2017 F350 dually with 6.7 opinions

With one of those end cap oil filter wrenches on a ratchet changing a filter out on the current Cummins is cake. Once you get it loosened up you just drop it in a ziploc, seal it up and pull it through the hole. I have no idea where the myth came about that it's a difficult job.

FishOnOne wrote:

otrfun wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
. . . Just lift the hood on both trucks, that should help with the decision . . .

Agree, for those that may have plans to do any DIY maintenance, lifting the hoods on both trucks is a dramatic study in contrast.

Speaking of maintenance you forgot about the impossible location of the oil filter on the ram. The Ford on the other hand is right next to the oil pan like it should be.

ram oil filter mess

Ford Oil filter

Give me a break! Sure it's not as easy as the previous models but NO way is it hard at all! Certainly not as hard as cab removal!

I had a thread on TDR "EASY 2013 up oil change". How about posting a link for me of my thread???

reliability is a funny thing, ive had a few brands that were sworn to be oh so reliable, yet they were night mares for me.

my 2011 had 110k miles and zero issues, maybe I was the one lucky ford owner.

I will admit my mileage would be better if I slowed down to 60mph, but at 72 mph I get passed by everything and everyone, it almost feels dangerous.

mbrower wrote:
After owning my current vehicle since 2001, I'm ready to try another manufacturer. That only leaves Ram and Ford. Any truck I choose will be mid to high optioned like a lariat or Laramie. I've driven both and each suits me so it comes down to reliability and fuel mileage.

On reliability, where I ended up in the final analysis was that I was okay with having to deal with more minor issues on the Ram in return for a lower chance of a catastrophic engine failure that seemed to plague Ford diesels. So far I haven't had any issues at all with my Ram but it's a 2015 so that's not saying much yet.

The kind of driver you are is probably going to be a bigger factor in fuel economy between the two trucks. That said I do think the Cummins does a little better, although I've read it uses more DEF when towing so that would cut against it. In the end the difference is minor relative to your total ownership cost.

Drive both and pick your favorite, and you'll probably be very satisfied either way.

As for your question about mileage, I get around 22-23 at 55mph, have gotten as high as 25, drops to 19-20 at 70mph. Towing I get on the average about 10.5-11. That's all on pretty level roads and towing with the TV and toy hauler in my sig. Make sure if your going to do a lot of towing to spend the extra cash and get the Aisin tranny.

You can get a lemon from any manufacturer, ive had good luck with my last 2 fords and not so good with another brand. When I bought the current truck I shopped all 3 and bought the one that fit my butt and felt was the best deal for me.

I can understand your mileage question, from November until april my truck is my daily driver. My current truck gets in the 15mpg range empty on the highway where as my previous 2011 f250 6.7 with 3:55 gears was closer to 17mpg. Not the same trucks but very similar in weight and engine.

I want to thank everyone for taking the time to respond and post links to information and data that I can read. I know it seems strange to throw mileage into the equation considering the price of diesel trucks these days. I like all the trucks, including Chevrolets. My current gas Chevrolet has some of the same problems that has always plagued GM. Crappy electrical components and body hardware. I know Rams have had their share of body problems in the past, but have not heard anything major from owners for the last couple of years. Have always like the integrity and design of the ford bodies but the engines reputation for problems are infamous.

After owning my current vehicle since 2001, I'm ready to try another manufacturer. That only leaves Ram and Ford. Any truck I choose will be mid to high optioned like a lariat or Laramie. I've driven both and each suits me so it comes down to reliability and fuel mileage.

4x4ord wrote:
I wonder what you diy'ers do under the hood of your truck's. In 5 years and 100,000 miles my Powerstroke saw the dealership to get a vacuum line changed under warranty. Everything else (which wasn't much) I did myself and it couldn't have been easier. Changed the oil 7 times, air filter once and fuel filters once I think......what else do you want to do to your truck.

My BIL has over 100k on his '10 Cummins and has never had even a vacuum hose or anything else need maintenance. Just oil, air, and filter changes. Not everyone is lucky as him or you.

For those that aren't so lucky, they may want to compare access and ease of maintenance on a Cummins vs. PSD in terms of replacing a starter, serpentine belt, and water pump. A friend of mine replaced all these items DIY on his '12 PSD by the time he had 110k. I helped him out. Needless to say it wasn't a cakewalk.

I wonder what you diy'ers do under the hood of your truck's. In 5 years and 100,000 miles my Powerstroke saw the dealership to get a vacuum line changed under warranty. Everything else (which wasn't much) I did myself and it couldn't have been easier. Changed the oil 7 times, air filter once and fuel filters once I think......what else do you want to do to your truck.

FishOnOne wrote:

otrfun wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
. . . Just lift the hood on both trucks, that should help with the decision . . .

Agree, for those that may have plans to do any DIY maintenance, lifting the hoods on both trucks is a dramatic study in contrast.

Speaking of maintenance you forgot about the impossible location of the oil filter on the ram. The Ford on the other hand is right next to the oil pan like it should be.

Granted, the transmissions lines next to the oil filter can be a source of drama for some. I recently changed the oil on my '16 Cummins. Found it refreshing to be able to sit on a stool to swap out the oil filter via the wheel well without having to crawl under the truck. Honestly, one of the easier oil changes I've done.

But, FishOnOne, more to the point. Even my wife, who typically could care less about what's under a hood, gasped when she saw how tightly packed everything was under a late model PSD's hood. It's utterly insane. I've helped a friend of mine do some work on his '12 PSD. For a DIY'r it's intimidating. At least on the Cummins you can actually locate and see most every major component without pulling out a service manual or having someone show you where everything is located.