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Lance M · 08-26-2015, 04:24 PM

Just in case y'all forgot what the OP asked-
"I'd enjoy reading everyone's idea/opinions about which of these two vehicles or another one that we haven't discovered yet is the way to go."

Ideas and opinions about which of these two vehicles, or another one that we haven't discovered yet, is the way to go.

So, instead of talking smack about the truck you don't recommend, how about talking up the truck you do recommend?

switz · 08-26-2015, 04:37 PM

The OP did not mention family size, pets or other load variables to give a clue to the non trailer weight that must also be considered for the 23 series. Our 23D had about a 1,239 payload before propane and fresh water and water in the water heater on the dealer lot. Those three items use around 416 pounds of the payload so the net railer payload is around 823 pounds before any modifications.

The 720 pound tongue weight was closer to 850 pounds with the hitch installed and full tanks.

So the trade off between the Ram and the Ford is one gets better mileage but with a lower payload. The tow vehicle payload could most likely control the selection when all the weight variables are considered.

Lance M · 08-26-2015, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

The OP did not mention family size, pets or other load variables to give a clue to the non trailer weight that must also be considered for the 23 series. Our 23D had about a 1,239 payload before propane and fresh water and water in the water heater on the dealer lot. Those three items use around 416 pounds of the payload so the net railer payload is around 823 pounds before any modifications.

The 720 pound tongue weight was closer to 850 pounds with the hitch installed and full tanks.

So the trade off between the Ram and the Ford is one gets better mileage but with a lower payload. The tow vehicle payload could most likely control the selection when all the weight variables are considered.

All truths.

My comment above is mostly directed towards the guys who drive a Ford and only have negative things to say about the RAM and the RAM guys who only have negative things to say about the Ford.

You know, this is much like a political discussion. Tell me how great your candidate is, not how bad mine is.

ROBERTSUNRUS · 08-26-2015, 05:15 PM

Hi, I have Ford in my blood so naturally I bought a Ford Ecoboost and couldn't be happier. You would be happy with either one, Ford or Dodge, but the main thing you need to look for is the yellow payload sticker in the door jamb. Some versions of both of these trucks have a pitifully low payload.

Note: do not go by the payload specs in the sales brochure, Only the yellow sticker on the actual truck matters.

tjdonahoe · 08-26-2015, 05:17 PM

If it were me I would go with the dodge, I sure like my 6.7 in the 2500...

tjdonahoe · 08-26-2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappy19

What is doesn't say is the extra cost to own a diesel engine; more maintenance costs and if you live in the north country, a much different winter expense than a gas rig. The towing ability in the mountains is way ahead on the F-150 over the Eco-diesel Ram, not even close. I'd givce the Ram Eco-diesel a couple of years to see if it chokes before I'd put out the extra money for one.

You should check out VM Motori , they have been building engines since 1947, so this engine is nothing new, it is also being used in some Cadillac 's and all over the world, empty they are saying 27mpg........

RareStream · 08-26-2015, 06:35 PM

Hmmm...needs more grilles and openings and creases and squares and plastic chrome...

**DKB_SATX** · 08-26-2015, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RareStream

Hmmm...needs more grilles and openings and creases and squares and plastic chrome...

The OP didn't list aethetics as something about which he needed help.

rodsterinfl · 08-27-2015, 05:17 PM

Alright, to be fair in this analysis I will mention some of my notes and findings when I shopped. The picture of the F150 is a Platinum model, the different trim lines have different grilles. I shopped so carefully I know the trim levels by the grilles. XLT has brackets, Lariat has lines, King Ranch bronze insert, Platinum satin finish chrome. You cannot really pick something like that being critical as there are so many options.

I will say this about aesthetics, I look around as a picky person at rubber trim, edges, etc. I noticed big differences. The Ford had quality rubber trim around the doors and it was attached at points and looked like a single piece. Three of the Rams I looked at had rubber pieces that were not attached with openings and the "weld" spots on the rubber were rough and unfinished. While the interior of the Laramie was nice, the other two were not so great. Understand too that this observation was not just for the diesel model. The Laramie was a diesel, while the other two were hemi models. I know this is subjective but rubber sticking out along the doors bothers me. I know that final judgement of such things is personal but with the previous posts I had to speak up.

With the rebates, etc, I find that there is little difference in the trucks. My MSRP sticker was scary high, much higher than the RAMS I looked at though the Diesel Laramie was about the same after discounts were considered. In this you have to just pick the one you would like. All things considered, I voted for the F150 over the big RAM. I was told for my load I would be best getting the 3.92 axle 5.7 liter hemi. Now, when comparing that to the Ford I was looking at 13mpg city versus 17mpg EPA figures. As far as my personal aesthetics go, I liked the look of the RAM and the Ford but I found the fit and finish of the Tundra and Ford most the same, followed by Chevy and then RAM. Any who, pick one.

Kingsmen 33 · 08-27-2015, 07:14 PM

I have had 4 Airstreams, each bigger than the one before. The ECO Diesel has a lower towing capacity so if you decide to buy a 28' in the future you would be at the limit of the diesel.

KJRitchie · 09-01-2015, 09:34 AM

Payload of the Ram 1500 Ecodiesel is the reason I crossed it off my list. I eventually went with a Ram 2500 CC CTD 4x4. I only got the Big Horn version and its payload is only 2089 but I was coming from a Tundra DC 2x4 with only 1465lbs. I considered an F150 but none of them around me had the combination of the trailer tow mirrors, the extended tank and 6' bed, which for me was a deal breaker. There are pros and cons about all these trucks. You just have to figure out what is important and hopefully you make the right decision.

Kelvin

DC Bruce · 09-01-2015, 11:16 AM

I'd go with the F150. In a crew cab at the higher trim levels, the Ram is just short on payload. The reliability of this Diesel engine in this service is unknown and, frankly, even empty, it's down on power. The Ecoboost engine has been in service in both trucks and cars since 2011 and, after some initial problems with the inter cooler has established a good reputation. It has a flat, diesel-like torque curve, which makes it great for towing. It is easy to get over-excited about fuel economy numbers until you "do the math" and see how many $$ you're saving per year, after accounting for the price difference of the fuels.

tjdonahoe · 09-02-2015, 07:06 AM

You best check the price' s of the fuels, diesel has gone way down some places it is cheaper than reg gas....

KJRitchie · 09-02-2015, 08:16 AM

Traditionally, diesel has been more expensive and you should factor in the worse case scenario like last winter when diesel was $1/g higher. If you intend to use it as a daily driver that can hurt. My Ram 2500 CTD is a mostly a driveway queen. Bought it now for future extensive travels out west and to pay it off while still working before I switch to Social Security.

Kelvin

switz · 09-03-2015, 08:02 AM

When I was a kid, diesel was about half the cost of gasoline. I still remember $0.08 per gallon gas with a windshield clean and check the oil. $2.00 filled a tank.....

tjdonahoe · 09-04-2015, 09:14 AM

In most areas the diesel is cheaper than gas and still going down matching the crude oil prices.In other posts the ecoboast ford is traded off as it didn't do what the new owner expected while towing his as. Diesel still produces the best power, you don't any of the big gas trucks on the road like you used to, they weren't cost effective...

**DKB_SATX** · 09-04-2015, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjdonahoe

In most areas the diesel is cheaper than gas and still going down matching the crude oil prices.In other posts the ecoboast ford is traded off as it didn't do what the new owner expected while towing his as. Diesel still produces the best power, you don't any of the big gas trucks on the road like you used to, they weren't cost effective...

Let's not assume facts in evidence while trying to present only one side of the argument. While the Ecoboost and other capable half-tons are not all things to all people, neither are HD diesel pickups. The Ecoboost serves many Airstreamers quite well whom I know personally and camp with regularly, towing Airstreams from tiny to large in flatlands and mountains.

Stormalong · 09-04-2015, 09:33 PM

OK, lots of talk, but how does it work. Our 2015 ecodiesel has 3.92 axle ratio, gets 27-29 empty on hwy, 22-23 around town. Pulling our 25' fc it is perfect. Using the tow/haul mode it gets 15-17 on the highway, drops to 13-15 in the mountains. We live in Western Wash and do lots of mountain driving over the Cascades and south over Siskius of Ore/Cal. Could not be happier.
I have been a marine diesel mechanic for 30 years and am very picky about engine design and performance. Ecodiesel works very well with 25' AS. M
Measure the tongue weight, transfer weight as reqd, set up your WD hitch properly. Then all is good!