Looking for Advice on a new Tow Vehicle
I not looking to cause a "truck war", but I could really use some honest advice on a new tow vehicle. We have 34' 5th wheel(est weight of 12,300#)I currently have a 2009 F250 Powerstroke that is gi...
Forum Discussion
Drive both and buy the one you like. I am a Chevy guy but I would strongly look at the Dodge if I were buying a new truck. Both are going to pull your trailer really well. I have concerns over the longevity of the coils on the back of the Dodge with regards to fatigue and stability but I have not done any research to verify those concerns. Dodge's (sorry RAM's) build quality seemed to suffer during the mid 2000s with paper thin sheet metal, and poor quality interior finishes. However they seemed to have REALLY stepped up their game recently.
I personally don't care for the new Ford diesels. I know way to many people who have had major problems (6.0 anyone?).
There is a ton of debate on IFS vs Solid axle on the 4x4s. I have 172k hard miles on my IFS (sand dunes, 4x4 trails, towing motorhomes out of sand and snow, my wife unintentionally catching air at pismo on the Whoops etc.) and I have never had a single issue. In fact I just bought new tires and took it in for an alignment (it had been 60k ish miles of the above use) since the last one and my alignment was still within spec. I have had Dodges and Fords as work trucks and they all needed ball joints, track bars, and tie rod ends much more frequently.
Bottom line, to each their own. I have only ever owned Chevys and feel no need to change because they have always exceeded my expectations. However RAM builds a great truck now too. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
I personally don't care for the new Ford diesels. I know way to many people who have had major problems (6.0 anyone?).
There is a ton of debate on IFS vs Solid axle on the 4x4s. I have 172k hard miles on my IFS (sand dunes, 4x4 trails, towing motorhomes out of sand and snow, my wife unintentionally catching air at pismo on the Whoops etc.) and I have never had a single issue. In fact I just bought new tires and took it in for an alignment (it had been 60k ish miles of the above use) since the last one and my alignment was still within spec. I have had Dodges and Fords as work trucks and they all needed ball joints, track bars, and tie rod ends much more frequently.
Bottom line, to each their own. I have only ever owned Chevys and feel no need to change because they have always exceeded my expectations. However RAM builds a great truck now too. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
