Will be trading to a 5th Wheel. Which TV. (F350 or Ram 3500)

[ADOR]

Last year, we purchased our first TT. It's a 2014 Milan Eclipse, 18ft. Our current TV is a 2005 Hummer H2. Since we purchased the TT, we have taken it camping several times to Mt. Zion in UT and Grand Canyon, AZ. While we really like the TT, we just find the living space to be too small. We are seriously considering in trading it for a 5th Wheeler. No paricular brand and model at this time. The trade will happen before summer next year, as we are planning on a 3 week road trip when our 10 year old son gets out of school next summer.

We have been seriously looking at Ford F350 and Ram 3500. I don't want this to turn into a debate into which one is better. I just want to ask those who currently own one of the models I mentioned as to what made them pick what they currently have as TV. Here are my initial questions regarding both models. I will be looking at 2014 or 2015 models. I want to get a TV with the highest towing and load rating possible.

1. Are there any known problems/issues/recalls with regards to engine and transmission on both manufacturers?

2. F350 - Diesel engine only? Are there different type of engines and transmissions? If so, what engine and transmission is preferred for TV?

3. Ram 3500 - Diesel and Gas engine available? Are there different type of engines and transmissions? If so, what engine and transmission is preferred for TV?

Just want to hear some words for current and previous owners of the 2 models I mentioned above.

Thanks.

[larry_barnhart]

Cummins12V98 wrote:

larry barnhart wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
OP if you want a truck that has backed up what they claim in towing performance (SAEJ2807) seriously look at the RAM.

With either the RAM 3500 SRW or DRW you can get a Medium Duty Engine along with a Medium Duty Transmission.

If you plan on keeping your truck for many years beyond warranty the RAM is engineered to go the long haul.

Look at the Mobile Suites web site for example a few years ago they were all driving Fords. Now very Fords are being purchased because of how they have performed over the last several years. Now they have something else that has proven to be a great truck and they are buying RAM's. To be fair they are buying GM's also.

Bottom line test drive all three I am sure you will choose the RAM.

You keep talking about getting a new truck but at the same time yours is engineered to go the long haul but not very long??? I know why you want a new truck so don't get upset.

chevman

Yea I know! RAM keeps teasing with the rear air ride.:(

Hey did you see I gave an honorable mention to the GM twins?

Yea I saw that but also saw your fingers were crossed. Hard to fool a retired carpenter with another retired carpenter but NC is easy.

chevman

[NC_Hauler]

Big difference between the 12' Ram Dually and newer Ram 3500 Dually's...I had/have both...The medium duty Cummins, hooked to the medium duty Aisin tranny, tows my, loaded (16,200#), 5er quite effortlessly....385HP/850ftlb of TQ and in T/H get's the truck moving more quickly than my 12 did. With 14,000# GVWR and a RAWR of 9750# (AAM rated at 11,800#), it can handle some pretty heavy pin weight and with a GCWR of 36,000#, if I want to move to a heavier 5er, I can.. All new front and rear suspension, new frame,. As far as speed, it'll do the speed limit all day towing, if I choose to run that fast, but usually tow between 55-62 mph, though 65 seems to work well with the combo...Truck is literally night and day from the 12' 3500 Ram CC/LB/4X4/4:10 with 68RFE in Longhorn trim compared to the completely "new" 2013 truck I have now. As far as pulling mountains and merging into traffic, never been an issue

turbo lag??? Never experienced that in the 10, 12 or this 13'.....

[Ranger_Smith]

I have a 2014 Ford Dually. I looked long and hard at all 3 before choosing the Ford. The payload and Camper Package on the Ford is what made me purchase it along with the towing and carrying capacity specs. The Ford gets up and goes when you put the pedal down. I had a 2012 Ram Dually and it was sluggish with turbo lag. I was pulling the fifth wheel a couple weeks ago it is about 15 k when I looked down at the speedo I was doing almost 80. Forgot it was back there

Just MY opinion.

[Cummins12V98]

larry barnhart wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
OP if you want a truck that has backed up what they claim in towing performance (SAEJ2807) seriously look at the RAM.

With either the RAM 3500 SRW or DRW you can get a Medium Duty Engine along with a Medium Duty Transmission.

If you plan on keeping your truck for many years beyond warranty the RAM is engineered to go the long haul.

Look at the Mobile Suites web site for example a few years ago they were all driving Fords. Now very Fords are being purchased because of how they have performed over the last several years. Now they have something else that has proven to be a great truck and they are buying RAM's. To be fair they are buying GM's also.

Bottom line test drive all three I am sure you will choose the RAM.

You keep talking about getting a new truck but at the same time yours is engineered to go the long haul but not very long??? I know why you want a new truck so don't get upset.

chevman

Yea I know! RAM keeps teasing with the rear air ride.:(

Hey did you see I gave an honorable mention to the GM twins?

[larry_barnhart]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
OP if you want a truck that has backed up what they claim in towing performance (SAEJ2807) seriously look at the RAM.

With either the RAM 3500 SRW or DRW you can get a Medium Duty Engine along with a Medium Duty Transmission.

If you plan on keeping your truck for many years beyond warranty the RAM is engineered to go the long haul.

Look at the Mobile Suites web site for example a few years ago they were all driving Fords. Now very Fords are being purchased because of how they have performed over the last several years. Now they have something else that has proven to be a great truck and they are buying RAM's. To be fair they are buying GM's also.

Bottom line test drive all three I am sure you will choose the RAM.

You keep talking about getting a new truck but at the same time yours is engineered to go the long haul but not very long??? I know why you want a new truck so don't get upset.

chevman

[Cummins12V98]

OP if you want a truck that has backed up what they claim in towing performance (SAEJ2807) seriously look at the RAM.

With either the RAM 3500 SRW or DRW you can get a Medium Duty Engine along with a Medium Duty Transmission.

If you plan on keeping your truck for many years beyond warranty the RAM is engineered to go the long haul.

Look at the Mobile Suites web site for example a few years ago they were all driving Fords. Now very Fords are being purchased because of how they have performed over the last several years. Now they have something else that has proven to be a great truck and they are buying RAM's. To be fair they are buying GM's also.

Bottom line test drive all three I am sure you will choose the RAM.

[flyinjake]

NC Hauler wrote:

ScottG wrote:

kennethwooster wrote:
Just my experience. I have had a 2001 Dodge that my wife just did not like. It was a good work truck but not comfortable. My wife and myself are both short. The Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments to get the front of the seat down so our feet hit the floor. Looked at a 2003 Ford and my wife would not look any place else. All do to comfort. Now 5 Fords later we have a 2014 Ford DRW. The dRW really creates a smooth pull. All of the rest of my trucks were SRW. Very happy with the DRW, and long bed.

Your information isn't helpful at all because it's totally outdated. An 01 Dodge has no bearing what so ever on a 2015 model - it's two generations ahead and shares nothing.

Agree with above...You couldn't compare a Ford, Chevy/GM or Ram model years 13, 14 or 15 to an 01 model, they have come light years ahead in comparison...I had a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW/CC/LB/4X4/ Cummins with auto in Laramie trim that was awesome in looks, ride, quietness and on and this 13 Longhorn is even better, completely re-designed...yeah to compare an 01' with any of the big three's trucks of today really isn't a fair comparison at all.

My DRW truck surrounds me in luxury, very quiet on the inside, very smooth ride empty or towing, considering it's a one ton crew cab long bed 4X4 dually....

Disagree with above... kennethwooster is not comparing the older Dodge to the 2014 DRW Ford. He is just providing a lead in to how they eventually purchased the Fords and how they like them. Eventually purchasing a 2014 Ford DRW which is one of the years the OP was interested in.

Someone earlier (not going to mention user name) mentioned throwing the Chevy/GMC into the mix. The OP did not ask for information on Chevy/GMC. Just Ford and Dodge. Guess that makes that information irrelevant?

Then the post stating the other post is irrelevant? Now that is an irrelevant post.

I do not have personal experience with any of the models you are considering. Friends do have experience and both are happy and proud owners. I believe both makes are great choices!

Jake.

[Cummins12V98]

NC Hauler wrote:

ScottG wrote:

kennethwooster wrote:
Just my experience. I have had a 2001 Dodge that my wife just did not like. It was a good work truck but not comfortable. My wife and myself are both short. The Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments to get the front of the seat down so our feet hit the floor. Looked at a 2003 Ford and my wife would not look any place else. All do to comfort. Now 5 Fords later we have a 2014 Ford DRW. The dRW really creates a smooth pull. All of the rest of my trucks were SRW. Very happy with the DRW, and long bed.

Your information isn't helpful at all because it's totally outdated. An 01 Dodge has no bearing what so ever on a 2015 model - it's two generations ahead and shares nothing.

Agree with above...You couldn't compare a Ford, Chevy/GM or Ram model years 13, 14 or 15 to an 01 model, they have come light years ahead in comparison...I had a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW/CC/LB/4X4/ Cummins with auto in Laramie trim that was awesome in looks, ride, quietness and on and this 13 Longhorn is even better, completely re-designed...yeah to compare an 01' with any of the big three's trucks of today really isn't a fair comparison at all.

My DRW truck surrounds me in luxury, very quiet on the inside, very smooth ride empty or towing, considering it's a one ton crew cab long bed 4X4 dually....

I let my die hard FORD lover friend use my Longhorn Dually to haul a two axle equipment trailer with duals (8 tires) to haul some very heavy machinist equipment combined weight 25K+. He was very impressed and has continued to talk to his friends about the quality and performance of my truck.

[Cummins12V98]

kennethwooster wrote:
Just my experience. I have had a 2001 Dodge that my wife just did not like. It was a good work truck but not comfortable. My wife and myself are both short. The Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments to get the front of the seat down so our feet hit the floor. Looked at a 2003 Ford and my wife would not look any place else. All do to comfort. Now 5 Fords later we have a 2014 Ford DRW. The dRW really creates a smooth pull. All of the rest of my trucks were SRW. Very happy with the DRW, and long bed.

"Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments"


Statements like this amaze me. No more dodge because the seats did not adjust? That's because the one YOU had did not adjust. Funny the 98 I recently bought has fully adjustable seats and you can feel like you are on the floor if you want. Same truck as your 01.

[Cummins12V98]

jf831024 wrote:
Dodge has the power BUT the single axel is so light in the rear with no load it's dangerous ( I know I wreaked my brand new one due to a fishtail). I know the dully is much better in the handling department, not sure about the ride.
The Fords are generally nice over all and ride better. I'm not sure about the newer engine models but I know a couple years ago guys talked about the engine topping off in power while driving through mountains.
BTW....Loved my Dodge but after the way the rear end just went out from under my the wife just did not feel comfortable driving it, so we made the change.

Ever think you were running too much air in the rear tires??????

[NC_Hauler]

ScottG wrote:

kennethwooster wrote:
Just my experience. I have had a 2001 Dodge that my wife just did not like. It was a good work truck but not comfortable. My wife and myself are both short. The Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments to get the front of the seat down so our feet hit the floor. Looked at a 2003 Ford and my wife would not look any place else. All do to comfort. Now 5 Fords later we have a 2014 Ford DRW. The dRW really creates a smooth pull. All of the rest of my trucks were SRW. Very happy with the DRW, and long bed.

Your information isn't helpful at all because it's totally outdated. An 01 Dodge has no bearing what so ever on a 2015 model - it's two generations ahead and shares nothing.

Agree with above...You couldn't compare a Ford, Chevy/GM or Ram model years 13, 14 or 15 to an 01 model, they have come light years ahead in comparison...I had a 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW/CC/LB/4X4/ Cummins with auto in Laramie trim that was awesome in looks, ride, quietness and on and this 13 Longhorn is even better, completely re-designed...yeah to compare an 01' with any of the big three's trucks of today really isn't a fair comparison at all.

My DRW truck surrounds me in luxury, very quiet on the inside, very smooth ride empty or towing, considering it's a one ton crew cab long bed 4X4 dually....

[sdetweil]

bsorro wrote:
Ford F350 dually 6.0, Chevy 3500 dually 6.6, Dodge Ram 3500 5.9, years 2004-2005. Would anyone know what the weight towing capacity of these three vehicles is individually. Does anyone know if there has been any problems with the older Duramax diesel with allison transmission?

ford see http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/2004_All.pdf page 16

says 12,400-13,400 5th wheel with diesel, depending on cab and 4x4 or not. less with more cab and 4x4

[ScottG]

kennethwooster wrote:
Just my experience. I have had a 2001 Dodge that my wife just did not like. It was a good work truck but not comfortable. My wife and myself are both short. The Dodge seats at least at that time were very uncomfortable with no adjustments to get the front of the seat down so our feet hit the floor. Looked at a 2003 Ford and my wife would not look any place else. All do to comfort. Now 5 Fords later we have a 2014 Ford DRW. The dRW really creates a smooth pull. All of the rest of my trucks were SRW. Very happy with the DRW, and long bed.

Your information isn't helpful at all because it's totally outdated. An 01 Dodge has no bearing what so ever on a 2015 model - it's two generations ahead and shares nothing.

[sdetweil]

the 6.0 diesel last year was 2007, the 6.4 was 2008-2010,
the new 6.7 2011 onward.. no other choice for diesel.
same 6spd auto tranny for gas or diesel.. no manual available on the Fords. (altho you have manual control of the auto, manual shift, limit gears, ...)

[NC_Hauler]

Don't know about capacity's, though I did own an 05 Chevy 3500 CC/LB/4X4/ dually in LTZ trim, equipped with the LLY Duramax...was a good truck, though some LLY's were prone to some over heating issues, mine was fine...I towed a Coachmen Somerset with a 14,500# GVW and no issues towing...

Don't know about the 5.9, but do think the 6.0 diesel in the Ford is one you might want to steer clear of from all I've read about that particular diesel engine, though some have reported no issues...