Loaded Ford Super Duty F-250 is a mega-truck

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews also can be seen in the Northern & Central California Cruisin’ News magazine published monthly out of Folsom, California.

Sacramento, California -- I've previously written about the evolution of the American pickup truck -- how it went from a basic, boxy transporter to the opulently appointed vehicle of a rich cowboy's dreams.

The recently tested 2020 Ford Super Duty F-250 makes the point better than anything I've ever written.

Actually, it's formal label is: Ford Super Duty F-250 SRW 4X4 Crew Cab Platinum.  Nice, but my memory only goes so far.

The F-250 Super Duty I put through its paces is a pickup truck in the way that a Rolls-Royce Phantom is a car.  You get the idea.

The bottom line on the tested pickup was an eye-popping $74,075.  No expense was spared.  Features included a power moonroof twin panel, power/heated/folding/telescoping exterior mirrors, quad beam LED headlamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive cruise control, leather-wrapped/heated steering wheel and massive Michelin all-terrain tires.

Frankly, I couldn't imagine taking this vehicle to a work site, where a stray nail might scratch the gleaming "Velocity Blue" paint job.  Maybe that's the point.  This Platinum version of the pickup seemed to be made for the pickup truck lover who simply loves luxury to the max.

Yet the vehicle is rugged enough with a boxed steel frame and top-grade aluminum bed and cab to do a full day's work at the ranch or amid a crowd of contractors working on a major building project.

Out on the road, the tester rumbled along impressively, courtesy of a 7.3-liter V-8 rated at 430 horsepower.  The freeway ride was not entirely smooth, but to be honest, I think that was the sound and feeling produced by the deeply grooved Michelins on the road surface.

Power was more than adequate and delivered smoothly.  I never felt uncomfortable in the cockpit despite the size of the truck.  It handled with outstanding efficiency.  The 10-speed automatic transmission functioned seamlessly.

Overall, the tester ranked as a versatile, state-of-the-art luxo truck.  For those with serious money to invest in this segment, I'm guessing the Super Duty F-250 will provide owners all they need, and more, for many years to come.