Compare Ford F550 to Ram 5500

Bedlam wrote:
After six months of dedicated hauling and towing use (almost 4k miles), everything is still tight and no issues have surfaced that have required service.

I'm still getting used to the power delivery difference between the 6.0 Powerstroke and 6.7 Cummins. Although both engines produce the same horsepower, the Cummins produces more torque. Loaded with the same GCW, the Powerstroke out accelerates the Cummins however the Powerstroke was always spinning 500-1000 RPM faster when it was worked. The Cummins continues accelerate beyond the Powerstroke top speed when towing heavy on steep grade. Last week I was loaded at 20K lbs GCW and was holding 5th gear (out of 6) at 60 mph over I-90 heading east over the mountains. The Powerstroke would hold 4th (out of 5) at 55 mph on the same road at the same weight. I had to drop 20 mph on the grade due to a semi tractor that changed lanes. Although the Cummins took longer to get up to speed, I still had more pedal if I wanted to go faster. The Powerstroke got back to top speed quicker, but the pedal had to held to floor to maintain its 55 mph speed. Since axle ratios and the number of gears in the transmission differ, some people may not feel this a fair comparison between a 10 year old V8 and a new I6. Both engines use a variable geometry vane turbo as the exhaust brake. The Powerstroke did a good job of keeping the descendents under control, but the Cummins does it better. Some people are wary of the VGT due to stuck vanes - I never experienced these problems but my engines do use available boost and are not mall cruisers.

The 5500 is more stable than my previous F250. I still feel this is due more to the heavy suspension than the addition of two more rear wheels. With a GVW of 3k lbs heavier, I don't feel the cargo trailer behind the truck when towing other than reduced acceleration. Although I use a WDH on this trailer, it has never needed an anti-sway device when pulled by either truck. I recently added 275 lbs of batteries to trailer tongue in a Torklift PowerArmor aluminum box. I am still withing my hitch and and extension ratings and well bellow my rear axle rating. I would not have not have mounted batteries this far forward if I was will using the F250 since it was already carrying 8000 lbs on the rear axle.

I will be pulling over taller passes this summer and see how my new setup does in Colorado. I was always impressed with my Powerstroke's performance and was never wanting for more - I expect the Cummins will give me more, but I will be dragging more weight with me too...

Good follow up...

I also want to say that I think the RAM 4500/5500 with the 19" rims look so much better than the 3500 rims that look proportionally too small. Very good looking truck and the flat bed looks first class.

I too had a 6.0 PSD and when test driving the '12 Ford and '12 RAM I thought by the seat of the pants that my 6.0 PSD had a little more get up and go then the 6.7 cummins. Towing could have been a different story. Having said that my '12 6.7 Power Stroke is so much better in terms of power (loaded and empty) and improved fuel economy I expect your new truck will perform better too.