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Old 02-24-2017, 07:24 AM   #1
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1/2 Ton differences-No brand loyalty allowed

OK, I have followed a gazillion tow vehicle threads and brand loyalty is ever present, resulting in a heated presentation of opinions about "why what I have is the best".
What might be an objective presentation of the substantive differences between 1/2 pickup trucks, if brand loyalty were not a factor?
Being a victim of what I want to preclude, I am not too informed about brands other than my own, but to start this out, how about:

1. Engine: GM largest displacement gas naturally-aspirated
2. Transmission: Ford 10 speed available
3. Suspension: RAM air suspension available
4. Fuel capacity: Ford 36 gal available

Will you add more?
Larry
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Old 02-24-2017, 07:58 AM   #2
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Turbocharger (diesel or gasoline) reduces HP loss with altitude (fits most brands).

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Old 02-24-2017, 08:13 AM   #3
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Pretty sure the frames on the Ford and Rams are e-coated (painted) while the frames on the GM products are waxed. Waxing is more likely to rub off permitting rust. Ford and Ram used to wax their frames before they moved to e-coating.
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Old 02-24-2017, 09:43 AM   #4
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For me the decision came down to the dealership service dept. Regardless of which truck I bought, I would have it undercoated. Not only does it offer greater protection, it also adds a measure of soundproofing.
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Old 02-24-2017, 10:10 AM   #5
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What feels good to you. (seating) Overall layout of dash etc. If this is your daily driver or if you spend a lot of time as this is your main vehicle I would go sit in and drive different models.

I have had a chev, ford, dodge etc. I am sure most will meet your needs you just need to go look and keep your checkbook at home till you make a decision.

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Old 02-24-2017, 11:25 AM   #6
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Are you keeping it to the big 3, or are you allowing Titan and Tundra?
Is Tundra the only 1/2 ton with 4:30 rear end gears?
Tundra has a 36 gallon fuel tank option.
The feel of the Tundra is good to me.
Some criticize it saying it feels like a very large Camry.
That's a good thing in my book.
The space, the room, the seating position.
Tundra has the largest back seat and largest rear doors.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:33 AM   #7
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Tundra also has the best-by-far reliability rating and resale value.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:36 AM   #8
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I purchased a 2016 Ford because of the 6 speed trans (tried and true and has a great engine brake in the tow haul mode.) 2017 went to a 10 speed.........it hasn't been tested in the real world. It also came down to price and Ford gave me a better deal.....have to watch the retirement $$$.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:43 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony View Post
Are you keeping it to the big 3, or are you allowing Titan and Tundra?
Is Tundra the only 1/2 ton with 4:30 rear end gears?
Tundra has a 36 gallon fuel tank option.
The feel of the Tundra is good to me.
Some criticize it saying it feels like a very large Camry.
That's a good thing in my book.
The space, the room, the seating position.
Tundra has the largest back seat and largest rear doors.
I love the Toyota brand and quality but the 5.7 Tundra is 381 HP, 401 ft/lbs torque and rated 13-18 for mileage and has a 6 speed transmission. RAM 5.7 has 395 HO, 410 ft/lbs torque and 15-22 for mileage run through a super smooth 8 speed transmission. I also think the ride on the RAM Is smoother but that is just an opinion. I wonder why Toyota has fallen short on the power and mileage on the same size engine while getting considerably less fuel economy.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:52 AM   #10
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If configured in a similar manner, the Ford and GM will have higher payload capacities than the Ram and Tundra. Not sure about the Titan. Ford and GM also offer heavy duty payload packages, which will give you >2,000 lbs payload if you need that much.

Take a look on Car and Driver's website. They recently did a comparison between Ford, GM, Ram, and Toyota.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:54 AM   #11
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The EPA regs tend to hit non American cars/ PU harder and hurts mpg..That's what a friend told me from his govt.post.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:55 AM   #12
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I'd add:

Available factory tow mirrors: RAM, Ford, GMC. I don't think you can order them for a half-ton Silverado, but the GMC ones fit.

Forced-induction gas engine: Ford. In high-elevation towing, this makes more difference than big displacement.

Diesel: RAM, for now: This will return the best fuel mileage but not the best power.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:57 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKB_SATX View Post
I'd add:

Available factory tow mirrors: RAM, Ford, GMC. I don't think you can order them for a half-ton Silverado, but the GMC ones fit.

Forced-induction gas engine: Ford. In high-elevation towing, this makes more difference than big displacement.

Diesel: RAM, for now: This will return the best fuel mileage but not the best power.
Maxtow 6.2 1500 Silverado does include manual extending power folding, power glass tow mirrors with spotlights for backing into sites.
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Old 02-24-2017, 11:59 AM   #14
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I did not look at trade comparisons because they tend to ignore some of the fine points that owners here appreciate. Now if some magazine did a comparison of all 5, equipped for maximum towing, it would be very informative.
Larry
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:01 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KWN306 View Post
I purchased a 2016 Ford because of the 6 speed trans (tried and true and has a great engine brake in the tow haul mode.) 2017 went to a 10 speed.........it hasn't been tested in the real world. It also came down to price and Ford gave me a better deal.....have to watch the retirement $$$.
My 2015 Ford F-150 also has a six speed (3.55Ratio).
I NEVER gear six; as too long legged resulting in dangerously low engine RPM.
Eco Boost engine is marginal as engine brake.
I love that large gas tank. (135 litres).
Overall the Ford drives nice, pulls my 30' FC just fine.
Gets decent gas 'milage' considering it's size.
Few complaints, other than a 'futtsy ' cruise control, and takes 'forever to warm up in winter.

Trailer Trash. ......"
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:03 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lsbrodsky View Post
I did not look at trade comparisons because they tend to ignore some of the fine points that owners here appreciate. Now if some magazine did a comparison of all 5, equipped for maximum towing, it would be very informative.
Larry
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

I knew I had seen this article - not quite as recent as I remember but the trucks reviewed are more or less still the current models.
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:05 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverdrifter View Post
I love the Toyota brand and quality but the 5.7 Tundra is 381 HP, 401 ft/lbs torque and rated 13-18 for mileage and has a 6 speed transmission. RAM 5.7 has 395 HO, 410 ft/lbs torque and 15-22 for mileage run through a super smooth 8 speed transmission. I also think the ride on the RAM Is smoother but that is just an opinion. I wonder why Toyota has fallen short on the power and mileage on the same size engine while getting considerably less fuel economy.
The Ram uses cylinder deactivation to turn off the fuel to 4 cylinders under light loads.

Hard to imagine that anything with 381 hp is considered to have fallen short.

Personally, I would not purchase a vehicle that didn't have forced induction, and direct injection. That would lead me to the F150 Ecoboost, or a diesel. Or, if not a pickup, perhaps the Expedition with the new high output Ecoboost.
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:13 PM   #18
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Another factor to consider for the future...Ford will be offering a diesel in 2018. I hope an engine brake will be part of the diesel package. If so, I'll be ordering one for sure, as steep downhill grades are hard on our existing F150 brakes. Our Ecoboost has plenty of power for pulling our 25FB, but I think the diesel/engine braking will help on the downhills.
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:31 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lsbrodsky View Post
OK, I have followed a gazillion tow vehicle threads and brand loyalty is ever present, resulting in a heated presentation of opinions about "why what I have is the best".
What might be an objective presentation of the substantive differences between 1/2 pickup trucks, if brand loyalty were not a factor?
Being a victim of what I want to preclude, I am not too informed about brands other than my own, but to start this out, how about:

1. Engine: GM largest displacement gas naturally-aspirated
2. Transmission: Ford 10 speed available
3. Suspension: RAM air suspension available
4. Fuel capacity: Ford 36 gal available

Will you add more?
Larry
5. Ford F-150 Eccobost Outperforms all naturally-aspirited engines at
altitudes. So does the Ram Ecodiesel.
6. Ford F-150 Crew cab has flat open rear floor area great for dogs and
stuff.
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Old 02-24-2017, 12:40 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Riverdrifter View Post
I love the Toyota brand and quality but the 5.7 Tundra is 381 HP, 401 ft/lbs torque and rated 13-18 for mileage and has a 6 speed transmission. RAM 5.7 has 395 HO, 410 ft/lbs torque and 15-22 for mileage run through a super smooth 8 speed transmission. I also think the ride on the RAM Is smoother but that is just an opinion. I wonder why Toyota has fallen short on the power and mileage on the same size engine while getting considerably less fuel economy.
Toyota has the Prius so that meets their CAFE - customer be damned
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