Ford suspension

[Bird_chaser]

I'm researching new tow vehicles (Chevy and Ford), I currently tow with a 2001 Silverado 3500 DRW, 6.0l with a 4l80e. My trailer has a pin weight of 2140 with a trailer weight of 10,460, this is loaded for a two week trip including 1/3 full water tank. I'm not concerned about towing, I'm concerned about the sag or squatting I hear about in the Fords. I'm concidering a Ford F-350 or a Chevy 3500 both DRW. I don't want to drop $50-60k and have to upgrade the suspension. I would like to hear from Ford guys about their experience. Thank you!

[Bedlam]

My 2005 F250 SRW had no trouble hauling a 4000 lb truck camper in the bed with stock springs. Overloads did not kick in until I had over 3" of sag, so I did add Torklift StableLoads to engage them sooner. The F350 SRW uses taller axle blocks but the same springs as my F250 with camper package. When you get to the F350 DRW, they go back to the shorter F250 axle block but use heavier springs.

If my 10 year old F250 could carry 4000 lbs on the stock suspension, you should not have to worry about your new F350 DRW carrying almost half that weight.

[B_O__Plenty]

I had a 2010 Ram diesel. Now I have a 2015 Silverado dually. My trailer is a little heavier than yours. Tows perfectly. No squat, rides great, no need for air bags or any suspension enhancements. I like this truck WAY better that the Dodge. But in fairness it is 5 model years newer. Much quieter, more power, better fuel economy, smoother ride. Allison transmission is everything they are cracked up to be. Extremely smooth. I know I made the right decision....

B.O.

[Hannibal]

I've owned five Rams. I liked them better before AAM and hydroformed frames. We carry 1700 lbs of pin weight on our F250. It barely squats. No camper package. I've read about it though. The F350 is a lot of truck. Should make playtime out of 2140 lbs of pin weight and 10,460 lbs of 5th wheel. As far as frame strength, the F250/350 is rated to carry 850 lbs tongue weight without WD. GM and Ram are rated for 500 lbs tongue weight without WD. I assume this has to do with frame strength.

[Bird_chaser]

I appreciate and respect all the Ram fans inputs, but your wasting your time! I've had both Ford and GM trucks both have been great and trouble free. I will buy one of those brands this year. I like the drivetrains on both, what I need are inputs from ford guys on their experience with the suspension. I am mostly concerned about the sag. But based on some of the inputs, if I decide on a 350 DRW it becomes a non issue with my stated weights. 2140 pin weight and 10460 trailer (loaded).

[ShinerBock]

Me Again wrote:
If they make the Ford suspension to stiff the bed twist to much and the tail gate will not open. Chris

That has to do with the fact that Ford's have C-channel frames, and has nothing to do with the suspension. C-channel frames by their very nature have a lot of flex especially compared to a fully boxed frame. The main benefit of a C-channel frame is the fact they are easily up fitted with utility beds and such. This is why all Ram 4500/5500 and GM cab and chassis models have a C-channel frame from the cab on back just like the Fords. They are not weaker than a fully boxed frame, but just more flexible.

[MARK_VANDERBENT]

Duramax Allison has the best reputation from what I hear

[ShinerBock]

dodge guy wrote:


Because, it being an open forum we are entitled to help the guy out and ask questions! And then it came out that he heard that the Rams were not as good. Some of us are just trying to let him know that things have changed in the last 20 years.

That's what this forum is here for, helping out fellow RV'ers!

He did not ask for your help in trying to sell him on Ram. In fact he said that he was not a fan of Ram/Dodges. Respect that and move on. Someday you will have to learn that not everyone is the same and not everyone will like the same things you do.

Now stay on topic and respect the OP's choice of not wanting a Ram. This is coming from a man that owns a Ram too.

[Me_Again]

If they make the Ford suspension to stiff the bed twist to much and the tail gate will not open. Chris

[dodge_guy]

ShinerBock wrote:
I am still trying to figure out why Rams or Dodges are even being mentioned in this thread. IIRC, the OP specifically said this was between a Ford or Chevy truck and he was NOT a fan of Rams or Dodges.

Because, it being an open forum we are entitled to help the guy out and ask questions! And then it came out that he heard that the Rams were not as good. Some of us are just trying to let him know that things have changed in the last 20 years.

That's what this forum is here for, helping out fellow RV'ers!

[spud1957]

ShinerBock wrote:
I am still trying to figure out why Rams or Dodges are even being mentioned in this thread. IIRC, the OP specifically said this was between a Ford or Chevy truck and he was NOT a fan of Rams or Dodges.

Misery loves company? :E

[ShinerBock]

I am still trying to figure out why Rams or Dodges are even being mentioned in this thread. IIRC, the OP specifically said this was between a Ford or Chevy truck and he was NOT a fan of Rams or Dodges.

[dodge_guy]

OP, I think you need to go and check out a few new Dodges. Not sure what you mean by "cosmetic" they are just as good if not better than the other 2. And as far as I know Dodge will not turn their back on you when you have an injection pump issue!!!

[itguy08]

45Ricochet wrote:

Bird chaser wrote:
I have never been a Ram/Dodge fan, the Cummins is a great engine but I feel that the rest of the truck is cosmetic and they are not built to last like a Ford or Chevy truck.

Okay

Even a few of these are still around:


Doesn't mean they are good cars. Or even representative of the whole lineup. Ram, Yugo, it's all the same. And yes, that's from a current Ebay auction.

Ask yourself this: If Chrysler made such great cars, why would they have needed 2 bailouts?

[Bedlam]

Any of the three current trucks will do the job. I have to admit that my new Ram is built much better than when I was looking at them 10 years ago (it was at the bottom of my picks). If they hadn't improved significantly, I would not have bought one. I am not brand loyal and was able to step out of my comfort zone to evaluate all my options and choose the one that worked best for me. Even if you don't buy Ram, you should take a look at them and compare them to the trucks you are favoring.

I have limited experience with GM products (have only owned or driven Opels), but that did not stop me from checking out their offerings when we bought our VW and Ford. When it came time to buy my Ram, GM did not have a comparable vehicle and lost out on my business - I would looked at their 5500 if they sold one.

[45Ricochet]

Bird chaser wrote:
I have never been a Ram/Dodge fan, the Cummins is a great engine but I feel that the rest of the truck is cosmetic and they are not built to last like a Ford or Chevy truck.

Okay