Dodge vs Ford vs GM diesel 3/4 ton family
We sold the 24' bunk bed model a few weeks ago and have decided to look at something bigger (29), but in the meantime, it's time to retire the 2001 Tahoe from towing. We are looking at buying new (2014 models) and have settled on a 3/4 ton diesel. I should note that until we retire in a couple years, the truck will also be used for everyday things too.
The question is, which one: we test drove all three and here is what we found. I'm very interested in your observations, so please jump in!
Dodge: We drove the longhorn 2500. We loved the look and the interior was amazing. We loved the Cummins for instant response. We found the engine to be a bit louder than the other 2 trucks. It was also the most rough riding and that was a big issue (coil springs?). The sound system sounded like "tin", but that could have been the factory settings. We didn't like the way the back seat flipped up for storage, but then again the back seat is heated!! Not sure of the history/reliability of the transmission, from I've read. The deals right now for them are great - 2013's that is - as there are still plenty of the '13's on the dealer lots.
GM: We drove the Denali 2500. The engine was the quietest, but there was a "lag" when you stepped on it. Not as responsive as the other 2. The ride was far better than the Dodge. The interior was sparse compared to the other 2 for what you are paying for, we found. We've read a lot of the Duramax/Allison combo as being very solid. We loved the way the back seat flipped for us, but then again they are NOT heated.
Ford F-250 King Ranch: WOW!! It seemed to have the best of all worlds. But here's the scary part: That Ford diesel engine. We are VERY nervous of it - the "Scorpion", that is. We know of all the issues of past IH engines, and how the 7.3 was the very best.... I do not know about the transmission either.
As you can tell, the Ford creeps ahead for us, but that engine we are very unsure of. We keep our trucks for 10-15 years, and the Cummins and Duramax have been around for a while. Yet that Ford engine has only been on the market for a couple years, and cannot compare with the other 2 for being around as long.
I know it's all about what you are looking for, I've listed just a few for us. I'm very curious as to any views out there as we continue to shop.
Many thanks in advance!
The question is, which one: we test drove all three and here is what we found. I'm very interested in your observations, so please jump in!
Dodge: We drove the longhorn 2500. We loved the look and the interior was amazing. We loved the Cummins for instant response. We found the engine to be a bit louder than the other 2 trucks. It was also the most rough riding and that was a big issue (coil springs?). The sound system sounded like "tin", but that could have been the factory settings. We didn't like the way the back seat flipped up for storage, but then again the back seat is heated!! Not sure of the history/reliability of the transmission, from I've read. The deals right now for them are great - 2013's that is - as there are still plenty of the '13's on the dealer lots.
GM: We drove the Denali 2500. The engine was the quietest, but there was a "lag" when you stepped on it. Not as responsive as the other 2. The ride was far better than the Dodge. The interior was sparse compared to the other 2 for what you are paying for, we found. We've read a lot of the Duramax/Allison combo as being very solid. We loved the way the back seat flipped for us, but then again they are NOT heated.
Ford F-250 King Ranch: WOW!! It seemed to have the best of all worlds. But here's the scary part: That Ford diesel engine. We are VERY nervous of it - the "Scorpion", that is. We know of all the issues of past IH engines, and how the 7.3 was the very best.... I do not know about the transmission either.
As you can tell, the Ford creeps ahead for us, but that engine we are very unsure of. We keep our trucks for 10-15 years, and the Cummins and Duramax have been around for a while. Yet that Ford engine has only been on the market for a couple years, and cannot compare with the other 2 for being around as long.
I know it's all about what you are looking for, I've listed just a few for us. I'm very curious as to any views out there as we continue to shop.
Many thanks in advance!
