The Thrilling Off-Road Capabilities of the Ford F-250’s Fourth Generation

Nothing beats the freedom of having a versatile truck that does it all. A quality pickup can get you where you need to go, tow heavy loads, haul plenty of payload, act as home base during a tailgate party, and tackle tough terrain in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for an affordable heavy-duty truck that can do all these things and more, you’ll want to find a used Ford F-250 for sale near Troy. Our conveniently located Albany dealership is the perfect place to find this jack-of-all-trades pickup.

It’s easy to find information on the F-250’s towing and hauling stats and what it can do for you on-road. So today, we’re going to look at everything you should consider if you’re planning on hitting the trails in this HD truck. We’ll be looking specifically at the fourth generation F-250 (model years 2017-2022), which is modern enough to have a variety of useful features but old enough to be nicely affordable. Here at DePaula Ford, we’re always eager to help our customers get exactly what they’re looking for, and we look forward to doing the same for you.

A Variety of Powerful Engine Options

For 2017-2019 models, you have two engine options to choose from. The 6.2L gas-powered V8 is the standard option for this generation, which makes it the easiest to find and the most affordable option. It does deliver solid power, as you might expect from a heavy-duty truck, producing 385 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. But while this engine is perfectly capable of helping you let loose on one of Upstate New York’s OHV trails, it’s not the best choice for the most difficult off-road situations.

The 6.7L Power Stroke Turbo-Diesel V8 produces 440 hp and 925 lb-ft of torque. Look closely at those numbers, and you’ll find that not only does this upgraded engine produce more power overall, but it also gives you maximum power at much lower speeds, which is vital for boulder climbing or navigating winding mountain trails, activities that need to be done at low speeds, but require plenty of power.

For the 2020 model year, the F-250 got a mid-cycle refresh that included an upgrade to its engine lineup. The base 6.2L gas V8 remained the same, while the 6.7L diesel V8 got a re-tune, allowing it to offer 475 hp and a whopping 1,050 lb-ft of torque. These new specs make it even better for off-roading than before. But if you prefer to have a gas engine, then you have a better option than the base powertrain in the 2020 lineup. This model year introduced an available 7.3L gas V8 that produces 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque.

If you’re bringing some gear or even a camping trailer along for your outdoor excursion, you’ll also want to note the towing capacities the different engines offer. A properly-equipped 2020 F-250 with the base 6.2L gas V8 can tow up to 15,800 lbs, while a model with the 7.3L V8 can handle as much as 15,400 lbs. Neither of those figures are anything to sneeze at, but the extra torque you get from the diesel option leaves them both behind. The re-tuned 6.7L diesel V8 can tow up to 22,800 lbs.

The FX4 Package (2017-2019 Model Years)

For the 2017-2019 model years, the F-250’s available off-road package was called FX4. You’ll only find this package on 4×4 models, which makes sense. A 4×2 drivetrain may be fine for driving around Troy, but once you leave the pavement behind, you want all the traction you can get. FX4 models have Hill Descent Control to help you master tricky declines, off-road-tuned front and rear shocks to absorb the bumps of uneven ground, and skid plates that protect the transfer case and fuel tank from sharp rocks, roots, and any other obstacles that might get in your way out on the trail. You can recognize an FX4 model from the decals on the box that proudly mark a truck as able to handle some rough riding.

The Tremor Package (2020-2022 Model Years)

For the 2020 model year, Ford unveiled a new off-road package for the F-250 with a new name: Tremor. Available with either the 7.3L gas engine or the 6.7L diesel engine, this package still comes with beefy shocks and the same skid plates from the FX4 make a return, but that’s just the beginning. The Tremor has wheel wells large enough to accommodate 35-inch tires, like the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac maximum-traction all-terrain tires that came standard with new models.

Between this and the upgraded suspension system, Tremor trucks offer 10.8 inches of ground clearance, allowing for 33 inches of water fording should you encounter a stream. Drivers will be able to tackle just about any terrain with a 31.65º angle of approach and 24.51º angle of departure, the best on any Super Duty ever sold before the 2020 model year. Off-road running boards provide access to the cab without interfering with the truck’s capability.

Ford also introduced some new tech to the F-250 for this package. The 2020 Super Duty was the first to have selectable drive modes, making it more versatile than ever. Normal mode is perfect for driving along the streets of Troy, Tow/Haul mode optimizes performance while you’re driving with a heavy load, Eco mode helps you save fuel during long hauls on I-90, Slippery mode keeps you in control on icy roads, and Deep Snow/Sand mode prioritizes traction. On top of these modes, trucks with the Tremor package get an exclusive option: Rock Crawl mode. Tremor also borrows the popular Trail Control feature from the F-150 Raptor. This is essentially a cruise control that works at low speeds, letting you focus all of your attention on steering when the trail gets tough.

Off-Road Adventure Awaits in a Ford F-250

Clearly, the fourth-generation F-250 is capable of some serious off-road action, and there are plenty of great configurations to choose from. If you’re able to find a Tremor model equipped with the powerful diesel engine, then you’ll be ready for just about anything. But when you’re buying used, it helps to be flexible. If your exact dream setup isn’t available or isn’t in your budget, don’t panic. The gas engines are still plenty powerful, and the FX4 package is well-equipped to handle off-road conditions. There are plenty of used F-250 trucks that are more than capable of making your next adventure one for the ages.

And don’t forget—you aren’t limited to the parts and accessories that the truck was given at the factory. Here at DePaula Ford, we sell all kinds of OEM Ford parts that can help you customize your ride so it’s just right for your needs, whether you want a little extra confidence on rural dirt roads or want to be able to tackle truly difficult trails with confidence. Our service center is conveniently located for Troy drivers who don’t want to travel too far, and our expert technicians are always ready to help make sure your truck is just the way you want it. With our expert guidance, the great outdoors is yours to explore.