should You Buy An F650 Super Truck?
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Let’s say you have a business – be it carrying construction equipment, catering, and storing food, or you need to fit a utility crane in the back – is the F650 a good buy? I’d say yes, it’s the perfect truck for your go-anywhere and do-it-all workload. The F650 has made a legend for itself for how easy it is to configure one specifically for your needs. It’s powerful, reliable, and endlessly versatile.
Should you happen to spot one in the wild, it’s most probably hard at work trying to keep humanity going. Servicing is manageable, as are the running costs, making it a fantastic pick for a commercial fleet. But not all F650 super trucks are made for work. Some are designed purely for pleasure, with conversions into mega-SUVs, or six-door and three-row pickups with luxurious accouterments.
Shaquille O’Neal just bought one for himself, and a bespoke conversion like this from the famed outfitter, F650pickups, could cost you upwards of $120,000. Specify it with flaming decals, bright paintwork, and supple leather cabins, and you could see the bills stack as high up as $150,000. As they say, you work hard, you play hard. If this isn’t proof that the F650 can do anything, I don know what is.
