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

[C_Schomer]

Thanks for the responses! It looks close to a coin toss. We'll drive both and see. Craig

[mudfuel07]

With the 6.2 and 4.30's, I see an honest 13-14 mpg not towing. It's a work truck, so it gets used pretty hard. No issues to date with 42k on it. However, I would love to test drive the Ram 6.4 to see how it does. The 6.2 is a little bit of a dog off the line and wants to shift up as quickly as it can, a lot of times I just shift it manually.

[lbrjet]

I think GM was smart to go to single ratio of 4.10. They basically have the same tranny ratios as Ford and I think the 6.0/4.10 combo is better than the 6.2/3.73 combo. You probably won't find a Ford with the 4.30 anywhere.

[IdaD]

You can't go wrong either way. The current Ram has a much stiffer chassis than the current Super Duty, so it'll ride and handle better (in 2017 I'm sure the Super Duty will catch up in this regard). The big negative of the Ram is the ratio spacing on the transmission which can give it performance problems in certain scenarios (particularly at elevation).

Fuel economy may be marginally better in the Ram but they're both going to have a drinking problem.

[Me_Again]

A 350/3500 gasser might be a tuff resale! Chris

[alexleblanc]

haven't lots of people been complaining about the gearing of the trans behind the 6.4?

Either way you can't go wrong with either choices, both nice driving trucks (I've been in every 3/4ton the big three make) just make sure you buy the right truck for you as you make the payment and have to live with it.

[spoon059]

I am NOT a GM guy, but you might want to look at the GM with the 6.0. It is an older generation engine, but very reliable.

I don't think you can go wrong with the gas offerings of any of the manufacturers. The Ford 6.2 is an established engine with lots of history of being great. The Ram 6.4 is the newest engine on the block, but by all accounts it is doing very well.

My friend has a 2015 with the 6.4. He tows about 7000 lbs into the mountains of central and western PA without a problem. He got a gas engine because its his daily driver too. He loves his truck, his only complaint initially was the programming of the transmission. Going up hills it would lug in 4th, then drop into 2nd gear and kick the RPM's really high. I think he figured out how to drive it though, because he had no complaints by the end of towing season this year.

My father-in-law has a 2011 Chevy 2500 with the 6.0. It is his work truck, so it has a permanent work cap on it with tools inside. He towed a 5000 lbs camper, but just purchased an 8500 lbs trailer similar to mine. He hasn't towed in the mountains yet, but says his truck feels great hauling those weights (and high profile work cap).

Like I said, find the one you like that fits your butt right and your budget right. They are all great options!

[Cummins12V98]

If you want an old truck design get the Ford, If you want a modern truck get the 13 and newer RAM or a NEW 17 Ford. I am sure either would do a fine job. Talk Diesel that another debate.

[Hannibal]

My F250 isn't the prettiest truck I've ever owned but, it's the only truck I've owned for more than five years that I'm not getting the itch to trade for something newer. I'm not concerned about E85. My Prius work route truck isn't even flex fuel.

[DakotaDad]

I don't really think you can go wrong with either one, either.

The cylinder deactivation seems to help my mileage on the highway, when it's flat, and not windy, and I'm not towing. When conditions are right, I can get 18-19mpg (just for that stretch), which I suspect is better than the Ford with the 6.2. But realistically, I don't spend much time under those conditions. Most of the time, it's hilly, or windy, or I'm towing. Or something. Nice to have, but not significant.

I like my 6.4L a lot. It tows well, and drives smoothly. No complaints, other than the recent recalls Ram has had, none of which have caused problems for me, but have caused trips to the dealer.

E85? For a truck? Not a concern to me. Wouldn't use it even if I could, and if I could find it. In a car? Maybe I'd try it. But not in something I tow with. That's not where I experiment.

Drive them both, and buy what you like. Factor in who gives you a better price, and which has the better dealer. Pick what 'ya like, and enjoy it. Either one will server you well.

[C_Schomer]

It's not for me, I already have a keeper. The new autos look great but I'll still go by all the weight ratings to choose the best diff ratio cuz this will be for towing only. Thanks and any other input is welcome. Craig

[blofgren]

I really don't think you could go wrong with either; go with the one that you like better. I think I would wait for the 2017 Super Duty if going with the Ford because it will have a lot of great updates including a HD boxed frame like the Ram has now.

Just curious seeing that you have a diesel dually now, why the change to a gas SRW?

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I have NEVER been to a place where E85 is the ONLY fuel available. And I have been in every state west of the Mississippi.

Yes, E85 will hurt a non flex fuel engine.

I have no idea about gas mileage.

BTW; with 6 and 8 speed transmissions you don't need low gears anymore.


Both Ram and Ford gas engines are very good engines.