Looking at a diesel truck. Crew cab, 4wd. Looking used, a year or two old. I’m between an f250 probably xlt and a Ram 2500 Laramie. I’ve always been a Ford man but I do like the dodge also. I’ll pull a bobcat or 12000lb excavator with it from tine to time, as well as a travel trailer. Mostly I want reliability and secondarily resale. Your thoughts please.
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Ram 2500 vs F250
- Thread starter cast1
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Take both for a long test drive. I was looking at both until I drove the RAM and found out I couldn't get comfortable behind the wheel. Bought the F250 and I'm much happier driving it long distances. Either should meet your towing requirements. I would put the Ram as a more reliable engine, if you get one with the CP3 fuel pump but that would require a slightly older truck (3-4 years).
Side note, not sure I would buy a diesel again. I do wonder how happy I'd be with Ford's new gasser. Mileage would suck but I'd have less worry than with the diesel and a late model F350 7.3L, geared right, is rated to tow the same as my 2017 diesel.
Side note, not sure I would buy a diesel again. I do wonder how happy I'd be with Ford's new gasser. Mileage would suck but I'd have less worry than with the diesel and a late model F350 7.3L, geared right, is rated to tow the same as my 2017 diesel.
Totally looking forward to the following after three pages of discussion:
- Several recommendations for GM trucks
- Multiple suggestions for a 12V Cummins or 7.3L (bonus points if it's an IDI)
- Some jackass talking about the fuel economy of his Jetta TDI
- Several recommendations for GM trucks
- Multiple suggestions for a 12V Cummins or 7.3L (bonus points if it's an IDI)
- Some jackass talking about the fuel economy of his Jetta TDI
RAM all day everyday. Im on my second 2500 Cummins, first was a 2010, current is a 2015 and Dad's is a 2016. Have a 2011 F-250 for a chase truck at work because .gov and I didn't get to choose. It drives smoother and is faster but it doesn't tow nearly as well, doesn't have an engine brake, sits lower and has been a maintenance beast. 2 DEF systems in 8 years, a turbo and a bunch of other stuff. If you work on them yourself you will appreciate being able to reach into the engine compartment on the Cummins, thats not really a thing on a Powerstroke everything is crammed in there so tight and the air filter cover is a MF'r to get on/off. IMO Ram has solved the DEF/emissions bs better than anyone which is significant because the tuner/delete industry has been under attack significantly which can be a whole other thread/rant. They both build good looking trucks but I'll take the Cummins reliability everytime and have put my money where my mouth is twice now.
Im no mechanic, just a wildland fire engine captain that drives these trucks daily all over the west with lots off offroad and towing in generally rough/shitty conditions. Take it for whatever you think its worth, there's diehard fans on both sides for reasons. Ive never heard of anyone swapping a power stroke into Dodge but Cummins swaps into Fords are not uncommon for custom builds.
Im no mechanic, just a wildland fire engine captain that drives these trucks daily all over the west with lots off offroad and towing in generally rough/shitty conditions. Take it for whatever you think its worth, there's diehard fans on both sides for reasons. Ive never heard of anyone swapping a power stroke into Dodge but Cummins swaps into Fords are not uncommon for custom builds.
I work for a company that used only Ford trucks forever, then switched to Dodge two, maybe three years ago and now we have switched back to Ford. I had no issues either way with the trucks I had from either line. Before I gave up the commercial diving world, we only used the Super Duty’s, two of them had transmission issues but were warranty issues and fixed. I have a buddy that builds drag cars and will have nothing but a Dodge. From being around both for a while, think it’s going to come down to which you like best and feels best for you. Cummings vs Power Stroke, really hard to say in that department. Both are workhorse engines.
Ram guy here, slightly biased.
I have 2 of em, one 2018 for my weld rig in a 3500 c&c srw and a 2016 Laramie 3500 srw.
for towing a 12k excavator plus a 4k trailer I would step up to a 3500 srw and made sure I got the Aisin transmission. For longevity you’ll have a lot better luck with that transmission over the 68rfe and the extra payload will help a ton with all that tongue weight.
if you want to tune the truck for extra ponies fine, but be prepared to drop a high end trans in it in short order.
I don’t know a whole lot about the fords, but I would opt for the 350 srw also. If I remember right the payload capacity on a 4wd crew cab f250 is not all that high and you will most likely be over the max amount you can put on the ball or gooseneck with a 16k trailer.
Edit- interior and feature wise a Laramie ram is going to be much higher end than a XLT ford. Ford will be full of plastic and the ram has lots of leather.
I have 2 of em, one 2018 for my weld rig in a 3500 c&c srw and a 2016 Laramie 3500 srw.
for towing a 12k excavator plus a 4k trailer I would step up to a 3500 srw and made sure I got the Aisin transmission. For longevity you’ll have a lot better luck with that transmission over the 68rfe and the extra payload will help a ton with all that tongue weight.
if you want to tune the truck for extra ponies fine, but be prepared to drop a high end trans in it in short order.
I don’t know a whole lot about the fords, but I would opt for the 350 srw also. If I remember right the payload capacity on a 4wd crew cab f250 is not all that high and you will most likely be over the max amount you can put on the ball or gooseneck with a 16k trailer.
Edit- interior and feature wise a Laramie ram is going to be much higher end than a XLT ford. Ford will be full of plastic and the ram has lots of leather.
I would recommend the RAM. Can't beat the Cummins diesel engine. The only thing I don't like about the RAM is the horrendous BIG screen on the dash. I've got a 2015, so I don't have that, but in the commercials that thing is HUGE.
If you custom order the truck, make sure you get the proper axle ratio for your needs. Long highway trips can be a pain if you've got too stiff of gears. Pulling things out of mud and snow can't be done too easily with highway gears.
If you custom order the truck, make sure you get the proper axle ratio for your needs. Long highway trips can be a pain if you've got too stiff of gears. Pulling things out of mud and snow can't be done too easily with highway gears.
Have had good luck on my current 2014 Cummins SRW 3500. Can't help on trims. I buy basic work trucks and do seat covers, tire/rims and bumpers so my interiors are plain and oriented toward holding up good and work. My previous was a 2011 SRW F350 and it was a damn lemon. I have buddies that are Ford only guys and they get very good service from their rigs and the 6.7. Like said earlier total toss up to personal preference. Both are good trucks. I do a lot of my own work/tinkering and the Cummins is far easier for that IMO. As stated get the 3500 for your stated load. 3/4 is plenty capable but the little sticker matters when the weight cops get bored. Or chance it a few times a year and ride much better the rest of the year.
throwing this out there also, any engine trans work of any kind, 95% of the time the whole body has to be pulled on the ford, so everything has to be done in a shop. If you are working on your own stuff I would definitely be leaning towards the Ram
I own 16 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 and Ford F-250/f350. Years range from 2011 to 2020. I’ll say we have less trouble with the fords. Mileage is the same. The 17 -19 Fords have had some front end issues but they seem to be resolved. The dodges are 14-16 models. Lots of water pumps and def issues. I can’t comment on the newer dodges as I don’t have any. They sure look nice tho.
It’s not a big deal to pull the cab in a shop, but that eliminates 99% of people from doing their own maintenance. Which requires you to bring it to a shop and pay shop rates to fix things a regular guy with mechanical skills could do in his own in the garage.
“If you want to pull a heavy load, buy a Ford. If you want to swallow a heavy load, buy a Dodge”
-Socrates
-Socrates
Man idk about u... but I’m not about to go tinkering with these modern diesel pickups. We use to work on the 12v and pre 07 24 valve trucks. But too much stuff on these newer ones. All of our trucks go back to the dealer for service and maintenance. But I get exactly what your saying, they prolly do it on purpose for that exact reason lol.
If you excpect it to work by a ram if you want to look cool and be a little more comfortable by a Ford.
Sold my 2018 f250 to buy a 2021 ram both diesels the one complaint is the Ford is quicker off the line but the ram pulls better......
Sold my 2018 f250 to buy a 2021 ram both diesels the one complaint is the Ford is quicker off the line but the ram pulls better......
I know nothing about the Ram. But if you're looking at Super Duty get the F350. The additional cost is tiny and returned when you sell. It's like getting more truck for free.
It's not the best time to be shopping for a big pickup. New production is restricted by component availability. This reduces rebates on new and adds to value of late model used.
It's not the best time to be shopping for a big pickup. New production is restricted by component availability. This reduces rebates on new and adds to value of late model used.
Whatever you do, make sure you delete it. Completely changes the abilities of the pickup.
Ford all day long. A lot more comfortable in the cab. Also a quieter and tighter cab. Another thing to consider in my mind is oil changes. I can change the oil in my f250 with ZERO tools. Filter is on the bottom of the engine and easily accessible. Last time I changed the oil on a ram I had to take the front passenger tire off to get to the oil filter. They’ll both pull about the same and ride about the same. Biggest thing is maintenance and buying clean fuel.
Before you consider Ram, Google the terms (ram diesel chirping noise) ask yourself if random. Chirping sounds from the front end accessory drive will give you joy.
Any one who has a Ram and wants to get rid of the chirp should consider replacing the factory damper with a fluidamper.
Disclosure: though now retired at one time I had an interest in the Fluidamper parent. I'll take a week off if the ban hammer is required.
Any one who has a Ram and wants to get rid of the chirp should consider replacing the factory damper with a fluidamper.
Disclosure: though now retired at one time I had an interest in the Fluidamper parent. I'll take a week off if the ban hammer is required.
Mine isn't new, but I have a 2013 Ram 2500 that I bought new and don't think I'll be getting another. Almost 20 recalls and I have had some issues with the DEF and Turbo going out.
Now it looks like my diff might be going out with 130k miles. Undercarriage is also starting to rust and the trucks never been in snow.
Comparing the 2500's body to the 2006 F-150 I also bought new, the Ford looks almost new. So I will definitely be going back to Ford when it's time for a new truck.
Now it looks like my diff might be going out with 130k miles. Undercarriage is also starting to rust and the trucks never been in snow.
Comparing the 2500's body to the 2006 F-150 I also bought new, the Ford looks almost new. So I will definitely be going back to Ford when it's time for a new truck.
If it’s to be a new truck that you’ll not keep longer than the power train warranty I would do the Ford. Great transmission and wider power spread. The chassis feels a little better to me as well. I’m skeptical about how long the motors will hold up and the are a real pain to work on. The Ram will generally be much cheaper to fix if anything goes wrong engine wise I suspect.
If you don’t need the performance of the diesel the new Ford 7.3L gas would be with a hard look.
If you don’t need the performance of the diesel the new Ford 7.3L gas would be with a hard look.
I’d still be willing to mess with some of it. If I needed to swap a turbo I probably would, injectors I would be willing to do myself, idk hopefully it’s going to be a while before it comes to any of that though since they are still low mileage.
turbo is actually a great example. Let’s say it goes out right after warranty has gone out on either truck, which is 100% possible with either brand.
ram you can replace one in the driveway without too specialized tool, for just the cost of the turbo. Ford has to go to the shop, pull the cab, and replace it. I bet the labor charge there is going to be at least $1500
did you change the fluid in your diff every 30k?
I traded a diesel in and got the 7.3l gas. For heavy towing it's not as good, but nearly everplace you buy diesel has some spilled on the ground. So over time all my shoes started to smell like diesel, and I did not care for that.
Yes I did, also had the seals go out in the front and rear diff at 80k. Forgot to mention that one.
Wow, talk about a first world problem.
Single owner, bought new 2015 Ram 2500 Megacab diesel with 80k on it. Has been a great truck. More comfortable than any Chevy or Ford I've owned before. The interior on the new trucks can't be beat. Has hauled 10k trailer&jeep from east coast to utah multiple times and all around the southeast. I was shocked how crappy the new GMC Denali felt also when I test drove one recently. I grew up a Chevy family and I want to like the new Chevy/GMCs but they are so far behind Ram and Ford. Frequent recalls were a pita for a couple years but no recalls in awhile and my buddies who have Fords have had just as many as the Ram guys. From recent test drives, Ford is #2 to me but I don't think you can go wrong with either Ford or Ram. The only thing I haven't seen in either is the massage seats in the HDs.
I promise you that Ford does not do all the "cab off" service procedures to scare away home mechanics, because it (and every other manufacturer) gives exactly zero fucks about home mechanics. This is neither good nor bad; it's simply the reality of the business.
It all depends on how each truck is specified from the factory.
I worked pipelines all over the country and will say that hardly any of the welders drove Chevrolet.
Most are F350 and 3500 Dodges.
I remember when Precision pipeline destroyed about 90 Chevys on their first job.
If I was dragging a mini around I'd have nothing smaller than a ton out front
I worked pipelines all over the country and will say that hardly any of the welders drove Chevrolet.
Most are F350 and 3500 Dodges.
I remember when Precision pipeline destroyed about 90 Chevys on their first job.
If I was dragging a mini around I'd have nothing smaller than a ton out front
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1st post he says hauling a 12000 lb excavator, ya I wouldn’t recommend a half ton
Well I have a f-250 and ram 2500 both 2011 both deleted, my Ford is my truck I run service out of and it has been a great truck had a few issues with egt sensors early on then deleted the truck after all that, the dodge I got already deleted I bought it mainly for a back up truck. Both trucks are crew cab 4x4, the Ford has 486,000 on it and the dodge has 320,000 on it I just got back from Pennsylvania yesterday for work drove up there which was 1200 miles and put around another 2 on it then drove back home all in about 3 weeks time, I’ve drove the dodge all over the country as well. The dodge has been a great truck as well and I’d much rather pull with the dodge the Ford doesn’t have any issues I just like how the dodge feels pulling, the power is just different. The Ford I think is more comfy but the newer dodges are really nice they e done a lot of updating on their interior, I would buy an older dodge with the cp3 pump as I know the cp4 is an issue I’ve replaced my fuel system on my Ford which was $7500 now it has the bypass kit just incase I lose a cp4 again, other than that I think they are both good trucks just pick what you like and keep the fluids changed and the maintenance up you’ll be ok.
Am I the only person here that will tow 12000 pounds with a half ton truck? Been doing it for years with a 5.3 liter and just ordered a gmc 3.0 Duramax hoping to gain a little fuel economy and torque. My friend has a Cummins Ram 3/4 ton and tows up to 27000 pounds with it.
Bought my '18 Ram 2500 CTD because it was the only way I could get a manual transmission. I've got 33k trouble free miles so far. I was planning on deleting the truck once the warranty is expired, but the EPA is apparently cracking down on that pretty hard now.
So is that driving a travel trailer down the HWY or hualing heavy equipment offroad?
If you every get in a situation where a panic stop is involved you'll wish you had a ton truck.
If you don't handle it
It will handle you.
You don't swap a powerstroke to a dodge because the transmissions already fail behind a cummins, lol
Umm, trailers for that kind of load have there own brakes. Usually electric brakes. You adjust bias between truck and trailer on truck dash. Should be no problem braking.
Except that he's way over the manufacturers combined GVW and good luck getting the insurance to pay if you crash.
I know how brakes work, hauling heavy with a half ton truck is what assholes do.
Think about it when someone kills your family
Just from experience working on both both have issues. The 6.7 power stroke has some issues with fuel contamination. If the cp4 pump goes they tend to send shrapnel through fuel system. A full decon kit my price at Ford was like 5500 bucks new cp4 new fuel rails new fuel lines new injectors. Also depending on the year if it’s a early 6.7 it also needs a turbo swap to a late 6.7 turbo the first turbos didn’t fail so well.
The dodge as always has transmission issues. The Cummins has always been a great motor but any truck with a cp4 pump suffers from a terrible pump design (not including the hot dumpster fire of an engine they put in the Nissan Titan)
there are kits for both trucks to replace the cp4 pumps with a more reliable cp3 pump. Experience but worth the money.
I always recommend either a fass pump or a air dog for any diesels regardless of the use and power goals.
IMO Ford has always had a nicer cab and interior then dodge. More comfortable better equipped and a quieter ride. Not to mention I think fords always look nicer.
There
As for towing in the 2019 year range the f250 had a higher towing capacity.
but as previously stated some In-depth repairs on the 6.7 power stroke are done much easier by lifting the cab. It’s a tight fit in there. I pop the cab on pretty much any 6.7 power stroke I deal with. (Not just the 6.7 but also the 6.4 and 6.0 in the power stoke line 7.3’s can be worked on with cab on fairly easily.
both trucks have their quirks and issues. It mainly boils down to how much you want to spend which truck you can find in the budget range and which one feels and drives the best to you.
also just to add I drive a built hopped up 7.3 powerstroke
The dodge as always has transmission issues. The Cummins has always been a great motor but any truck with a cp4 pump suffers from a terrible pump design (not including the hot dumpster fire of an engine they put in the Nissan Titan)
there are kits for both trucks to replace the cp4 pumps with a more reliable cp3 pump. Experience but worth the money.
I always recommend either a fass pump or a air dog for any diesels regardless of the use and power goals.
IMO Ford has always had a nicer cab and interior then dodge. More comfortable better equipped and a quieter ride. Not to mention I think fords always look nicer.
There
As for towing in the 2019 year range the f250 had a higher towing capacity.
but as previously stated some In-depth repairs on the 6.7 power stroke are done much easier by lifting the cab. It’s a tight fit in there. I pop the cab on pretty much any 6.7 power stroke I deal with. (Not just the 6.7 but also the 6.4 and 6.0 in the power stoke line 7.3’s can be worked on with cab on fairly easily.
both trucks have their quirks and issues. It mainly boils down to how much you want to spend which truck you can find in the budget range and which one feels and drives the best to you.
also just to add I drive a built hopped up 7.3 powerstroke
Sorry but towing 12k with a 1/2 ton is stupid. Swerve to avoid something with a 1/2 ton with a 12k mini ex and a 4k trailer for a trailer weight of 16k and see how many feet you slide for before you are jacked knifed into the ditch or you rolled the whole rig into the ditch. Pulling 27k with a 3/4 ton is stupid also. That rear suspension is slammed to the ground if you have the tongue weight ratio correct. 27k should be around 5k of toungue weight. No 3/4 ton can survive with 5k sitting in the back of it, that’s dually territory.
I agree with everything but this. To me, especially comparing a Laramie to an XLT, a Laramie is going to be loaded much nicer than XLT or even a Lariat. Every Ford I’ve seen in those trims even higher trims is nothing but plastic eveywhere, where the ram has a leather dash, door handles and center console. Lot more creature comforts in a Laramie ram compared to a XLT ford
I run a '01 Ford with a 7.3 that is plenty capable of doing what you need.
A friend has the '19 Chevy and I sorta like the interior. It's actually pretty comfortable on long trips. Now they say it will haul what you need but this truck only hauls hunting gear.
There was a time once that I had to pull a Dodge out of ditch with my Diesel Jetta. The poor guy was almost out of fuel so we siphoned a couple gallons for him. Good thing the Jetta gets 45 mpg.
Get the Ford because real men drive Ford. But then again men drive Rams also. So get the Ram.
Just flip a coin and hope to get a good one of either.
A friend has the '19 Chevy and I sorta like the interior. It's actually pretty comfortable on long trips. Now they say it will haul what you need but this truck only hauls hunting gear.
There was a time once that I had to pull a Dodge out of ditch with my Diesel Jetta. The poor guy was almost out of fuel so we siphoned a couple gallons for him. Good thing the Jetta gets 45 mpg.
Get the Ford because real men drive Ford. But then again men drive Rams also. So get the Ram.
Just flip a coin and hope to get a good one of either.
