When it comes to heavy-duty trucks, paper specs are one thing, but real-world performance is everything. Recently, I had the chance to take a 2024 Ford F-350 Platinum on a serious road test.
This wasn't a quick drive around the block. I took this truck on a 1,200-mile round trip from Pennsylvania to South Carolina to pick up an 8,500-lb camper. The route included long highway stretches, steep mountain grades, and even some gravel backroads in the George Washington National Forest.
I usually tow with GM trucks (like the GMC Denali Ultimate or AT4X), so I was eager to see how Ford’s latest "beast" stacked up over a grueling 10-hour haul.
Here is everything I loved—and hated—about towing with the 2024 F-350 Platinum High Output.
The Truck Setup
First, let’s look at the specs of the tester rig. This is a Single Rear Wheel (SRW), short-bed F-350 in the loaded Platinum trim.
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Engine: 6.7L High Output Power Stroke Diesel (500 hp / 1,200 lb-ft torque)
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Mods: We added some flavor to this truck. It features a custom-wrapped color-matched front end (whiting out the Ford emblems), 22-inch two-piece Fuel wheels, and 35-inch BFG KO3 tires.
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Suspension: Stock suspension.
What I Loved: Power and Comfort
There are many positives to this truck, and it really shines when the work gets hard.
1. The High Output Powertrain is an "Absolute Monster"
The star of the show is unmistakably the High Output diesel engine. With 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque, this truck is an absolute monster. Pulling 8,500 lbs up steep mountain grades felt effortless. You never feel like you are lacking power.
2. Incredible Exhaust Braking
Perhaps even more impressive than the pulling power was the stopping power. Ford’s diesel exhaust brake is phenomenal. I ran it in "automatic" mode combined with the tow/haul setting. Coming down mountains, the combination of engine braking and the exhaust brake handled the load beautifully, inspiring total confidence.
3. Zero Squat
Despite having stock suspension, when we dropped the 8,500-lb camper onto the hitch, the truck barely registered it. It leveled out perfectly with almost no sag in the rear end.
4. Platinum Interior Comfort for Long Hauls
When you are sitting in a truck for 10 hours straight, comfort is paramount. The Platinum trim delivers. The two-tone leather massaging seats are a game-changer for long-distance fatigue. Combined with the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the panoramic sunroof (which was tinted, keeping the heat down), it’s an incredibly comfortable place to be.
What I Hated: The Ride and Steering
No truck is perfect. Coming from a background of mostly driving GM heavy-duty trucks, the flaws in the Ford's driving dynamics on the highway became apparent quickly.
1. The Solid Front Axle Trade-Off
This is the biggest detriment to the Ford truck for highway towing. Ford uses a straight axle in the front, whereas GM trucks use an Independent Front Suspension (IFS).
At 70 mph on the highway, especially while towing, that solid axle difference is massive. The Ford tends to "float" and wander a bit more. You have to keep both hands on the wheel, actively driving it, especially when passing semis or driving next to concrete barriers.
While this truck had 35-inch tires (which adds some float), I’ve driven GM trucks with the exact same wheel/tire setup. The GM IFS suspension is simply tighter and tracks better on the highway. The Ford straight axle requires more driver input, which wears you out faster on a long trip than a GM Denali Ultimate would.
2. Real-World Fuel Economy
We weren't expecting Prius numbers, but the fuel economy was notable. Towing an 8,500-lb trailer at 70-75 mph, the High Output F-350 averaged 9.4 MPG over the trip.
For comparison, a similar trip I took two years ago in a Chevy Silverado 3500 High Country (also on 35s, though pulling a slightly smaller trailer) averaged around 11.2 MPG.
The Verdict
The 2024 F-350 Platinum High Output is an undeniably impressive machine. The power is addictive, the braking is superb, and the interior luxury is top-tier.
However, it's a trade-off. You get the rugged capability of that solid front axle, but you sacrifice highway cruising ease compared to the GM competition. If your towing involves a lot of long-distance highway miles, the steering feel is something you need to consider.
This specific custom 2024 F-350 Platinum is tentatively priced in the mid-$80k range and will be hitting our website for sale soon. If you are interested, keep an eye out!
Watch the full review and see the truck in action in the video below: