Living in the Central Valley demands toughness from vehicles, particularly pickups used for farming or oil field needs. The Ford F-150 handles these challenges head-on, blending solid work-truck muscle with comforts that today’s farmers, ranchers, and outdoor fans appreciate. Our Jim Burke Ford team has compiled this guide to the F-150 to demonstrate how it can take on whatever our local landscape dishes out, from dusty Kern County fields to rocky trails near the Sequoia National Forest.
Rugged Terrain Capability
Central Valley terrain varies from flat farms to rough backroads. The Ford F-150’s different trims give you choices, from the basic work-ready XL trim to the off-road Tremor and Raptor.
The Tremor’s standard engine delivers 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Smart off-road technology, such as Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, helps navigate tricky spots. The 1-inch lift and auxiliary switches are great for powering light bars during pre-dawn work or winches for tight situations.
Whether you’re heading to Sequoia National Forest or exploring Kern River Canyon, this truck delivers. The locking rear differential, skid plates, and clearance handle irrigation ditches and remote hunting spots easily, and the 33-inch tires provide real grip on loose dirt and gravel roads.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Our agricultural economy requires reliable transport, and the F-150 provides it. It tows up to 13,500 pounds and carries loads up to 2,240 pounds with the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 and the appropriate towing package, making it ideal for hauling equipment.
Innovative features make towing with the F-150 easy. Real-time trailer tracking, tire pressure monitors, and light checks make long hauls smooth. Backup assist and surround cameras help in tight spots such as narrow barns and loading areas. You’ll appreciate these features when you’re backing up to hay trailers in tight lanes or positioning livestock trailers at processing facilities.
Engine and Performance
The 2025 F-150 offers several engine choices. The EcoBoost twin-turbo 2.7L V-6 generates 325 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque for everyday tasks, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 delivers 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque for heavy trailers. The 5.0L V-8 produces 400 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque while providing traditional V-8 reliability. There’s also an available 3.5L High-Output EcoBoost V-6 that puts out 450 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Then there’s the 3.5L PowerBoost Hybrid, which produces 430 hp and 570 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid is very fuel efficient; you can get up to 700 miles on one tank, perfect for harvest season and long hauls.
Four-Wheel-Drive Systems and Suspension
The F-150 has three different rear suspension designs. The base XL uses leaf springs for maximum load carrying, ideal for contractors and farmers who prioritize hauling capacity over comfort. The Raptor uses a unique five-link coil spring suspension with trailing arms and coil springs that dramatically improve its off-road ability and articulation. The Lightning trim has an independent rear suspension optimized for its electric powertrain.
You can get your F-150 in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Raptor’s 2021 switch from leaf springs to the five-link setup has enhanced its off-road capabilities, making a real difference for ranchers who have to bounce through uneven pastures and rough access roads. Higher trims, such as the King Ranch, come with variable-assist steering that gives you quicker response at low speeds while staying stable on Interstate 5.
Agricultural Features
The F-150 takes on farm and ranch challenges with three bed options. The 5.5-foot bed is typically paired with the SuperCrew cab, while the 6.5-foot and 8-foot beds are available with the Regular Cab and SuperCab configurations. The 8-foot bed is only available with the Regular Cab. This lets you find your ideal balance between maneuverability and cargo space. The Pro Access Tailgate opens from 37 degrees to 100 degrees with just one hand, great when you’re juggling tools or working solo. You’ll appreciate its practical design even more once you try it.
ProPower Onboard options (2kW, 2.4kW, and 7.2kW) mean you have access to power wherever you go. No more dragging generators to remote fields — you can weld fence repairs, run emergency irrigation pumps, or power harvest equipment right from your truck. The big 7.2kW system (an optional upgrade for the hybrid) handles substantial farm equipment, while the 2.4kW version (standard on the PowerBoost hybrid) runs most portable tools and lights for early morning or evening chores.
Reliability and Durability
The F-150’s body uses high-strength, military-grade aluminum alloy that fights corrosion while minimizing weight and retaining strength, which enhances towing and payload capabilities. This matters in our dusty, demanding Central Valley farm environment. The truck stands up to harsh conditions, whether you’re in farm fields, oil operations, or construction sites.
Why do commercial users who depend on their trucks for a living choose the F-150? It’s because of their substantial resale value, reliability, versatility, comfort, and solid safety ratings. It’s built for farm work, dirt roads, heavy hauling, and rough terrain — exactly what Bakersfield’s diverse economy demands. The warranty is excellent: three years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, five years/60,000 miles on the powertrain, and five years/60,000 miles of roadside help.
Local Relevance
Kern County spans 8,161 square miles with valleys, mountains, and desert terrain, and the F-150 copes with it all. Our crops include grapes, almonds, milk, citrus, cattle/calves, and pistachios: each brings transport challenges that the F-150 can handle, from vineyard rows to remote grazing lands.
We’re California’s top oil producer, and trucks must be able to reach remote sites and handle tough oil field conditions daily. The F-150’s versatility fits our diverse needs perfectly.
Our Jim Burke Ford Bakersfield dealership has all the new Ford F-150 inventory, and we can match you with the best setup for work or play. The F-150 combines rough terrain talent, excellent towing capability, strong engines, smart suspension, and practical farm features that make it perfect for Bakersfield’s tough conditions. From the Tremor’s off-road skills to the hybrid’s range, from mobile power generation to tough aluminum construction, this truck meets every challenge Central Valley life throws at it.
Test-Drive a New F-150 at Jim Burke Ford Today
Are you ready to explore why so many local farmers choose the F-150? Schedule a test-drive at Jim Burke Ford today, or contact us to set up a visit so you can check out the full F-150 lineup and talk options with our friendly staff. Your test-drive will demonstrate how the F-150 handles our local terrain. You can also call us at 661-328-3600 to speak with specialists who understand what farming, ranching, and outdoor work in Kern County demands.
