Need towing report from Ricatic

My apologies for the lack of posting lately. I took a new job and have been very busy.

Here are some observations on the two trucks, while keeping in mind that the Ford was a SRW and the Chevy is a dually.

The Ford had 3.55 gears and 20 inch tires. The GM has 3.73 and 16 inch tires. The Ford is the winner on fuel economy. Empty by 3 to 4 MPG...towing about 2 mpg.

Power is different...and not as spirited in the Chevy. The Ford was a strong runner...when it ran. The GM does a great job of towing my fiver. No real noticeable performance difference towing.

Handling, the GM is the winner, but it is a dually.

Interior comfort, as far as front seat goes, it is a tie. The GM is noticeably smaller in the back seat area. Both trucks are very comfortable. The newer Ford had some nice electronic features that were not available at the time the GM was built.The Ford lost some points with the location of the power window switches...too far forward to just reach with normal hand placement. This is a common Ford complaint. The GM is much better.

The battle of the towing mirrors is won by the Ford...no power extend or fold...but visibility is excellent in the GM.

Transmission battle goes to the GM...hands down...the Ford always had some small but noticeable shifting anomalies.

I am not sure if the GM has a CEL. I have not seen one yet in 6500 miles...The Ford never ever made it that far without a CEL...or a breakdown.

Peace of mind can not be quantified. My Ford was such a disappointment in the reliability department. It had started stalling at feathered throttle just before I traded it. I could consistently get it to quit if I just feathered the throttle off idle. That was disturbing.The memory of the $10,000 event was always lurking.

The GM LBZ is well vetted. The known problems are very few and minor. It's performance is all I need. I can move up considerably in fiver size and not need a bigger truck. The LBZ powered Chevy has lessened my desire to get a new truck...it's paid for, runs excellent and it does not have a CP4 Bosch pump...hallelujah...I am no longer surprised that my truck starts when I turn the key...and stays running...

Regards

I haven't seen much of Ric on here lately.

I would also like to add to the wish list on HC Hauler's '12 vs his '13 RAM truck towing comparison.

gmcsmoke wrote:

LOL

I'm betting Ric will say both trucks are extremely capable tow vehicles.....only one will run without throwing shrapnel from the HPFP..........:B

I bet I can sum up his comparison in three words!









SHAME ON FORD

The Mad Norsky wrote:

jerem0621 wrote:
This is going to be interesting.

Indeed it could be.

But please do remember that although specifications are different (IE horsepower, torque, whatever) between the two vehicles, it is not always those differences that jump out and grab the operators attention.

For example, my 2011 Ford 6.7L is what, 390 or 400 horsepower.

The 2003 Chevy Duramax I previously owned was 300 horsepower.

Now both vehicles were/are in crew cab dually configuration and both have/had the 3:73 rear axle ratio.

But I tell you, that Chevy was a rocket off the line compared to my current Ford.

LOL, childish, maybe, but I loved beating folks away from a stop light with that Chevy. Really quick off the line.

My Ford is not that quick, at all. Despite having almost 100 horsepower more than the Chevy.

The Ford is a heavier vehicle, not sure of exact figures here since I have forgotten the exact weight of the Chevy, but I am guessing in the neighborhood of at least 300 pounds heavier.

Both vehicles were also four wheel drive.

Lets see what Ricatic has noticed.

Probably all the torque management keeping you from tearing up your transmission with that 800 ft/lbs of torque when you stomp on it at a stop light. LOL

jerem0621 wrote:
This is going to be interesting.

Indeed it could be.

But please do remember that although specifications are different (IE horsepower, torque, whatever) between the two vehicles, it is not always those differences that jump out and grab the operators attention.

For example, my 2011 Ford 6.7L is what, 390 or 400 horsepower.

The 2003 Chevy Duramax I previously owned was 300 horsepower.

Now both vehicles were/are in crew cab dually configuration and both have/had the 3:73 rear axle ratio.

But I tell you, that Chevy was a rocket off the line compared to my current Ford.

LOL, childish, maybe, but I loved beating folks away from a stop light with that Chevy. Really quick off the line.

My Ford is not that quick, at all. Despite having almost 100 horsepower more than the Chevy.

The Ford is a heavier vehicle, not sure of exact figures here since I have forgotten the exact weight of the Chevy, but I am guessing in the neighborhood of at least 300 pounds heavier.

Both vehicles were also four wheel drive.

Lets see what Ricatic has noticed.

This is going to be interesting.