Ford Tows a Virtual Mountain to Test the All-New Super Duty

How do you test a truck’s mountain-climbing ability on flat ground? Ford engineers found a way while developing the all-new F-Series Super Duty.

A Virtual Mountain

Engineers used special dynamometer sleds towed behind the Super Duty to simulate traveling up steep mountain grades on the flat roads of Ford’s Arizona Proving Grounds. The sled applies resistance that recreates the load of climbing grueling grades such as the Davis Dam climb in Arizona.

So Powerful It Needed a New Sled

The all-new Super Duty is so capable that it called for a new, more powerful dynamometer sled. The test lets engineers repeat the same climb again and again under identical conditions, fine-tuning cooling, transmission shift points and engine calibration.

The result is a truck that can tow up to 32,500 pounds when properly equipped. Learn more about the Ford Super Duty and Super Duty towing.