10-27-2006
2006 Ford F550 4X4 Custom Crew
by Dave Stall
2006 Ford F550 4X4 Custom Crew

When you need to haul toys, this Ford is a perfect fit

No matter what the price of fuel or milk is, our toys come first. We are a hard working group of folks who take our off time very seriously. For many of us, that means either the desert, mountains or the water are major destination points.

With those destinations come toys, and we need something to get our toys to where we want to be. If you opt for a trailer, you need a tow vehicle. The vehicle I picked up from North County Ford in Vista - a 2006 Ford F550 Super Duty 4X4 with the lariat trim - is a perfect candidate. What a vehicle.

Making it even better for towing is a custom-built bed system by Utility Bodywerks Company in Elkhart Lake, Ind. It comes with a bed system with toolboxes that lock, lighting for those nighttime hook ups and diamond plate on the deck to enhance the F550's looks. Another feature of this bed is the invisible gooseneck system, so that when you're not towing, the rear of the bed is flat.

The folks at Bodywerks also added tinted windows, external window shades at all four doors, chrome wheels, fog lights, steps in the rear for easy access to the bed and a piece that resembles a roll bar that has lighting integrated into the system. All of this really gives this F550 an "over the road look."

This truck really brings out the trucker in you. Bodywerks started out with a pretty good vehicle to start with - a 2006 Ford F550 4X4 Super Duty, which provides two more doors for easy access for passengers as well as a little more style and comfort.  This model has the lariat trim package, which includes leather seating, power seat adjustments, cruise control, audio adjustments and temperature controls in the steering wheel, plus a massive center console with a touch of wood grain.

This truck also comes with a great sound system and electrical hook ups for all your audio and video toys. The back seat is full sized and incorporates headrests, plus it splits 60/40 and it comes with a center console complete with two cup holders.

This truck is equipped with the Torqrshift five-speed automatic transmission with a 4.88 rear gear ratio, a complete heavy duty tow package, adjustable gas and brake pedals and dual fuel tanks (a 40 gallon for long trips and a 19 gallon for short trips).

The engine is the very dependable and fast 6.0-liter power stroke turbo diesel, which puts out 325 horsepower at 3,300 rpm and a torque reading of 570 at 2,000 rpm. What a brute! This truck even comes with a block heater. If you're waiting for a fuel economy number, you won't find it on this page. This truck is not mandated to provide fuel mileage numbers, so you're on your own. But I can tell you it gets better mileage today than a diesel truck used to. I'm guessing in the mid-teens, if you keep your foot out of it.

Despite its size, you'll find maneuvering this truck pretty easy thanks to power steering, the power adjustable mirrors with built-in convex mirrors and very large windows. Since it doesn't have a truck bed, your rear vision is vastly improved. Another nice touch is a complete set of running boards for both front and rear doors, which light up at night for great visibility.

Without a trailer, I was impressed with its smooth ride. But when I hit a pothole, I felt it.  Still, this is a tow vehicle capable of towing up to 15,000 pounds of whatever your toy choices are. If you're going to buy toys, you need the right vehicle to get them to the destination safely and this F550 does the trick.

North County Ford's commercial division can custom build your dream tow vehicle with the help of Bodywerks, plus other builders That makes it a one-stop shop where everything is covered under warranty. So stop by North County Ford at 450 West Vista Way and check out this white F550. Or you can call (800) 537-3673.

Next week, a vehicle from Murrieta Valley Suzuki.