It looks like Ford and Ram have the best choices for a 1T srw gasser. I think they both have good autos but I don't know much about the engines except the 6.2 and 6.4 owners are both usually very happy. I hope they both have 8' beds. How big of a problem is the 6.4 NOT being flex fuel? Will ethanol hurt if it's the only fuel available? Does the 6.4 get better mpg having cylinder deactivation? I've read they are both reliable. I know about getting low gears for towing. Please no brand war and I've had many RVs and I know how to size the truck/RV already. I'm already set with a great combination and these questions are for a lady friend whose mostly interested in reliability and mpg. I'll help her with the RV issues. TIA! Craig

I have NEVER been to a place where E85 is the ONLY fuel available. And I have been in every state west of the Mississippi. Yes, E85 will hurt a non flex fuel engine.I have no idea about gas mileage.BTW; with 6 and 8 speed transmissions you don't need low gears anymore.Both Ram and Ford gas engines are very good engines.

I really don't think you could go wrong with either; go with the one that you like better. I think I would wait for the 2017 Super Duty if going with the Ford because it will have a lot of great updates including a HD boxed frame like the Ram has now.Just curious seeing that you have a diesel dually now, why the change to a gas SRW?

It's not for me, I already have a keeper. The new autos look great but I'll still go by all the weight ratings to choose the best diff ratio cuz this will be for towing only. Thanks and any other input is welcome. Craig

I don't really think you can go wrong with either one, either.The cylinder deactivation seems to help my mileage on the highway, when it's flat, and not windy, and I'm not towing. When conditions are right, I can get 18-19mpg (just for that stretch), which I suspect is better than the Ford with the 6.2. But realistically, I don't spend much time under those conditions. Most of the time, it's hilly, or windy, or I'm towing. Or something. Nice to have, but not significant.I like my 6.4L a lot. It tows well, and drives smoothly. No complaints, other than the recent recalls Ram has had, none of which have caused problems for me, but have caused trips to the dealer.E85? For a truck? Not a concern to me. Wouldn't use it even if I could, and if I could find it. In a car? Maybe I'd try it. But not in something I tow with. That's not where I experiment.Drive them both, and buy what you like. Factor in who gives you a better price, and which has the better dealer. Pick what 'ya like, and enjoy it. Either one will server you well.

My F250 isn't the prettiest truck I've ever owned but, it's the only truck I've owned for more than five years that I'm not getting the itch to trade for something newer. I'm not concerned about E85. My Prius work route truck isn't even flex fuel.

Down to F or R for a 1T gasser | Good Sam Community

MFL
Nomad II
Jan 27, 2016
justafordguy wrote:
MFL wrote:
mudfuel07 wrote:
With the 6.2 and 4.30's, I see an honest 13-14 mpg not towing. It's a work truck, so it gets used pretty hard. No issues to date with 42k on it. However, I would love to test drive the Ram 6.4 to see how it does. The 6.2 is a little bit of a dog off the line and wants to shift up as quickly as it can, a lot of times I just shift it manually.

The Ford 6.2 is a bit doggy feeling off the line. The computer contolled throttle won't let you get into it too hard. It's Fords way of saving warranty costs, but they tell you it is to keep you from buying tires. I like my 6.2 Ford, but I'd rather be able to decide myself if I wanted to SMOKE EM from the stop light. There is still a little PUNK KID in most of us. :B

Jerry

You need a tuner on your truck. I run an SCT X3 tuner on my Raptor 6.2 and it really woke it up. The throttle response off the line is awesome now. My 35" KM2s don't stand a chance. ;) The tranny shifts way better too.

Well that sounds like a really fun truck!! However, it doesn't look like you are using the Raptor to tow the FW.;) I guess my 250 will just have to sound cool, but remain stock, to protect warranty. It is still a fun truck to drive!:C

Jerry
justafordguy
Explorer
Jan 27, 2016
MFL wrote:
mudfuel07 wrote:
With the 6.2 and 4.30's, I see an honest 13-14 mpg not towing. It's a work truck, so it gets used pretty hard. No issues to date with 42k on it. However, I would love to test drive the Ram 6.4 to see how it does. The 6.2 is a little bit of a dog off the line and wants to shift up as quickly as it can, a lot of times I just shift it manually.

The Ford 6.2 is a bit doggy feeling off the line. The computer contolled throttle won't let you get into it too hard. It's Fords way of saving warranty costs, but they tell you it is to keep you from buying tires. I like my 6.2 Ford, but I'd rather be able to decide myself if I wanted to SMOKE EM from the stop light. There is still a little PUNK KID in most of us. :B

Jerry

You need a tuner on your truck. I run an SCT X3 tuner on my Raptor 6.2 and it really woke it up. The throttle response off the line is awesome now. My 35" KM2s don't stand a chance. ;) The tranny shifts way better too.
IDoMyOwnStunts
Explorer
Jan 26, 2016
spoon059 wrote:
fla-gypsy wrote:
I may be wrong but I believe the Ram 6.4 requires premium fuel. That would be a deal killer for me.

I don't believe it does. I think they "recommend" 89 octane, but people are saying they don't notice a difference. It was a change between years... I think from 2014 to 2015. No change to the engine, just a change in wording. Regular 87 seems to be working fine, no loss in power or economy.

The manufacturer recommends premium for my truck when towing. It's about a $6 difference per tank assuming premium is 20 cents more per gallon (My fills are usually 30 gallons). 89 octane would be $3 per tank for me. I'm in the habit now of filling up with premium every time and I don't notice it anymore. I just don't see it being a deal killer of a few bucks per tank on a $40-50k truck. I wouldn't bat an eye at filling the Ram with 89 octane. I understand that there are people with very tight budgets where that would make a difference, but frankly, if you've got the money to throw down on a new truck, you should have the money to spend a couple of bucks more at the pump to get the performance for which you paid.
Sport45
Explorer II
Jan 26, 2016
Greene728 wrote:
Me Again wrote:
A 350/3500 gasser might be a tuff resale! Chris

Why?

That's what I was thinking too. The used car lots around me aren't sitting full of HD gassers gathering dust.
spoon059
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2016
fla-gypsy wrote:
I may be wrong but I believe the Ram 6.4 requires premium fuel. That would be a deal killer for me.

I don't believe it does. I think they "recommend" 89 octane, but people are saying they don't notice a difference. It was a change between years... I think from 2014 to 2015. No change to the engine, just a change in wording. Regular 87 seems to be working fine, no loss in power or economy.
Greene728
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016
Me Again wrote:
A 350/3500 gasser might be a tuff resale! Chris

Why?
Hannibal
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016
Cummins12V98 wrote:
If you want an old truck design get the Ford, If you want a modern truck get the 13 and newer RAM or a NEW 17 Ford. I am sure either would do a fine job. Talk Diesel that another debate.

The new modern Ram is why I went back to Ford.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016
I may be wrong but I believe the Ram 6.4 requires premium fuel. That would be a deal killer for me.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 25, 2016
mudfuel07 wrote:
With the 6.2 and 4.30's, I see an honest 13-14 mpg not towing. It's a work truck, so it gets used pretty hard. No issues to date with 42k on it. However, I would love to test drive the Ram 6.4 to see how it does. The 6.2 is a little bit of a dog off the line and wants to shift up as quickly as it can, a lot of times I just shift it manually.

The Ford 6.2 is a bit doggy feeling off the line. The computer contolled throttle won't let you get into it too hard. It's Fords way of saving warranty costs, but they tell you it is to keep you from buying tires. I like my 6.2 Ford, but I'd rather be able to decide myself if I wanted to SMOKE EM from the stop light. There is still a little PUNK KID in most of us. :B

Jerry
C_Schomer
Explorer
Jan 25, 2016
Thanks for the responses! It looks close to a coin toss. We'll drive both and see. Craig

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