Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Caught testing for the first time, here’s the ’17 Ford F-350 sporting base XL trim in a single-cab dually diesel configuration. Ford has revealed most of its ’17 F-Series lineup, but this beast has yet to be seen.

Call this the Haulers Special, because this version of the F-350 should be a fixture among the set using pickups for automotive transport, hauling lawn equipment and landscapers—a market Ford has had a lock on for years.

Like the new four-door Super Duty trucks, the F-350 gets styling more in line with the F-150 that was shown nearly two years ago. It shares a cab with that model, too, meaning more space inside the truck for people. But the big news is a revised structure with high-strength steel and, of course, an aluminum body. Payload figures will be up, which is probably most important in the version of the truck seen here.

Expect to see the first F-350s by the middle of 2016.

Photo credit: Brian Williams, SpiedBilde

Retail Spotlight—Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise

Founded in 1979 and remotely located in Waynesville, Ohio, Ken Steele’s Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise remains steadfastly brick-and-mortar in a day when online retailers are increasingly pressuring such business models. Yet after laboring through some admittedly tough early days, Steele has built a profitable three-bay, 6,000-sq.-ft. retail operation that sells and installs an impressively wide range of aftermarket accessories, including window tinting and trike conversions. In the process, he’s attracted a loyal customer following throughout his far-flung region.

Forged on business basics, Steele’s shop is a reminder that diversified product and service offerings, qualified staff and excellent customer service and follow-up can keep a traditional retailer viable amid Internet competition. Read on as SEMA News gets a look at how Steele’s simple retail philosophy plays out at what he bills as “Ohio’s largest car and truck accessories store.”

Retail Spotlight—Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise

Founded in 1979 and remotely located in Waynesville, Ohio, Ken Steele’s Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise remains steadfastly brick-and-mortar in a day when online retailers are increasingly pressuring such business models. Yet after laboring through some admittedly tough early days, Steele has built a profitable three-bay, 6,000-sq.-ft. retail operation that sells and installs an impressively wide range of aftermarket accessories, including window tinting and trike conversions. In the process, he’s attracted a loyal customer following throughout his far-flung region.

Forged on business basics, Steele’s shop is a reminder that diversified product and service offerings, qualified staff and excellent customer service and follow-up can keep a traditional retailer viable amid Internet competition. Read on as SEMA News gets a look at how Steele’s simple retail philosophy plays out at what he bills as “Ohio’s largest car and truck accessories store.”

Retail Spotlight—Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise

Founded in 1979 and remotely located in Waynesville, Ohio, Ken Steele’s Solar Shade Truck & Car Paradise remains steadfastly brick-and-mortar in a day when online retailers are increasingly pressuring such business models. Yet after laboring through some admittedly tough early days, Steele has built a profitable three-bay, 6,000-sq.-ft. retail operation that sells and installs an impressively wide range of aftermarket accessories, including window tinting and trike conversions. In the process, he’s attracted a loyal customer following throughout his far-flung region.

Forged on business basics, Steele’s shop is a reminder that diversified product and service offerings, qualified staff and excellent customer service and follow-up can keep a traditional retailer viable amid Internet competition. Read on as SEMA News gets a look at how Steele’s simple retail philosophy plays out at what he bills as “Ohio’s largest car and truck accessories store.”