Ford or Ram

[Pterodactyl]

The Tundra I have now I purchased in Fairbanks, AK. I used it there to haul SnoGos and I used the 4 wheel drive for months at a time. It hauled our household goods in a traier to the states, making multiple trips. We also hauled loads of aircraft aluminium back north for a friend who was building a plane. It has it's limits, but for a 1/2 ton it has done well with never a breakdown and free service for the first 3 years.

 

[majicmaker]

No pick up trucks in NYC when I was growing up. A butt load of vans however, for the small business owners to get their supplies/merchandise around the city. Only saw pick up trucks on TV shows. Now, living in FL, having a large house on an even larger lot, I do need one every now and then but, I bought a 5x8 foot trailer to take care of those needs. Got a Ford Explorer with a 9,500 lbs towing package on it. Don't need that much towing capacity but, it came with the suv and it has come in handy on occasion.

 

[08FJR4ME]

I use mine mostly to haul wood around out of the woods for the winter. Sunk it to both axles a few times and what a bitch to get it out. That's the main use I get out of my truck. Other than that it sits in the yard till I can't use the bike to get to work. It's 5 1/2 years old with only 21K on the ODO. I hope to get 20 years out of it. It has it's advantages. No one screws with me on the roadway cause they know it would be a loosing battle I hardly ever get cutoff anymore when I am in the truck. I have owned smaller vehicles in the past and have gotten pushed around on the road before. I don't know how true this is but most cops seem to not pay as much attention trucks or don't want to pull them over. Zilla can answer that one. It could be my perception also. Last I knew a couple of years ago Ford had a better quality rating than the Un-American car manufacturers. They have stepped it up since the 80's.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I use my truck as a truck. Sometimes it is just used as a car and it is obviously overkill but when I need it, I really need it. When I don't need it I have an FJR.

You never know when a friend may get in a bind...





You never know when a fantastic deal might turn up...



That 5th wheel in the background takes serious power and traction...



And of course hauling groceries (feed) for my overweight wife requires a heavy duty suspension also.

 

[Hudson]

I've got about 17k on my 2013 RAM Cummins Laramie, with an 8ft bed. No complaints, it's a workhorse and makes quick work of towing an 8000lb trailer with two dirt bikes in the bed and 4 passengers, still turning around 13-14mpg, and about 19-21mpg unloaded. Interiors are super comfy, and everything seems to be working fine, though I did spring for the added warranty. Looked at the Ford and Chevy versions, but they weren't up to the interior comfort and features of RAM. New versions may have improved, however. I used the rig purely to tow, as it is much too big (22 ft!) and quite spendy to run as a commute vehicle. Cummins engines need to be under a towing load to be happy in the long run. I don't think they make the best choice for just being a daily driver, which is where the ecodiesel may be better suited.

AuburnFJR has two Ram Cummins trucks, his brother has another, and their generally positive experiences (they runs the 5.9 Cummins, not the 6.7) convinced me to choose RAM. The Cummins is a pretty sweet powertrain, and I've never worried about power.

Sportsguy loves his new ecodiesel. I've ridden in it, and it is comfy and rides nice. I also know Nissan will be offering a smaller diesel made by Cummins, in 2015, and I've heard Toyota is likely to follow suite. If you aren't hauling heavy loads, the ecodiesel might be a nice option.

Any of the 1/2 ton trucks will have a decent haul rating of up to 10k lbs, but they have a small payload, usually under 1600lbs. They make poor choices for hauling trailers with high hitch weights like the 28ft Airstream that I tow, which has a 975lb hitch weight. A weight-distribution hitch can reduce a little bit of that. However, if you add up the weight of 4 passengers, two dirt bikes, and typical camp gear, you will be at payload capacity quickly with paired a small to med trailer which adds 450-600 labs of hitch weight.

By contrast, a 3/4 ton truck provides another 1k in additional payload, plus better cooling, brakes, and transmission options. I've towed up steep passes without a fuss in hot summer weather at 65-70mph, thanks to the superior cooling and power. A 1/2 truck would've been working really hard to maintain that pace.

IMHO, choosing a truck by the engine should be one of the last considerations when shopping for trucks. Rather, choose the truck style and tow/haul rating that best matches your intended purpose, then decide whether the gas or diesel options make the most sense. A 1/2 ton truck with a diesel is not a substitute for a 3/4 ton truck, whether gas or diesel, if your towing needs dictate heavy loads, high hitch weights, and higher payload needs.

Diesel has higher running costs, for fuel, filters, oil changes, but provides superior torque, and because they don't run much over 1800rpm when at speed, the engines last usually double that of gassers. It will take years to equalize the extra costs for diesels, but they do hold their resale values much better than gassers, which should factor into your cost analysis, and which help to justify their much higher upfront costs.

I am less religious about various brands. Ford made some godawful 6.0 diesels in the 90's, Chevy diesel engines and transmissions are better than their interiors, and all the new diesels have way too much emissions stuff and DEF systems to insure they meet clean air standards. These can cause a lot of the issues you read about, which is why I bought the warranty. In truth, I've had more warranty items on my trailer than my RAM.

 

[Bungie]

I don't own a truck. I own a fefe Mazda 6 GT. Everybody I know owns a truck, simply because theirs a belief that they are 'heavy-duty' and can take the roads up here. That was true, maybe 25 years ago, but nowadays, unless your running a 3/4 or 1 ton, its no longer the case. My buds with 1/2 tons (and their are lots of them) are in the shop as much, or more than a 10 year old Kia.

When I need a truck, I walk across the street and borrow Line's dad's truck. AKA: EarthPig. I think its a 92 K2500 'Cowboy Cadillac'. It's lived most of it's life with a big ass 8' plow strapped to the front. It carries itself on real truck tires (You know, the ones that way about 150lbs a piece). It gets about 14mpg on a good day with a tail wind. Last year one of the dual battery cables grounded against the frame and it caught fire in my driveway. After emptying a few fire extinguishers and getting the battery disconnected and fixing the problem, it seemed to run better.

Flo (Line's dad) has mentioned he might sell it because except for plowing snow, he doesn't really use it anymore. I might buy it off him. Why? Simply because I only drive my 4 wheeled vehicles about 5000km per year. I can manage the gas because I don't drive that much. Oh, and I hate shoveling snow.

 

[El Toro Joe]

Hey Redfish Hunter, ain't that Patriot's bike on your trailer?

 

[HotRodZilla]

Reasons I own a truck, and why I demand a 4-wheel drive truck:

The '99 F150 in those pictures is a huge reason my next truck will also be a Ford, although, it will be an F250. That truck has been across the country. Pulled horses, campers, boats, other trucks, you name it. It had been to Mexico, it had been camping, it has been hunting, and it has been covered with mud and snow. It starts every time I turn the key, and it has been very faithful.

And who is that dang kid in all my pictures??

 

[bigjohnsd]

Why am I not surprised that the 2015 Ford is not living up to its mileage expectations?

They didn't do a lot to change the frontal area or the CD (coeficent of drag).

All P/Us have the aerodynamic characteristics of a brick. It taxes so much power to push the same sized brick through the air. Once the heavy brickbis up to speed there is little difference in energy required to maintain the bricks velocity. New 6 or 8 speed transmissions allow the engine to be tuned to operate most efficiently in a very narrow powerband. The transmission probably has more to do with mileage improvement than the engine and the aero is far and away the overarching driver of economy.

I would love to have a Dodge ecodieselbut my previous Dodge experience keeps me looking elsewhere.

 

[juniorfjr]

When Ford came out with the 2008 style change, there was a small diesel in the works for a light duty truck. They put it on the shelf because in the :USA the diesel prices were too high to make it work. In europe it would be a natural as most are running diesel and the cost isn't jacked up, but here....Oh wait that could be political. When diesel was only slightly higher than gas it was a great alternative to gas. I think the only reason to go diesel now is the heavy haulers.

 

[HotRodZilla]

You guys remember when diesel was cheaper than gas, right?? It used to be a great alternative, but finding a reliable diesel engine in a non-commercial vehicle back then was a hard thing to do. Up until the 90s, most small domestic diesel engines were shit.

 

[TheZsdad]

I have played with trucks as a kid and as an adult. Guess I just like trucks as I have owned them for the last forty years. Some have worked hard some have not. After getting stuck or unable to get home in the snow I stopped buying 2WD. I see the 4WD as insurance and they typically bring a higher price at resale if not beat to crap. Never really cared about the difference in gas mileage between the two. I traded my 16 year old 5.7 Dodge Ram last Nov. for a new 2013 Ford F-150 FX4 EcoBoost. It has towed an 16' enclosed tandem axle trailer packed to the gills with tools other heavy items from NC to AZ without complaint. Up long grades at 80 mph it didn't break a sweat. I estimate my load was about 6500 lbs. Really incredible power to pass. It has towed the trailer with some what lighter loads since the move. About 4500 miles of towing duty in a year's time. I am retired so the truck like the FJR are not used for commuting and seldom see trips to the store. My wife's RAV4 gets that job. BTW I had planned to buy a 5.0 V8 After test driving it the salesman practically dared me to drive the EB. I am glad he did as the difference in torque blew me away. If I buy a new vehicle it is usually done when the next new year model is released. It took two days of negotiations to complete the deal and about 6 hours of my time at the dealership. Was it worth it? The savings off the MSRP would have paid for a new FJR. Is owning a truck desirable when a smaller vehicle would do most of the time? Well yes it is just as I have a preference to D cups over C cups. Yeah I played with those as a kid and an adult as well.

 

[Warpdrv]

Ha.....

I got a 98 Chevy Tahoe..... last of the 2 Doors.... Damn thing just keeps going, I don't use it all the time, but she's got 200k on her with the 350 in it and I still haul my medium size Bobcat 773 G around with it with a large flat top trailer. Pulls it just fine, I more worry about whether I'm going to stop the damn thing, though I don't go far doing that.... either way body is just starting to rust out with all the salt around here. Love that machine, just can't say goodbye to it and wish they still made those 2 dr models. I honestly dread having to buy something newer, so much crap on trucks these days, that add more complications to service and life expectancy.

That being said - we have a pretty decent service shop here, there is not one mechanic here that will endorse the idea of buying anything other then Chevy. Less hassle to maintain, less bullshit designs.... They all own Chevy's or GMC. They plow all winter with them every year - when they upgrade trucks the old ones get moved into the plow fleet, which all 10 of those are Chevy or GMC.... Parts are cheaper and easier to get.

2 of the guys have diesels, but my brother and his partner have the gas engines.

I don't know what to tell you to buy - just throwing in my 2 cents of what I have seen over the last 20 years here at our shop. We service every make and model, doesn't matter..... when the mechanics bitch about working on stuff and you see all the goofy stupid designs, and premature failures of these newer makes and models, I tend to take note, and when ya ask them what would they buy it sinks in to me a bit more.

FWIW - we don't see much in the line of warranty work around here, more the stuff that is out of warranty, so its the - How are they holding up picture.

 

[Warpdrv]

You guys remember when diesel was cheaper than gas, right?? It used to be a great alternative, but finding a reliable diesel engine in a non-commercial vehicle back then was a hard thing to do. Up until the 90s, most small domestic diesel engines were shit.

https://news.pickuptrucks.com/2014/02/gas-versus-diesel-do-the-math-first.html

 

[SwollenRaccoon]

I will more than likely stick with Ford. I still have a 48 that my dad bought new. I will continue to lease cause I want the warranty. I'm so far behind on automotive and can't climb under or over shit due to spine issues I just want to drink their coffee while they do the work. The 5 liter works fine and delivers decent mileage. A lot of it is what makes Patti happy because it's her truck. Mine is the 55 F100. Maybe the beer can body will help a little.

Just a thought......you say it's her truck. Is it just a commuter vehicle for her, or does she need it for "truck" duties?

I never owned a truck before, but bought one a couple months ago. My wife has complained for years about sitting too low, and wanting better visibility. No way I want or need a minivan or SUV. I intend to pull a utility trailer and/or small fishing boat in the future. Plus I got sick of asking friends to help me haul something, usually about two or three times a year. We wanted to retire her 1998 Honda Civic, (best car we ever had), and were considering several non-pickup options. Then, one day, she says "I want another Honda". Can't argue with that.

After about 7 or 8 months of casual looking, I found a 2-year old 2012 Ridgeline Sport at a Chevy dealer, with about 14,000 miles on it. Guy had bought (or leased) it, and after two years decided he needed a full-size truck, and traded it in. It's not a "real truck", and I still think it's a homely vehicle, (but better looking with the Sport grill and trim), but it looks like it will provide exactly what we need. It gets crappy mileage for a vehicle of that size and horsepower, but it will probably only see 5,000 miles a year, tops. And we tend to keep vehicles for a long time. We've never owned a 4-wheel drive vehicle before, so that will be nicer in the snow. (A guy told me 30 years ago that the advantage of 4-wheel drive is that it will let you get stuck farther out in the woods than 2-wheel drive). Anyway, the wife is happy with it, and it has already saved me having to ask to borrow a pickup a couple of times.

As far as the other makes, I know horror stories and happy stories for all three American brands. Pickup truck owners are almost always damn loyal to their preferred brand. Keep shopping, find what you like, and put the screws to them on price. It's easier to do when you don't HAVE to buy a vehicle, but are interested in one. Good luck, and keep us posted on your experience.

OK, all you "real" truck owners, hammer away!

 

[FJRay]

Yes it's her truck and it hauls everything from Reuben drunks, compost , goat and chicken feed, fencing and tows the trailer for heavy things I don't want to lift into the bed. Where we live I wouldn't be without the four wheel drive cause the snow can get deep and our road is 3/4 mile of VW sized pot holes in the winter. The 5.0 liter has been good but if they have the ecoboost in a color she likes in a crew cab and 4X4 it could be the one. I don't know much about the base V6 so some research is in order along with the other makes. I have 3 months left to decide.

Don't know if it's a "real" truck but my 55 F100 is used daily year around. I put studded tires on in the winter and away it goes. Drove it to DCarvers hondarosa with my Handy lift and a load of tools in the back for the FJR motor transplant. Running with traffic on I5 in Kali I got 23 mpg with a load on it.

 

[Spud]

I wouldn't drive anything but my truck in the winter. Beer stays ice cold in the bed when heading home from the store.

 

[Geezer]

My wife and I bought our first pickup truck when we first got married. I had been driving a van at the time and found a pickup to be a lot more convenient to load and unload. We have not been without a pickup since then. At some points in our lives it was an absolute necessity, and at other times it was merely a convenience, but I can't imagine not having one around when I want to haul something.

Having a friend with a truck is a workable solution if you only need it once in a while, but I'd much rather have one available immediately when I want to use it. OTOH, I do lend mine out a few times a year to close friends and family. All except one of my daughters return it with a full tank of gas, and it carries 35 gallons.

 

[beemerdons]

I wouldn't drive anything but my truck in the winter. Beer stays ice cold in the bed when heading home from the store.

Once again here is living proof of just why Spud is the smartest man on our Fine FJR Forum, next to Geezer and Top_Speed1 of course! JSNS, Arriba Ai Ai Ai!

 

[bigjohnsd]

I will more than likely stick with Ford. I still have a 48 that my dad bought new. I will continue to lease cause I want the warranty. I'm so far behind on automotive and can't climb under or over shit due to spine issues I just want to drink their coffee while they do the work. The 5 liter works fine and delivers decent mileage. A lot of it is what makes Patti happy because it's her truck. Mine is the 55 F100. Maybe the beer can body will help a little.

Just a thought......you say it's her truck. Is it just a commuter vehicle for her, or does she need it for "truck" duties?

I never owned a truck before, but bought one a couple months ago. My wife has complained for years about sitting too low, and wanting better visibility. No way I want or need a minivan or SUV. I intend to pull a utility trailer and/or small fishing boat in the future. Plus I got sick of asking friends to help me haul something, usually about two or three times a year. We wanted to retire her 1998 Honda Civic, (best car we ever had), and were considering several non-pickup options. Then, one day, she says "I want another Honda". Can't argue with that.

After about 7 or 8 months of casual looking, I found a 2-year old 2012 Ridgeline Sport at a Chevy dealer, with about 14,000 miles on it. Guy had bought (or leased) it, and after two years decided he needed a full-size truck, and traded it in. It's not a "real truck", and I still think it's a homely vehicle, (but better looking with the Sport grill and trim), but it looks like it will provide exactly what we need. It gets crappy mileage for a vehicle of that size and horsepower, but it will probably only see 5,000 miles a year, tops. And we tend to keep vehicles for a long time. We've never owned a 4-wheel drive vehicle before, so that will be nicer in the snow. (A guy told me 30 years ago that the advantage of 4-wheel drive is that it will let you get stuck farther out in the woods than 2-wheel drive). Anyway, the wife is happy with it, and it has already saved me having to ask to borrow a pickup a couple of times.

As far as the other makes, I know horror stories and happy stories for all three American brands. Pickup truck owners are almost always damn loyal to their preferred brand. Keep shopping, find what you like, and put the screws to them on price. It's easier to do when you don't HAVE to buy a vehicle, but are interested in one. Good luck, and keep us posted on your experience.

OK, all you "real" truck owners, hammer away!

I also own a Ridgeline, my second one. I bought both used, the first an 06 in 07 with 32,000 miles on it. I ran it until 2013 and put on a total of 200,000 miles. Only maintenance was a cam drive belt at 100,000 miles and a water pump at the same time because it is right there and doesn't cost much compared to the labor. Spark Plugs and one Valve adjust too. I traded it in 2013 for a 2007 Ridgeline with 90,000 miles on it for 4,000 difference. Ridgeline #2 has 135,000 on it now.

The Ridgelines get me between 18 and 19 mpg in everyday mix of Western driving, lots of highway, some town.

On a dedicated highway trip to my Dad's in California I can expect to obtain 20mpg running +5mph overt the speed limit with 2/3 of the trip being on I-80 from Rawlings WY to near Sacramento CA. This was "good mileage" for a pickup in 2007, not so good now.

I tow a 24 foot 5,000# travel trailer with my Ridge. It pulls it great on the flat, works hard in the mountains as the motor doesn't have much torque at lower RPM. If you don't mind 4,500 rpm it will pull at the speed limit on most hills, slows down on higher mountain passes. Get 12 mpg when towing if i restrict myself to 60 mph which i usually do, set the cruise and watch the world go buy in the left lane, let the tranny work to maintain speed. All is good.

I'm looking at trading next year and i think I'm going to go EcoBoost. I have read about some ECOBoost issues with Carbon Buildup on the back of the Valves? Still trying to find out some more about that, not specific to the 3.5 in the truck, see,s to happen on all their ECOBoost motors.

I'd love to have an Eco Diesel but my experience with MOPAR is just what several others have reported, the engines are ok but the rest of the damn truck is not up to par.

That said, a Chevy is not out of the question either, they pull well and get good mileage too.

Anyway these are all "First World" problems and worthy of much further discussion here