Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors - Why the 2027 Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat® Makes Sense for Rice Lake, WI Towing
For shoppers around Rice Lake, WI, the right heavy-duty truck has to do more than post impressive numbers. It needs to feel confident with a trailer, manageable around town, useful on job days, and comfortable enough for the miles between work, home, and recreation. That is why the 2027 Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat® deserves a close look. It sits in a sweet spot within the lineup, offering meaningful towing technology and cabin comfort while keeping the focus on capability. Don Johnson's Cumberland Motors can help shoppers compare configurations, engines, cab styles, and trailering needs with a practical mindset, especially for drivers near Rice Lake, Almena, and Clear Lake, WI, who may use one truck for business, property maintenance, and family travel.
The Lariat® trim matters because it adds equipment that helps with the moments heavy-duty owners actually notice. PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors make a large difference when towing wider loads. The 360-Degree Camera helps when positioning the truck near a trailer, backing around buildings, or navigating tight areas where visibility matters. Available diesel power brings serious strength for shoppers who tow heavier equipment or large campers, while the standard 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas engine remains a strong choice for drivers who want proven gas V8 muscle. Instead of feeling like a luxury trim with capability added later, the Lariat® feels like a capable truck that became smarter, more comfortable, and easier to use.
A Balanced Trim for Real Heavy-Duty Use
The Super Duty® F-350® Lariat® is especially compelling because it avoids the extremes. Some shoppers want a stripped-down work truck. Others want a premium flagship. The Lariat® fits the middle by adding equipment that improves everyday ownership without losing sight of why someone chooses an F-350 in the first place. This is still a serious heavy-duty pickup with available 4x4, available dual rear wheel capability depending on configuration, and access to the 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 engine. When properly equipped, the Super Duty lineup can reach best-in-class maximum available gooseneck towing up to 40,000 lbs, maximum available fifth-wheel towing up to 35,000 lbs, and maximum available conventional towing up to 30,000 lbs.
That capability matters around Rice Lake because drivers often ask a truck to do several jobs in one week. A contractor may haul materials during the day and tow a trailer after hours. A property owner may move equipment, firewood, supplies, or a boat. A camper owner may need highway stability and confidence when traveling beyond Barron County. The Lariat® supports those use cases with technology that makes the truck easier to place, easier to connect, and easier to live with when the trailer is not attached.
Why the Lariat® Towing Technology Stands Out
Towing confidence starts with power, but it is not only about power. Visibility, alignment, braking support, and driver awareness all matter. The Lariat® helps with PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors, which are designed for wider rearward views when hauling. The 360-Degree Camera adds another layer of awareness, giving the driver a clearer sense of what surrounds the truck. For anyone who has tried to maneuver a long pickup near a shop door, storage building, boat landing, or trailer coupler, that added visibility can save time and reduce frustration.
- PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors: Helpful for viewing around wider trailers and equipment.
- 360-Degree Camera: Useful for parking, hitching, and low-speed maneuvering.
- Available Tow/Haul mode: Helps optimize shift points and engine braking under load.
- Available diesel torque: Supports heavier towing with strong low-rpm pulling power.
Tow/Haul mode is another feature worth understanding. It is engineered to adjust transmission behavior when the truck is carrying weight or pulling a trailer. By holding gears longer and helping with engine braking on descents, Tow/Haul mode can make towing feel more composed. That is valuable on rolling rural routes, highway ramps, and areas where frequent speed changes come with a loaded trailer.
Gas V8 or Available High-Output Diesel?
The standard 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas engine gives the F-350 Lariat® a strong foundation. With 420 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque, it is a practical fit for shoppers who tow moderate loads, haul payload, and prefer gas-engine simplicity. For many owners, this engine will handle work trailers, materials, recreational equipment, and general heavy-duty use with confidence. It also pairs with the TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission, which helps keep power delivery smooth across changing loads and road speeds.
The available 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 engine is the choice for shoppers who expect heavier, more frequent towing. Its 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque create the kind of low-end muscle that matters when launching a heavy trailer, climbing grades, or maintaining composure with substantial weight attached. If your plans include a large fifth-wheel camper, gooseneck trailer, heavy equipment, or repeated long-distance towing, the diesel engine deserves serious consideration. The right answer depends on trailer weight, payload needs, annual mileage, and how often the truck will work near maximum capability.
Comfort That Supports Long Workdays
A heavy-duty truck cabin is more important than many shoppers first realize. The F-350 Lariat® is likely to spend time as an office, tow vehicle, family hauler, and road-trip companion. The available Lariat Premium Package helps raise the sense of comfort and productivity, while the broader Super Duty interior design focuses on creating a useful command center. Features such as the available 12" center display with SYNC® 4, available Connected Navigation through the Ford Connectivity Package, and available driver-assist features through Ford Co-Pilot360® 2.0 technology help make the truck feel modern and organized.
That matters for business owners and active households alike. A driver may need navigation to a jobsite, connectivity between stops, and camera support when loading or parking. The interior work surface shown in the Super Duty lineup also reflects a practical design philosophy: this truck is not just for getting to the work; it is part of how the work gets done. The Lariat® trim is well positioned because it gives shoppers access to comfort and technology without making the vehicle feel too delicate for demanding use.
How to Decide if the Lariat® Is Right for You
Choosing the right F-350 Lariat® configuration should start with honest questions about towing, payload, passengers, and space. A Crew Cab may be ideal for family use or a work crew. An 8' bed may be valuable for materials and certain towing setups. Available 4x4 can be important for rural driveways, gravel access, and unpaved worksites. Single rear wheel and dual rear wheel configurations also deserve careful thought, since dual rear wheel setups can provide greater stability and higher capacity for heavy towing, while single rear wheel trucks can feel easier to maneuver day-to-day.
- List your heaviest trailer: Include loaded weight, hitch type, and tongue or pin weight.
- Define passenger needs: Choose cab style based on people, tools, and interior storage.
- Compare bed length: Match cargo space to materials, gear, and towing preferences.
- Choose gas or diesel: Base the decision on towing frequency and load size.
- Review camera and mirror needs: Prioritize visibility if towing is part of normal use.
For many Rice Lake-area shoppers, the Lariat® is the trim that turns heavy-duty capability into an easier ownership experience. It does not ask drivers to sacrifice comfort for strength, and it does not bury important towing tools behind the highest trim level. It offers a confident path for buyers who want to tow seriously, work efficiently, and still enjoy a refined cabin at the end of a long day.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the 2027 Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat® good for fifth-wheel towing?
Yes. When properly equipped, the Super Duty lineup offers maximum available fifth-wheel towing up to 35,000 lbs. Exact capability depends on engine, drivetrain, cab, axle ratio, wheel configuration, and other equipment, so shoppers should match the truck to the trailer before making a final decision.
What engine comes standard on the F-350 Lariat®?
The 2027 Ford Super Duty F-350 Lariat® comes standard with the 7.3L 2V DEVCT NA PFI V8 Gas engine paired with the TorqShift® 10-speed automatic transmission. The 6.7L High-Output Power Stroke® V8 Turbo Diesel B20 engine is available.
Why choose Lariat® instead of XLT?
The Lariat® adds trailering and visibility advantages such as PowerScope® trailer tow mirrors and the 360-Degree Camera. It is a strong choice for shoppers who tow often and want added comfort, technology, and confidence without moving into the King Ranch® or Platinum® trims.
*Image may not be actual model