Forum Discussion

HaulinBass02's avatar
HaulinBass02
Explorer
Dec 20, 2017

‘14 Ram 1500 or ‘14 F-150?

Ok guys, finally sold our suburban and I’m in need of a truck. Our primary TV is the Excursion. The truck will mainly be used for my DD and boat towing truck. I will, on rare occasion need it to tow our TT to the deer lease or possibly to an elk hun in CO once in a while.
Key’s are, I gotta buy used and 2014 is about the newest year model I can comfortably afford with the mileage around 60-90k to stay in my price range.
Toyota Tundra crewmax 5.7 is not out of the question, I just haven’t found one configured how I want it. I’ll be buying pretty soon, so whatever is there that I find to be he best deal will get the nod.
My only have to haves are FULL crew cab, 4x4, biggest available V-8 (Ecoboost is not an option in my book, don’t try). I’m just not buying another Chevy so that leaves me with the Ram 1500 Hemi (crew cab) and the F-150 5.0. I have driven both but still can’t decide.
My concern with buying a higher mileage truck is the transmission and the remaining longevity of the engine. Both Ram and Ford have bad raps about transmissions....The Ram also was a little soft in the rear but I think I can cure that with stiffer coils and or airbags. Ford XLT was nice but the Ram SLT seemed a little nicer equipped.
So the question is, which one would you buy and why?
Tow Vehicles
  • AlmostAnOldGuy's avatar
    AlmostAnOldGuy
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    Okay, just my 2 cents. I would go with the Ford for a couple of reasons. The 5.0 Coyote is a really good engine. Good performance and respectable mpg. Also, the electronic steering rack on the F150 is nice. Running a long haul down the highway / freeway it steers true and solid with virtually no correction. This is the most effortless rig I have driven (less fatigue) due to the steering and overall quiet cab. Also, no need to modify a softer suspension.

    With that said I would not say anything bad about the Ram. Have not driven a 1500.

    Good luck,
    Stu
  • ShinerBock's avatar
    ShinerBock
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    You got a tough one on your hands. I did drive a 2011 5.0L F150 company truck for a short period of time(about 6 months) before I got a newer 2012 F150 Ecoboost. I will say that it did not feel as strong of a puller towing the same trailer as the 2012 especially at low rpms and got worse fuel economy. Since the Ecoboost is out, I would say that the Ram probably has the more powerful engine with better fuel economy if it has MDS, but the Ford has the better suspension and all round set up for towing especially if it is the HD or max trailer tow package.

    Good luck. The only way I would go back to towing with a half ton after owning a diesel is if it were another Ecoboost.
  • MitchF150's avatar
    MitchF150
    Explorer III
    Dec 20, 2017
    I looked at both the Dodge and the 5.0 Ford and went with the Eco when I got my 13 F150, so my opinion is moot I guess... :)

    Good luck!

    Mitch
  • jerem0621's avatar
    jerem0621
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2017
    Ford F-150 and it’s not even close. IMHO that is. Shop around you can find a 14 with lower mileage. My 08 had 64k on it when I bought it earlier this year. My next F150 will have the Coyote in it. Good choice.

    Ram 1500’s are nice. I had a SLT Rental and my back was screaming after 300 Miles. My XLT IS MUCH more comfy.

    No worries about either transmission.

    Thanks!

    Jeremiah
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    I drove those both new, before buying one... buy the one you like most or fits your rear, there's no substantive reason to choose one over the other.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Dec 20, 2017
    Too bad the Tundra is off your list, it's the best of the 3. Bulletproof Trans and drive train
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    On a used model I'd probably be more focused on the deal and specific vehicle (miles, how used, condition, etc) than what brand. In the half ton world it seems like the Ram is a bit lighter in terms of capability but the 5.7 with an 8 speed would probably give it an edge over the 5.0 in terms of pulling performance. That's just a guess, though - I don't have experience with either.
  • Walaby's avatar
    Walaby
    Explorer II
    Dec 20, 2017
    Given those two choices, I would simply opt for the one I could get the best deal on, had the lowest mileage, and best options etc. These two are pretty much even in my book, although my personal preference is Ram.

    Mike
  • LIKE2BUILD's avatar
    LIKE2BUILD
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    IdaD wrote:
    On a used model I'd probably be more focused on the deal and specific vehicle (miles, how used, condition, etc) than what brand.


    ^^^^ THIS ^^^^^

    Not sure where you get the 'bad raps' on transmissions on Ford and RAM. Maybe 15-20 years ago there were some weak transmissions, but I'm not aware of any common problems with either of them in recent models.

    HP, torque, etc. are probably just about a dead heat between the two.

    In a '14 F150 you'll get leaf springs, in a '14 RAM it will be coil springs. Each has different attributes, you just need to decide which is more comfortable for you.

    So yeah, shop around for the cleanest truck with the fewest miles and lowest price then buy and be happy.

    KJ
  • MegaCab_PL's avatar
    MegaCab_PL
    Explorer
    Dec 20, 2017
    I believe 2014s were using 6R80 tranny. For what it's worth I have a 6R60 in my 06 Explorer v8, and at 257k miles including towing trailers and plowing snow on my driveway for the past 11 years, this thing shifts same way it did when it was new. Fluid change every 60k miles, and not driving like a teenager in a rental.
    6R80 is even stronger so 5.0 / 6R80 would be my choice as well.

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