Ram 1500 EcoDiesel or Ford F-150 EcoBoost?

[Mergatroyd]

I need a new tow vehicle for my 28. Of course I want a 3/4 ton with a giant diesel engine, but the wife thinks it's too big for her to drive. I got her to agree to a 1/2 ton pick-up. So now I'm looking at the Ram EcoDiesel and the Ford EcoBoost. Does anyone have experience towing a 27 to 30 with either of these two vehicles?

[rostam]

Just so you know, Fiat-Chrysler is being sued for emission problems with EcoDiesel engine. There is a possibility that Fiat-Chrysler will buy back all the vehicles with EcoDiesel engine, like what VW did. This may or may not affect you, but its good to know and take into consideration when making a decision.

[Mergatroyd]

Originally Posted by rostam

Just so you know, Fiat-Chrysler is being sued for emission problems with EcoDiesel engine. There is a possibility that Fiat-Chrysler will buy back all the vehicles with EcoDiesel engine, like what VW did. This may or may not affect you, but its good to know and take into consideration when making a decision.

Yes, I know. I'm thinking that with the new administration and the EPA being brought down to earth that they will get the EcoDiesel approval soon. Once that happens all those EcoDiesels waiting on the lots will break free with huge discounts.

[HowieE]

If you are comfortable with managing a diesel, and there is management above and beyond a gasser, go for it.

If the truck becomes the subject of a Federal recall you will most likely make money. My VW TDI is being recalled and there is a $5,000 premium, over retail value on the date of the court decision. I am now driving that car at a greatly reduced cost per mile and getting 44 mph highway, till I have to surrender it.

[Arcticfox]

I might not have this correct, but I think I read someplace that the 1500 eco diesel is a little light in the payload department. One might want to confirm this. I know the F150 with a Lariat trim package and HD towing should have a payload of around 1700.
Considering the tongue weight of a 28' you might want to look close at this. We pull a 28FC with a F150/ecoboost HD tow pac and have been very happy with this combo.

[cabinetmaker]

Towing test of the 1/2 ton diesel was not impressive at all.

If you can't do the Cummins then go with a Hemi...I would look at the 6.4 with a 3.73 or 4.10.

[Mergatroyd]

Originally Posted by Arcticfox

I might not have this correct, but I think I read someplace that the 1500 eco diesel is a little light in the payload department. One might want to confirm this. I know the F150 with a Lariat trim package and HD towing should have a payload of around 1700.
Considering the tongue weight of a 28' you might want to look close at this. We pull a 28FC with a F150/ecoboost HD tow pac and have been very happy with this combo.

I agree. The Ford seems to have a bigger maximum payload. I'm thinking the 2.7L is a little weak to be pulling 7600 lbs. The new 3.5 with 470 ft lbs torque should be better. The EcoDiesel is also a bit small with 420 ft-lbs.

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by Mergatroyd

I agree. The Ford seems to have a bigger maximum payload. I'm thinking the 2.7L is a little weak to be pulling 7600 lbs. The new 3.5 with 470 ft lbs torque should be better. The EcoDiesel is also a bit small with 420 ft-lbs.

We travel extensively with our trailer, about 40 - 50,000 miles a year and have been very impressed with the F150. Sure a 250/diesel would give us a few things we don't have now like engine breaks and more power, but for us the additional benefits are not worth the negatives.
Negatives like a truck that will no longer fit into Auto car washes and parking structures, not to mention the pain it is in parking lots. The diesel is about 12,000 premium (in Canada) and the fuel cost 25% more. The payloads of an F250 are right around 2,000 lbs depending on the trim package and that is just not enough of a difference in my books. The maintenance is about 4 fold on a per mile costing and that needs to be taken into consideration. I just don't know how one can get a payback over the life of the truck.

Again, this is just my .02 and others may feel differently.

By the way - I would be surprised if your 28' actually bulks out at 7600 lbs ready to camp. Ours scales in a 6843 ready to camp on a 3 month trip and that's including our Pro-Pride hitch.

Hope this helps

Doug

[Mergatroyd]

Originally Posted by Arcticfox

We travel extensively with our trailer, about 40 - 50,000 miles a year and have been very impressed with the F150. Sure a 250/diesel would give us a few things we don't have now like engine breaks and more power, but for us the additional benefits are not worth the negatives.
Negatives like a truck that will no longer fit into Auto car washes and parking structures, not to mention the pain it is in parking lots. The diesel is about 12,000 premium (in Canada) and the fuel cost 25% more. The payloads of an F250 are right around 2,000 lbs depending on the trim package and that is just not enough of a difference in my books. The maintenance is about 4 fold on a per mile costing and that needs to be taken into consideration. I just don't know how one can get a payback over the life of the truck.

Again, this is just my .02 and others may feel differently.

By the way - I would be surprised if your 28' actually bulks out at 7600 lbs ready to camp. Ours scales in a 6843 ready to camp on a 3 month trip and that's including our Pro-Pride hitch.

Hope this helps

Doug

Interesting about the trailer weight. Do you know what the tongue weight scaled in at? The 28 Airstream specs indicate 976 lbs.

Has the rig been able to maintain speeds going up hills? I'm concerned about too much downshifting and engine screaming going up hills. This is what I like about diesels, max torque at 1600 RPM.

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by Mergatroyd

Interesting about the trailer weight. Do you know what the tongue weight scaled in at? The 28 Airstream specs indicate 976 lbs.

Has the rig been able to maintain speeds going up hills? I'm concerned about too much downshifting and engine screaming going up hills. This is what I like about diesels, max torque at 1600 RPM.

I cannot comment directly on tongue weight as I've never weighed mine. I'm assuming it would be around 1100 lbs with the ProPride.
As for your question about hills...
We have travelled the mountains extensively both in the Canadain US Rockies (from Alaska to California). A typical 6 degree hill will see us starting the hill at 65 and the top will see us in 5th gear and doing between 55 and 60. If I leave the cruise on the truck will shift to 4th but will maintain the speed at 65. I normally don't do this as i'm okay topping the hill a few miles per hour short of my starting speed.
Going down that same hill I touch my brakes at 60 - 65 and the (Tow/Haul) mode will down shift the trani so the truck can stay within speed you set when to touched the breaks. This works well but i'm told not as well as the engine braking system they have on larger trucks.

As for tongue weight and payload. I have never had an issue with payload and tongue weights. I carry a lot of stuff in my box when we travel as we're out for several months at a time. Here is a typical list:

2- Golf club sets on push carts
3000 watt Honda generator
72" folding table
Portable fire pit
4 lawn chairs
Grill on stand
tool box
portable drill
cleaning supplies
Carpet
rubber boots
fishing gear
small step ladder

In the end the box is completely full with a tunnel cover on top

[hkeach]

I tow my 29' Sovereign through the smokies frequently with a 2016 F150 Ecoboost and it never strains. The extra payload, easy handling and 19-20 mpg when not towing really seal the deal.

[lovetokite]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Towing test of the 1/2 ton diesel was not impressive at all...

how do you explain that the Ecodiesel has MORE torque than the Hemi?

http://www.trucktrend.com/truck-revi...-vs-ecodiesel/

[jimfa440]

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and a 30' Airstream Excella. I used to pull it with a Ford F150, not a great experience. The Ram does it with ease, getting 12-15.5 mpg depending on speed and terrain. The Airstream has 850 lb tongue weight. I use a Equalizer WD hitch. We don't have any issues with overloading. i thought I would so I bought some Boss Air Bags. Turns out I didn't need them. I'm really pleased with the highway fuel economy, highway speeds yield over 30 mpg empty. Now here's my problem, if the EPA does slam FCA (Fiat Chrysler America) it is unknown what that outcome would be. I don't want it to suffer ECM reprogramming that would kill my fuel economy. The 2017s are not available at this time, FCA expects availability later this year. For updates on this issue, Google FCA vs EPA.

[RamRider]

From the 2017 Ram specification (in this years sales booklet)
Eco D Crewcab with 3.92 8,870 Tow Cap and 1530 payload
However last month our dealer had no Eco D and did not expect any until summer while Ram worked on the emission issue.

Ram 1500 crew cab with 5.7 Hemi and 3.92
Tow cap 10,220 and haul capacity of 1,680

The Hemi 1500 is better suited for your trailer and will handle it My 1500 Hemi with 3.92 is very good pulling our 25 FB Flying Cloud with exceptional power

Also it is possible to get the 5.7 Hemi in a 2500 vs the larger 6.4 Hemi that uses premium fuel. I suggest that you and your wife drive a 2500 before making a decision, it may not be as big as you think. Bigger is always better and safer for towing. For certain do not go smaller then a 1/2 ton and make sure that it has pulling power to spare.

Happy travels to you

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by jimfa440

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and a 30' Airstream Excella. I used to pull it with a Ford F150, not a great experience. The Ram does it with ease, getting 12-15.5 mpg depending on speed and terrain. The Airstream has 850 lb tongue weight. I use a Equalizer WD hitch. We don't have any issues with overloading. i thought I would so I bought some Boss Air Bags. Turns out I didn't need them. I'm really pleased with the highway fuel economy, highway speeds yield over 30 mpg empty. Now here's my problem, if the EPA does slam FCA (Fiat Chrysler America) it is unknown what that outcome would be. I don't want it to suffer ECM reprogramming that would kill my fuel economy. The 2017s are not available at this time, FCA expects availability later this year. For updates on this issue, Google FCA vs EPA.

Interesting Post Jim - I have not read much about the Eco diesel as I was always under the impression that the payload was not up to par so I just didn't look into the truck. Now your post is telling me I might want to pay attention more.... Do you happen to know what your payload is? (Yellow sticker on drivers door)

Thanks
Doug

[Retawc]

I own 2 ecodiesels. My 2dr with slt interior. On 23 Feb 2017, ate it's high pressure fuel pump. Over the time period 23 Feb - 22 march, with formal complaint filed. The entire fuel system was replaced. Rumor cost north of $11,000.00. Think about eating that cost. With only 10500 miles on 2014. Lots of warrenty repairs.
Normal service cost.
Fuel filter $150.00 dealer service. Filter $25.00
Oil is now $30.00 per qt.
Filter can buy finally $35.00
Air filter $40.00 plus.
My 2nd is Laramie ecodiesel, rambox. 30,000 2015. Lots of warrenty repairs.
Even if you find a used one. The out of warrenty costs are extreme. Most techs can't even touch them for service. You can't get parts after market. Dealer only parts from italy. !!!
Great truck for light duty. Fearful truck for out of warrenty costs. Read Forum's for horror stories on any truck you purchase. Sure it's a tiny snap shot of opinions. Bet you read and learn on this Forum.
Rear gears 3.21 on 2dr. (Joke). Is 8 ft bed.

[DKB_SATX]

Originally Posted by jimfa440

I own a 2016 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and a 30' Airstream Excella. I used to pull it with a Ford F150, not a great experience. The Ram does it with ease, getting 12-15.5 mpg depending on speed and terrain. The Airstream has 850 lb tongue weight. I use a Equalizer WD hitch. We don't have any issues with overloading. i thought I would so I bought some Boss Air Bags. Turns out I didn't need them. I'm really pleased with the highway fuel economy, highway speeds yield over 30 mpg empty. Now here's my problem, if the EPA does slam FCA (Fiat Chrysler America) it is unknown what that outcome would be. I don't want it to suffer ECM reprogramming that would kill my fuel economy. The 2017s are not available at this time, FCA expects availability later this year. For updates on this issue, Google FCA vs EPA.

What F150 were you using before? (Year, engine, rear axle ratio, equipment)

[greenflag]

I have read that the F-150 will also have a 3.0L diesel in 2018 if you are a Ford fan. Towing specs are yet to be released. You will find nothing but glowing reports on the 3.5 Ecoboost here. There seems to be many satisfied owners.
I am a firm believer in never push the limits of your equipment. The 2.7 might be a little light for your needs.
My senior citizen wife routinely tows our 30 AI with our crew cab diesel.

[jimfa440]

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

What F150 were you using before? (Year, engine, rear axle ratio, equipment)

Mine was a 2006 F150, 5.4L V8 (I think) and I don't remember what the 3rd member gear was. Biggest dislike was the lack of power and poor fuel mileage.

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by jimfa440

Mine was a 2006 F150, 5.4L V8 (I think) and I don't remember what the 3rd member gear was. Biggest dislike was the lack of power and poor fuel mileage.

In the early going we had a F150 with the 5.4 and it was just to short on power.. The Eco-boost is a whole different keller of fish.