Compare Ford F550 to Ram 5500
I'm looking for people that have experience with these chassis cab models. The engines and transmissions have been covered in previous threads, so I am focusing on the chassis, braking, axles, suspens...
Forum Discussion
Once you get into the chassis cab models, you get the wider track axles and narrower frames (which allows for more wheel cut). What I don't know is how much of the parts cross from the pickup line. I do know Ram has improved the front end - My hope is that they engineered it better than in the past and just did not scale up the components with the same design. An advantage of the Ford is a choice of standard, extended or crew cab using a 9' bed to keep the wheelbase short. The Ram jumps in length between standard and crew cabs (one of the reasons I did not buy a Dodge in 2005). Previously, I needed a truck that would fit tight parking spots and my current Ford is under 7'x20'. This time I am more flexible on cab configuration, but it has to be at least an extended cab to hold the dogs and DW when making trips.
The 4wd is for boon docking off forest roads and use in snow. I don't expect to be seriously off-roading with such a large rig, but I also do not want to pull out a winch just because I cannot pull in or out of a campsite when it is muddy or the grass is wet. Low range is nice when you want creep along or over something. My manual locking hubs currently allow me run in 2wd low which is handy.
Bed to cab roof height is an issue when hauling a truck camper. It does mo good to have a low bed if the camper will not clear the cab without raised footings.
MSRP on the RAM and Ford are under $60k with diesel and less with gasser. I'm expecting the out-the-door price to be less than MSRP even with fees and taxes. Regardless of brand selected, I will still have bed and receiver costs.
The 4wd is for boon docking off forest roads and use in snow. I don't expect to be seriously off-roading with such a large rig, but I also do not want to pull out a winch just because I cannot pull in or out of a campsite when it is muddy or the grass is wet. Low range is nice when you want creep along or over something. My manual locking hubs currently allow me run in 2wd low which is handy.
Bed to cab roof height is an issue when hauling a truck camper. It does mo good to have a low bed if the camper will not clear the cab without raised footings.
MSRP on the RAM and Ford are under $60k with diesel and less with gasser. I'm expecting the out-the-door price to be less than MSRP even with fees and taxes. Regardless of brand selected, I will still have bed and receiver costs.
