So I'm in the market now for a new HD crew cab truck. For now, I'm sticking to gassers because my 15 mile city commute is not fit for a diesel, and they're cheaper :) We also plan to upgrade TTs in the next couple of years, but nothing over 10k lbs ready to travel. We might do the occasional longer trip, but most of our camping is within 500 miles of Orlando.The Ford 6.2/TS combo I hear is solid, and I hear the 6.0 works well, but the reality is I know very little about the three choices. The Ram Megacab looks appealing to me (like this one), but I thought I saw somewhere it requires premium?Are these pretty evenly matched like the diesels? Are there certain situations that one shines over the others? It's going to be unloaded 80-90% of the time.We can't go shopping until next weekend, and the selection is pretty dismal for gassers :( Just trying to see if there's one I should avoid, or work a little harder to track down the right ones.:C

Check out TFL.com for towing vids for all 3 gassers. Yes, I know these are up more extreme inclines and other things, but I still think they shed some insight into the overall capabilities of each. Test drive all 3 for yourself, because the interiors are definitely different for each. I love my Chevy 6.0. I really like the interior, love the looks, and it tows very well. Yes, the 6.0 is outdated, but it works great and its been proven to be EXTREMELY reliable. In the end, get the one that suits your tastes and budget. Really can't go wrong with any of them.

I would say go test drive each one, and decide. It's all about personal preferences.For me, the Ram with cylinder deactivation was too complicated, I'm tired of Chevy/GMC chinese ****, so I went with a Ford.The are all equally capable. The deals are good on Fords right now, and I like the steel body anyway.

If you want a good ride, go with the Ram 2500 with the 6.4l Hemi. This engine is getting about 2 to 3 MPG less than the Cummins both Light and Towing. The rear coil spring, or optional air is more pleasing for the commute. Allpar.com does say it runs on 87 gas, but 89 octane is recommended. I would see what others who have it say about it.

Looks like the Ford 6.2L F-250 with a 3.73 rear axle will work for you.Good for pulling up to a 12,500 lb trailer.

My new 150 pulls as well or better than my old 250 did and gives a lot better gas milage. I am currently pulling somewhat over 11,000lbs with it regularly now. It definately needs the load distributing hitch more than a 250 but is great other than that and you should probably have one anyway unless you are pulling a 5th wheel. Then you might should consider the max payload package. The 3.5 Ecoboost is stronger than the 6.2 below 5,000 rpm and gives much better fuel economy, especially empty as you plan to be most of the time. You are fortunate to have so many good choices. I do wish that I could have gotten the air suspension on my Ford. I do like Fords and the 6.2 seems to be strong and reliable but it is old technology and does not give great fuel economy, it is already a very low production engine and I expect it to go away altogether very soon.

Big three HD gassers | Good Sam Community

kw_00
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
I never had a problem with the lifters clogging up, or the first gen 300hp version. We have a vortec 350 at my parents house. Late 90s with with the fuel injection. I know my previous 02 1500HD 6.0 out pulled that truck, both with 3:73 gears. Yes I will say the 360hp version is stronger then the 300hp version, but the 300hp version was no slouch. Again congrats on your purchase it will be a good truck.
FishOnOne
Nomad
Jul 12, 2016
Engineer9860 wrote:
The 6.0 gasser in my wife's 2500HD has been rock solid reliable. 128,000mi and not even a whimper.

Hers is the earlier 300HP version and tows well enough to snag whatever we have hooked to it and still please this horsepower junky at the same time. I can only imagine what the newer 360HP versions tow like.

The one problem the LS family engines have is a small oil port on the lifters and they like to clog up with some miles and cause a lifter/rocker arm tap. In addition my parents purchased a Chevy HD with a 6.0 the first year they came out and I believe it was 300 HP too. The engine never ran as strong as there previous Vortec 350 and later was unloaded for a Duramax.
kw_00
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
Nice! Congrats on your new truck.! You will like the 6.0 and 6 speed combo!
eluwak
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
SouthpawHD wrote:
OP, not sure a factory b/u camera can be installed. Lots of guys on the GM sites have had issues with it. I don't recall all the details, but keep that in mind.

Good to know. I'll see how it pans out, but I'll be a bit miffed if they don't get it working.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
Congrats on the new truck!
SouthpawHD
Explorer
Jul 12, 2016
OP, not sure a factory b/u camera can be installed. Lots of guys on the GM sites have had issues with it. I don't recall all the details, but keep that in mind.
jerem0621
Explorer II
Jul 12, 2016
Congrats!
DakotaDad
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
Congrats! That's a good looking truck.
eluwak
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
And the result is:

I never made out to the Ram dealer. This ended up being exactly what I wanted minus the factory backup camera that they are installing when the parts come in. I felt the deal was right, and was really impressed with the ride and how quiet it was.
SoCalDesertRid1
Explorer
Jul 11, 2016
If you have your heart set on a specific combination of options on the truck and can't find one like you want, just order one. Folks order trucks built they way they want every day. :)