Ram Eco diesel vs. F-150 3.5 Eco-boost

[Vagante]

I have been looking at the Ram Eco for sometime and like what I see so far. I looked at F-150s but spent time on the V-8. I now see that the big 6 tows more and also has good reviews. I am reading the negatives on both. The Eco seems to be having more than normal problems with the engine. The Ford as I read reports does not get anywhere near the mileage Ford says it does. One report says 8 MPG when towing a 6k pound trailer. Don't want to make a mistake. Will be towing about 7k pounds.

[BoldAdventure]

From a lot of the reviewers and first hand accounts about the Eco-Boost from Ford, is that it's a turbo and it's not only fun, but responsive to drive, some have described it as lending itself to heavy footed driving. Kind of like how they say the Corvette can get 29MPG now, but almost no one can actually get that driving, because you'd have to drive it so boringly.

That being said, both are great motors. Have not heard about engine issues with the Eco Diesel on any of the Ram forums though.

[slowmover]

Top has one. See his thread and posts elsewhere on the ED.

[SCOTTinNJ]

I love my Ford (5.0 V8), but have to admit that this is impressive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZPZMcnPw0c

[Mrjkq]

I own a 2015 EcoDiesel RAM, currently just under 5k miles. I'm averaging over 23 MPG for overall driving, mostly city. The Eco is responsive, quick off the line and fun to drive. With the optional air bags it's a better ride than any limousine, and it's been 100% trouble free. I have a buddy who owns a 2014 Ford F-150 with the Eco-Boost & to use his words, the gas milage sucks. I have heard that the new 2015 F-150's are doing better because of the lighter weight.
I plan to pull my new 25ft Airstream with it & I hope to get some decent over the road milage with the RAM EcoDiesel.

[mojo]

Have a 2011 Ecoboost with 3.73 gears. Average towing of 7200 lbs trailer is 10-14mpg. But i live in the mountains and it all depends on which way the wind blows. And frankly I really don't spend much time agonizing over mpg. I look at Gas Buddy and worry more about price per gallon. I am sure you will be happy with either truck.

[Trucker dude]

I have the Eco diesel and a 30 fc. Just one tow with it from N.J. To N.C. Came down I81, 13.6 mpg. It did fine no sway.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by Trucker dude

I have the Eco diesel and a 30 fc. Just one tow with it from N.J. To N.C. Came down I81, 13.6 mpg. It did fine no sway.

Intersting. I thought the mpg would be noticably higher. I get nearly that with my 5.0 V8.

[Bill M.]

I think the Ford Eco boost should get about the same milage as a v8 when actually towing. The economy for the Eco Boost is supposed to come when running empty. It should get better mpg than the v8 solo. The Dodge diesel should do better mpg both towing and running solo. Because it is a diesel and is more efficient.

[KJRitchie]

I don't think the payload of the Dodge Eco diesel is as high as the Ford F150 EB.

Fastlane truck did a tow test up to the Ike tunnel with a RAM ecoboost. Check it out to compare with their F150 EB tows. Maybe not as much of a concern living in Florida.

Kelvin

[graysailor]

I have had two Ford Echo-boost engines with no problems with either one.

[Guyel]

2013 Ford Ecoboost 3.5L 4x4 towing 25' Airstream FC. I get 10.5mpg towing around FL and GA and avg 20 to 21 mpg not towing on interstate driving. I've had no problems with my F150.

[55AS]

Originally Posted by Guyel

2013 Ford Ecoboost 3.5L 4x4 towing 25' Airstream FC. I get 10.5mpg towing around FL and GA and avg 20 to 21 mpg not towing on interstate driving. I've had no problems with my F150.

Empty mpg is pretty good for a 4x4. What is your axle ratio?

[Makaira]

We have a 2014 EcoDiesel and a 28 foot International behind it. We are in it all of the time and move about 2x per month (not Jan/Feb/Mar however). We get in the 30s on highway driving (even up to 40 sometimes). Regular town and country driving is about 24- 26. When we tow, we get between 18 and 22 unless its all uphill, of course. We have airbags on the rear which have made a big difference in our scale numbers. Have not had any issues with the truck itself which we purchased in May 2014. Lastly, we really l like the truck.

[Guyel]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

Empty mpg is pretty good for a 4x4. What is your axle ratio?

2013 F150 4x4 supercrew
145" wheelbase
Eocboost 3.5L V6 engine
3.55 Electronic lock RR Axle
tow package
36 gal fuel tank

Driving around town I get about 17mpg. On the interstate from Florida to GA at 70mph I avg 20 to 21 mpg in the warm weather. I do notice I get less mileage in cold weather. 40,000 miles on truck to date.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by SCOTTinNJ

Intersting. I thought the mpg would be noticably higher. I get nearly that with my 5.0 V8.

We have a tendency to get numbed to the raw numbers because we always think MPG.

So (Chev 2500 6.0 gas vs. Duramax for my experience and example)

6.0l = 9.5mpg
Duramax = 12.5mpg

Doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a 31.5% increase with diesel.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

We have a tendency to get numbed to the raw numbers because we always think MPG.

So (Chev 2500 6.0 gas vs. Duramax for my experience and example)

6.0l = 9.5mpg
Duramax = 12.5mpg

Doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a 31.5% increase with diesel.

This is all true, but now factor in the cost difference during what I see on these forums is about 2 years before people get bored with their ride and just have to change.


George

[graysailor]

Air bags would have no effect on scale weight. All they can possibly do is level the trailer with the truck.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

We have a tendency to get numbed to the raw numbers because we always think MPG.

So (Chev 2500 6.0 gas vs. Duramax for my experience and example)

6.0l = 9.5mpg
Duramax = 12.5mpg

Doesn't sound like a lot, but it is a 31.5% increase with diesel.

Excellent point. To further confuse the matter, the 6.0 only needs 87 octane.

Today's national average for 87 is $2.58 and diesel is $2.81. That's 9% difference. Add for DEF and you are probably looking at a 10-11% offset for fuel costs, making the 31.5% MPG difference more like 20%.

If you needed premium in a gas truck (Ford Ecoboost, Silverado 6.2L), that's $2.97 today. All of a sudden that 31.5% jumps to the mid 30's.

[Lance M]

DEF-
It isn't that big of a cost. It is $2.69/gal from the truck stop. My truck gets about 1,000 mpg of DEF. So that is about .00269 cents per mile.

You can read about my RAM 1500 EcoDiesel here.

My fuelly is here.