Ford Vs Dodge Half Tons

[Machingeaneer]

I didn't own the dmax's but yes to the fords, and I wasn't alone....

I would agree with you however on the 5.3 with cylinders shutting off/on vs the smaller 6's with turbos.

Lesser of the evils IMO. My point was that turbos are a generally proven technology at this point and really aren't that complicated in and of themselves. Certainly not a reason to stay away in my mind.

 

[Unknown]

If it were me I'd roll the dice on a new gm 3/4 ton with the 6.6 gasser. They have a long reputable history with their last gas engine and (i think in 25') started coming standard with allison's in their gassers, not just in their diesels like before. The 6.0 was a slug but you can't argue with it's reliability. If the 6.6 is half as good it still beats out any 1/2 ton motor or diesel pickup from the big three.

I have had good luck with GM 3/4 ton trucks. The 6.6 (L8T) in the newer ones had some issues early on as well as the Alison 10 speed. Those bugs have been worked out. I waited to buy a new 2500HD till they were out a few years. Just picked up a 2025.
Never a good idea to buy a truck with a new version of engine first couple years.
As for ford 3/4 ton. Where I worked we had a fleet of ten. Constantly in the shop. I would not consider one, nor would I buy a GM 1500.
Regardless,, way too much electronics on all the new stuff. Cant escape it.

 

[Dave Thomas]

The gasoline turbo engines are very problematic. Even if the turbos hold up which they don't always the engines themselves don't usually last as long as a non turbo engine.

 

[BreechFace]

Toyota

 

[akmerle]

I personally think the Chevy 1500 have a better ride than the dodges... if you want comfort.

Respectfully, and just to show how subjective ride quality can be, could not disagree more.

Was in a new Ram 1500 Bighorn from 2021-2024 for my work truck (heavy civil construction with a mix of paved and unpaved offroad conditions), and now over 9K miles on a new 2025 Silverado. The Ram was WILDLY more comfortable on rough / potholed roads, and the interior much nicer / comfortable / ergonomically laid out. Everyone on my crew agrees, and is unhappy with the switch.

Edit - Will say that the Chevy is a decent highway cruiser tho. Not as smooth as the Ram, but certainly not bad. Before the Ram, I was in a 2017 LT Tahoe that was a nice rig outside the all too common lifter drop which caused the camshaft to go and try and eat the motor from the inside-out. Luckily it happened right before the warranty was up.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Keep the truck you have, that’s paid off. Put some nice shocks on it, and call it good

 

[WiscoHoundsman]

Your turbos failed?

I have replaced my turbo 2x on my 2015 Ram 3500 6.7 CTD now I think it needs injectors. Bet I’ve stuck 20k into the truck on repairs and am debating on trading for a half ton. Until I read these threads about how bad all new vehicles are.

I will note that the newer turbos on my truck are a variable geometry turbo (VGT) with an actuator that adjusts them from my understanding. I would guess more prone to failure than the older style turbos.

 

[TandKHunting]

Thanks for all the input. I ended up staying with Ford and purchased a 2025 Tremor.

 

[keystone112]

I believe the 2020 and older Ford 5.0 V8 doesn’t have the cylinder deactivation.

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[Machingeaneer]

I believe the 2020 and older Ford 5.0 V8 doesn’t have the cylinder deactivation.

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong.

You're correct on that.

Fords system works works differently than GMs due to DOHC valvetrain vs pushrod. Jury is probably still out if it's any "better' than GMs system which has an ugly track record.

 

[Pochunter97]

Another vote for gm. Best ride in the class imo.

 

[TxLite]

Thanks for all the input. I ended up staying with Ford and purchased a 2025 Tremor.View attachment 932422View attachment 932423

Love mine. Hope you enjoy the truck

 

[sniper20]

I work for a Chevy dealer, so take that for what it's worth (fleet and commercial sales manager). I drive a 2024 Chevy 1500 (diesel). The Ford has a decent ride, but you must have the correct stuff ordered. I guess the tow package or something makes a big difference in the suspension in the back. Not sure exactly what the difference is in stuff, but that's what my Ford customers tell me.

The Dodge is going to wear down quickly... They are known to be cheap trucks, and they ride nicely for about 30K miles or so, then stuff starts to show the wear. Ford gives you about 50K, so does Chevy.

I put the RAS (Road Active Suspension) on my half ton and will NEVER go back... I rarely tow, but when I do, I should probably use a 3/4 ton... I dislike how all manufacturers make these new trucks "man SUVs". They are all super soft suspension, and mostly junk to boot.

I think Chevrolet has the best of the 3 for comfort and longevity, but Ford is a very close second if equipped correctly. Dodge goes to junk way too fast, and if you get the air ride suspension in the rear.... haha, have fun with that. Their factory air ride is absolutely garbage, and all dealers in my region shove customers off because they don't want to work on them.

If you like your Ford, I would say get a RAS system on that truck. If you want to upgrade, I recommend a Chevy and put the RAS on it. Going down county roads and hunting, it feels like a truck again.

 

[Steve300xcw]

The guys working in the woods around here are mostly 3/4-1ton fords and dodges, lotta outfits running gas rigs now due to emission b/s.

Good amount of f150's and tundras as well. Rarely do you see a chevy and have never seen a 1/2 ton dodge that wasnt owned by the state.

 

[Flyjunky]

OP, I know you stayed with Ford and I hope you have many trouble free miles.

This thread is funny, I always get a big laugh from truck threads. Everyone has opinion and as you can see by the responses there is no “best” truck. EVERY truck has problems or will have problems. Get the truck that meets your needs, looks good to you, and has a good warranty. Other than that, it’s all a crap shoot no matter what you read or who you talk to.

 

[Tahoe1305]

I only add this because it just happened and it shocked me …..

Took my baby Colorado and a trailer up in the mountains this weekend with a buddy who had a Ram 1500 and 7-8k trailer. 5 miles into the trip we get a text that his truck made a funny noise, smoked and then his engine stopped. After the tow he found out he basically blew the engine up. New oil, everything prior checked out. Just decided it wasn’t the day.

That’s only one data point and who knows what caused it. But that trailer should have been well below max tow rating and the terrain at the time was less than 2% grade. I’ll steer clear of Rams for a bit.

In other news the 2.7L 4 banger in the Colorado crushed it with 13mpg!