Down to F or R for a 1T gasser

[C_Schomer]

It looks like Ford and Ram have the best choices for a 1T srw gasser. I think they both have good autos but I don't know much about the engines except the 6.2 and 6.4 owners are both usually very happy. I hope they both have 8' beds.
How big of a problem is the 6.4 NOT being flex fuel? Will ethanol hurt if it's the only fuel available? Does the 6.4 get better mpg having cylinder deactivation? I've read they are both reliable. I know about getting low gears for towing. Please no brand war and I've had many RVs and I know how to size the truck/RV already. I'm already set with a great combination and these questions are for a lady friend whose mostly interested in reliability and mpg. I'll help her with the RV issues. TIA! Craig

[irishtom29]

Me Again wrote:
No one ever claim the Irish to be Rhodes Scholar's! Chris

Racist.

[spoon059]

jtallon wrote:
Powerstroke. Duramax. Cummins. Those names...

Anyone new to tow vehicles would have to seriously wonder whether we're discussing buying trucks... or condoms.

Its kind of fitting when you realize that for some people, their truck is an extension for something they may be lacking. Those are usually the people putting down others for their truck buying decision...

[DakotaDad]

Powerstroke. Duramax. Cummins. Those names...

Anyone new to tow vehicles would have to seriously wonder whether we're discussing buying trucks... or condoms.

[goducks10]

Hey everyone knows it's better to be Cummins than Strokin.

[dshelley]

C Schomer wrote:
My 03 Dodge is from Mexico and there's been no problems with it. Thanks for all the info on the 6.4. My friends hasn't decides if she want a 5er, MH or what, yet. Looks like a coin flip... Ram or Ford. Thanks, Craig

My earlier post was an attempt to poke some fun at our "friend" who suggested the Ram shouldn't be considered because of it's name. That one was TOO funny. Seriously though, your lady friend interested in reliability and fuel mileage would do well with either truck. Both will burn the same amount of fuel, within a very small margin, while pulling a heavy trailer. The Ram may do a little better empty. Reliability between the two will be any one's guess in that either will provide years of excellent service. Her choice should be made on appearance, comfort, dealer service and price, because any operating cost difference between the two will be almost unmeasurable. Many on here, and with good reason, would recommend looking at the GMC/Chevy 6.0. Perhaps not as powerful on paper, but a very fine vehicle and about as capable of satisfactory performance. The more choices, the better chance of finding the absolute right one. Keep us posted on the final choice.

[shepstone]

I dont know anything about the Ram but I do know about the 6.2 Ford. The wife and I are are on the return leg of our second round country trip with this truck and fifth wheel , perfectly reliable so far and I have filled up twice a day on average. This year I have kept the speed to about 55 - 60 mph , by the time we get back home to Ontario it will have logged a little over 8,000 miles /13,000 km in just over 4wks , we left on the 10th jan and will be back on feb 2 we do about 10 to 12 hrs a day when on the road and are currently overnighting in Texarkana.

[Me_Again]

No one ever claim the Irish to be Rhodes Scholar's! Chris

[transamz9]

Greene728 wrote:

irishtom29 wrote:
My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.

Wow. What a useful and educational post.

Yeah, I swear I've seen smarter rocks in my driveway

[Greene728]

irishtom29 wrote:
My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.

Wow. What a useful and educational post.

[C_Schomer]

My 03 Dodge is from Mexico and there's been no problems with it. Thanks for all the info on the 6.4. My friends hasn't decides if she want a 5er, MH or what, yet. Looks like a coin flip... Ram or Ford. Thanks, Craig

[drittal]

2014 Ram 6.4 manual stated 87 octane.
2015 Ram 6.4 manual stated 89 octane with 87 acceptable.

The RAM 6.4 has MDS. At speeds up to 70mph it can get pretty decent MPG. Above that and MPG quickly catches up with a standard V8. I have seen the EVIC show averages of over 20 when driving 55-65 mph mountain roads from Spokane to Boise. But on the 80 mph interstate to twin falls down around 15.

Pulling the Ram has more HP and torque, but a taller 1st and 2nd transmission gear than the Ford. Because of this Ram put in a torque management feature that when it senses the truck can't hold 2nd due to weight and grade it will limit the truck to 1st and 4200rpm until it senses it can hold 2nd. This is what happened on the IKE testing.

irishtom29 wrote:
My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.

According to Edmunds, Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra were 45% American/Canadian, Ram 1500 61%, and Ford F-series 70%. Yes, Ram HD assembled in Mexico. So are some of the GM 1500 trucks and Ford Powerstroke engines.

It should also be noted that Dodge trucks all the way back in the 30's and 40's used Ram inspired hood ornaments. First Dodge Ram appearing in 1981, and dropping Dodge in 2010 when FCA split off the truck division as its own brand.

[dshelley]

irishtom29 wrote:
My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.

C.Schomer; there you have it. Your question has been answered. You eliminated the GM trucks, and you certainly don't want to be seen in a Fiat made in Mexico, especially if you prefer to properly wear your hat. Looks like it's a 6.2 Ford for you. On to the next decision..

[MFL]

irishtom29 wrote:
My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.

Wow!! I have a few Ram buddies on this forum, but haven't actually seen them in person, to see how they wear their caps! I am a Ford guy, and wear my cap frontwards when driving. I have to admit, that sometimes when walking, with the sun on the back of my neck, I do wear my cap backwards. I guess I'll have to be mistaken as a Ram owner, rather than burn my neck!:B

Jerry

[irishtom29]

My Florida 4x4 "action" is taking my truck out on the beach, 4 wheel drive being mandatory on the beaches in southern St. Johns County. IMO sitting out on the beach beats the Hell out of ripping around deserts or mudholes.

As for Ram trucks, I couldn't own one simply because of the douchebag name--"Ram"; that is such a pathetic and transparent play to appeal to yahoos with backwards baseball caps. I could'a bought a Dodge but not a Ram. And the Ram super duties are evidently made in Mexico; I prefer a Ford or GM made in the United States over a, let's face it, Fiat made in Mexico. Now I wouldn't mind a little Fiat sedan made in Mexico but a bigass truck? No siree Bob.