Sparkle, Twinkle, Glow

by Renata Cathey

The sparkle of the new 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck surprised me.  Typically these types of super duty trucks are strictly for heavy duty work but the chrome and blue flame accents make it glamorous.   Ford and Harley Davidson have been teaming together since 1999 to give motorcycle lovers the ultimate companion truck.  However, this is the first time that the Harley Davidson branding was coupled with the 6.4L Power Stroke V-8 Turbo Diesel engine that has a towing capability of 24,500 pounds or the equivalent of 3 Ford Focus models plus a car hauling trailer.  

Unexpected Elegance

Moving beyond the power of the new 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck, it is a thing of beauty.  Let’s start with the profile.  It is decked with a vertical pallet grill that proudly showcases the Ford’s emblem in the dead center and is flanked by slightly side curving headlights.  Chrome tow hooks twinkle as it matches the shine of the 19 ½’ wheels with high polished wheel covers and fender vent.  With a smooth finish, below the fender vent, a blue flame is painted on each side and runs along the side of the truck.  Make no mistake, these blue flames are a step above the typical decal stickers that usually peel and chip due to exposure, wear, and tear.  Moreover, the running boards are lighted and skid proof so getting in and out of the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck is easy regardless of weather conditions.  I think of the running boards as a permanent stylish one step ladder that is always willing to assist me.  The final touch of shine was used on the door handles. 

Once inside the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck, I was impressed with its harmonious interior details.  Similar to the smooth external décor, the design incorporates the blue decal color and chrome tastefully in the cabin spaces.  The door panels, gauges, instrument cluster, center console and leather seats had touches of the blue decal color that tied the inside and outside color schemes.  Instead of having the ordinary two toned seats that involves two huge bursts of contrasting color, the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck used perforations that allow the blue color to show through stylishly.  The double stitching complements a chrome embedded Harley Davidson medallion on the supple leather seats.  I loved the fact that sitting against the seat, I could not feel the medallion nor did it interfere with my long hair.  The seats are comfortable and elegant.   

Now for a special treat, I found the center console the most distinctive feature.  It has a substantial Harley Davidson emblem that caught my attention.  Instantly, I noticed a series of numbers within a spotlighted space that displays the year of the truck, the serial number, and the exclusive vehicle owner number.    Each 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck is numbered like a work of art!   So, current and potential 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck owners are in an elite group exemplified even more since Ford Motor Company only plans to sell 1000 units.

The depth and location of the center console is a smart use of space and function.  My purse that doubles as a backpack easily fit into the center console.  So it is roomy enough to hold lots of stuff: over one dozen toy dolls or action figures, more than 100 Lego pieces, a half dozen 20 ounce water bottles, two pairs of size 9 shoes, a baby bag, or several portable electronics.  It is clever to have 4 cup holders in arms reach just in front of the center console which makes it easier to manage a   passenger’s or child’s drinks. 

Aside from the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck attractive appearance, it comes equipped with power windows, power seats, PowerScope integrated power-fold, power-telescoping mirrors, privacy glass, remote keyless access, SIRIUS satellite radio and SYNC.  SYNC is Ford Motor company’s exclusive communications and entertainment system that integrates cell phones and media players using Bluetooth technology via USB connection. 

Expected Muscle

For those of us who would use the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty trucks for our small businesses, Ford has created four exclusive work solutions for the F-Series trucks and commercial E-Series vans.  I think caterers, independent retail store owners, and service providers (daycare, adult care, or fitness expert) and others will discover lots of uses for the work solutions. 

An in-dash computer allows customers to print invoices and access documents stored on home or office computer networks from the job site.  The computer was developed by Magneti Marelli, powered by Microsoft Auto and uses high-speed web access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network.  This computer makes sure that caterers and service providers have all the information needed to maintain a productive workday.  There is little more frustrating than to delay errands because you left information on your home or office hard drive and you can not get to it using internet access at Fedex- Kinko’s or the public library.

Tool Link, a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) asset tracking system that allows customers to trace tools and equipment in real-time that are stored on the 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck.  DEWALT, a professional power tools manufacturer, and ThingMagic, a RFID embedded technology company, developed the system.  I think that this is a great asset to retail store owners or fitness experts who need to track inventory.   Replacing loss or stolen items such as, clothing, shoes, weights or workout equipment is costly.  I think that the RFID system could be used to help control loss.

Large tools and equipment are secured by Cable Lock security system.  It was developed with Master Lock to prevent theft and tool loss.   Caterers and event planners may find this feature advantageous.  It gives them a method to secure their tables, chairs and tents that are reused during events all over the city.

Small fleet owners will find the fleet telematics and diagnostics system called Crew Chief useful because it helps with vehicle maintenance records tracking and worker dispatch to job sites.  Regardless of your industry, it is vital to know that your employees are productive and using company vehicles for business purposes. 

A military-grade, factory-installed, spray-in bed liner that will protect the pickup box called Tough Bed.  The application ensures that the bed liner materials will not run or sag on the inside walls as well as shielding the pickup box from physical damage like gouging, scratching, cracking and chipping.  It is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile factory limited warranty.  I like this feature because it helps to keep your 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck looking newer longer. 

The 2009 Ford F-450 Harley Davidson super duty truck uses diesel fuel only and a hybrid version is not currently available.  MSRP starts at $58,000.  MPG varies based on payload.  Go to www.Ford.com for more information about Ford vehicles and accessories.

Renata Cathey is an independent car dealer and a writer.  See more of industry related stories at www.netvins.com.