Considering a new GAS truck. Have owned a '97 Ford 7.3 diesel, '05 Ram with CTD, '10 Tundra with 5.7L, and several trucks over the years.Preferences: Crew Cab, 4x4, Long Bed, SRW - NO expensive options like leather, navigation, sunroof, etc.I currently have a '04 Sequoia that has been just great! I use it when I tow my boat. I believe it is too limiting for a 27-28 TT.I tend to be loyal to Toyota for Cars/SUVs/1/2 ton trucks as I appreciate their durability, reliability, and value.Now I am trying to determine between a 1/2, 3/4. 1 ton (150-250-350). The one ton would be a SRW. I like the added payload of the 350. I also like 4x4 crew cabs, and long beds.I like the new rear coil overs on the new Dodge 2500.I am truck man at heart!My needs: use around the house, tow my 17' alum boat (3000# max), and tow a future used trailer. Would like something around the 27-28' with full size bunks for my 2 boys. The 250/350 would provide me options later on in the future if I want a truck camper or a 5er. This will be a daily driver (15 miles round trip to work).I will retire in 5 years and so this may be my last expensive new vehicle.I like the idea of a TT to have use of the truck bed for storage and what not. Now......The Ram 2500 / 3500 are much less expensive than Ford ($6-8K for same vehicle/options.Example: 2017 Ram 3500, Tradesman, Hemi 6.4L, 4x4, SRW, Crew, Long bed = $349002017 Ford F350 XL, 6.2L, Crew, 4x4, SRW, long bed = $41,700I am not interested in the Chevy/GMCIs there something about the Dodge that has it much lower priced? Is the 6.4L questionable?Have any of you purchased these trucks and care to comment on your experiences?Thanks!

Maybe the pricing is that way because the Ford is a new model? When I bought my Ram the equivalent Ford was about the same in real world pricing, while the GM twins were a few thousand more. My guess is you can do a lot better on the Ford than $41,700 for an XL. On the 2015s I shopped I could have done better than that on an XL with the Powerstroke. As far as the trucks go, they're both good. The Ram with coils really rides and handles great, but you do lose 500 lbs of carrying capacity on the rear axle compared to the 3500. If that's a big deal to you, get the 3500. If it's not, the coils will treat you nicer. Biggest red flag on the gas Ram is the 1-2 gear split is big and in certain scenarios it has proven problematic - mostly higher weights at elevation. I haven't driven the new Super Duty so I can't offer much insight there. The drive train is solid and I'm sure it's a nice truck. I was like you - interested in the Ford and Ram but couldn't generate much interest in the GM models. I'm sure part of that was the pricing, but there were some features I really disliked too (namely IFS and that silly DEF tank).

My truck was not new when purchased, but it is a 2500 HD Dodge Ram, LB, CC. Not 4x4. Hemi 5.7, 2013 model. It tows my 9,000 lb fifth-wheel like it was a boat and trailer. On a trip now, averaged out at 10.0 plus MPG. with tow mode on. Built in brake controller. I am happy with it.I have gotten from 18 to 25 mpg solo on the interstate. Around town, maybe 12 mpg.

You might want to pose the question in the truck camper forum... but I have heard that people dislike the Ram 2500 coil suspension with a tall truck camper. Something having to do with the coil springs being mounted further inside the frame than the leaf springs. I have zero first hand knowledge of that... just heard speculation on the internet.In terms of the trucks, I am sure the Ford is more expensive simply because it is the newest version. The Ford 6.2 is a great engine, proven over many years. The Ram 6.4 Hemi is only a couple of years old, so it doesn't have that proven track record YET. I think that either engine should be fine, they produce great power and similar MPG ratings.Essentially you need to find the truck that fits your rear end and your budget. Either of those (or the GM trucks) should be great.

I'm not really sure why payload will matter for a 27-28 TT. Definitely not the types of loads we see in the Truck Camper Forum.Obviously, a 350 is rated to haul more. Since you are in CA, isn't there additional fees for trucks with GVWR over 10K? If so, I'd probably go 250.As far as one engine vs the other is concerned, I don't think it makes that much difference. I'm partial to Ford interiors and body styles. I don't think the new Aluminum body is much of an advantage, however. The 2017 Ford is first year of the series which is usually not a great idea.I haven't tried to compare stripped down trucks, but maybe you could look at the Ford Commercial models as another reasonable comparison to the basic Tradesman.

Since your not concerned with resale value, I guess go drive and choose what DW likes best.

Dodge or Ford GAS - 2500 or 3500? | Good Sam Community

ib516
Explorer II
Apr 18, 2017
I had a 2014 RAM 2500 with the 6.4L Hemi and 4.10s. I pulled a 12k 5er with it. Loved that truck, it performed very well even with 12k behind it. Lost it in the divorce process. Nothing wrong with the Ford either as far as I know, but I only have experience with the RAM.
Camper_G
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017
I just bought my RAM the end of December. So far it's been flawless. I absolutely love it and i have the supposedly no good 3.73s in mine. The 6.4 is very thirsty, but she also has A LOT of juice and i drive it like there's an egg on the skinny pedal.

After looking at all 3, i just liked the dodge the best. Didn't care for the Chevrolet, personal reasons.

The 17 Super Duty was very very nice, but i got so many more nice options on my dodge for less money than a stripper XL ford. I am a ford man, but have to admit this dodge is pretty nice.

I crawled around under all 3, and dodge and ford were built the heaviest from what i saw, but the GM was no slouch either.

Really, as others have said, all 3 of the big 3 are very very nice trucks. I'd be proud to own any of them. It comes down to personal preference really. They are all great trucks.

Good luck.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Apr 15, 2017
Have had 2 6.2 Fords. No complaints ran like a Swiss watch, tow about as well as a NA gasser can. Did not put high miles on either one but I'd buy one if I was in the market.....and I'm not a ford guy, lol.
Not much experience with the newer Hemi gassers, but the truck/chassis gives up nothing to the Ford, we wrung out a fleet of new Cummins a coup,e years ago and zero issues with anything around or behind the engine. And I have a 6.1 Hemi with 120kmi on it that has been absolutely flawless. The only time I've touched the engine itself othe than oil changes was new spark plugs a couple years ago, just because it was time. Burns no oil, no leaks and pretty sure it still has every one of its 425 horses inside.

This one is a coin flip for you honestly. Look at features, price and style. The hard parts are good in both of them.
MFL
Nomad II
Apr 15, 2017
Me Again wrote:
lawnspecialties wrote:
Does that Ram have the Aisin trans?

Hemi's get a RAM tranny I believe. The Aisin is only currently available in 3500 diesel models. Sometimes when availability is limited they restrict it on the SRW trucks also.

If the Ford 6.4 gasser is available with the TorqueShift, that is a really good tranny. Hats off to Ford on that!

I'm thinking Ford went with lighter duty transmission in the GAS 2017 SuperDuty. I remember reading that they may be using up the 1/2 ton 6-speeds.

Jerry
goducks10
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017
A Ram 2500 6.4 will have around 2900-3100lbs for payload. Plenty for a 27' TT. A 3500 Ram 6.4 will have around 4,400 lbs for payload. Plenty for a 5th wheel. Unless you know for sure that you're going to be hauling 1500lbs in the truck while towing the TT, then you would be wasting the extra capacity of the 3500 and giving up the better ride for you drive to work and where ever.
I would get the 4.10 gears too.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Apr 15, 2017
lawnspecialties wrote:
Does that Ram have the Aisin trans?

Hemi's get a RAM tranny I believe. The Aisin is only currently available in 3500 diesel models. Sometimes when availability is limited they restrict it on the SRW trucks also.

If the Ford 6.4 gasser is available with the TorqueShift, that is a really good tranny. Hats off to Ford on that!
lawnspecialties
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017
Does that Ram have the Aisin trans?
Me_Again
Explorer III
Apr 15, 2017
GeoBoy wrote:
You asked why the Ram cost less than the Ford? Ford and GM are made in the USA and the Ram is made in Mexico. Labor cost in Mexico is substantially less, hence the lower sale price.

Well then diesel Ford's should be cheap, as the Powerstroke is made in Mexico.

Note: They are now all world cars and trucks with parts coming from many places. Where they are assembled is not a good indication of where the bits and pieces come from.

Also Ford's cost more because Ford is making more money on each one.

Regarding the GM's, Ram's and Fords, they are all REALLY nice trucks now a days, and it comes down to which each person and/or mate likes the best.
lmpres
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017
I have a 2012 Ford F250 with the 6.2 gas engine. Pull a 5'r with it. And I do love it! Done 2 long tows, NH to SC and NH to the Outer Banks. Pulled nice. You can find the F250's a little lower than the 350's.
MVH1
Explorer
Apr 15, 2017
I have a 2013 ram 2500 5.7L Hemi and love it. I would try and get one with the 4:10 gear and 4:30 if you go with the Ford . One option I really like about the Ford is the 48 gallon fuel tank. They are both great trucks.