MotorTrend Tests the 1500's
The article The resident RAM and EcoDiesel haters might not want to read this.
Forum Discussion
The 5000# tow rating for the F150 was probably because they had a truck without the tow package and all the extra cooling stuff that comes with it. Tow packages are pretty standard on dealer lots.
Still they loaded up all the trucks with a 7000# trailer, probably without a WDH so they exceeded the hitch receiver ratings, and the Ford would be 2000# over it's tow rating, and the RAM would be over its GVWR. (Also when they threw the 1000# in the bed the RAM would be over loaded). For a one-shot test, no biggie, the trucks took the abuse without issues.
But these folks clearly do not tow/haul much. There was no discussion of payload, no mention of the Ford's lack of tow package. Maybe that's because they clearly think of them as "grocery-getters". And I would agree.
Otherwise, I thought the article was OK. Their appreciation of the RAM EcoD's "quickness" must have a lot to do with the torque and HP coming in at low RPMs, and that nice 8 spd tranny.
Personally, the RAM EcoD is not for me: not enough payload and HP. But it sounds like a nice truck for most people. The new F150s look nice, and you can get them with the HD payload, but the towing mileage will be no better than a V8. The Chevy ... meh.
Still they loaded up all the trucks with a 7000# trailer, probably without a WDH so they exceeded the hitch receiver ratings, and the Ford would be 2000# over it's tow rating, and the RAM would be over its GVWR. (Also when they threw the 1000# in the bed the RAM would be over loaded). For a one-shot test, no biggie, the trucks took the abuse without issues.
But these folks clearly do not tow/haul much. There was no discussion of payload, no mention of the Ford's lack of tow package. Maybe that's because they clearly think of them as "grocery-getters". And I would agree.
Otherwise, I thought the article was OK. Their appreciation of the RAM EcoD's "quickness" must have a lot to do with the torque and HP coming in at low RPMs, and that nice 8 spd tranny.
Personally, the RAM EcoD is not for me: not enough payload and HP. But it sounds like a nice truck for most people. The new F150s look nice, and you can get them with the HD payload, but the towing mileage will be no better than a V8. The Chevy ... meh.
