F-150 vs. Ram vs. Silverado

[Fitz73Chrgr]

I'm in the beginning stages of looking for a new truck.  Likely going to buy an extended cab, 2wd.  I like the Ford and I like the fact that the company managed its finances well enough to not need a government bailout.  I'm considering all 3 models though.

Who has late model versions of these trucks and how do you like them?

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Thanks!

[bill440rt]

I own a '11 Ram 1500 4x4, and have owned one of each of the previous generation Rams ('07 & a '98, both 2500 4x4 quad cabs). All were Laramie's. My current one is a crew cab Laramie, loaded. I opted for the shorter bed for more back seat space in the cab, my kids are getting bigger so I needed the interior room more so than the bigger bed.
I am very pleased with it, by far the best Ram I've owned. It has nearly the exact same towing capacity as my last '07 2500 (50 lbs less), with a better ride. The incentives were much better at the time with the 1500's vs the 2500's, & I really didn't need the extra capacity. It tows an enclosed trailer very nicely, same as my last heavy duty.
The positives for me are the comfort, towing capacity, & extra rear cab room. Only negative is I wish it had a little more payload capacity, but I have a weight distribution setup for the trailer so that helps out a lot. Others have installed rear airbags to help with payload. And, now available on the '13's, is rear airbag assist suspension! 
Can't share any experiences with the F-150 or the Silverado, sorry.   

[68X426]

2013 Ram: Truck of the Year

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,97187.0.html

Everyone I know with Chevy suffers dependability problems, in warranty and then after. My experience with Chevy is that I'll never go there again, I'd consider Ram and Ford as equals.

[odcics2]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

[chargerboy69]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

    Well, at least the OP knows your fair and impartial.


My daily driver trucks have been GM, I still have one, and they work just fine.  If you just plan to drive it and not haul or pull anything, a GMC would be fine.  If you like the truck to spend time in the service department, go with a Ram.  If you plan to pull a trailer or haul anything, go with the Ford.

The truck I use for my business is a newer Ford, I would not trade it for anything.  I went with the Ford because it has a FULL four doors ( without ordering MegaCab).  The cab is very spacious and the King Ranch seats are like your home recliner.   Another plus, was the Fords are not plagued with issues like the Ram.  Every friend I have with a Ram is on their second or third rebuilt front end and have had at least one new transmission. Another reason I went with Ford is when I attend the auto auctions, you line up a equally optioned GMC, Ford and a Ram, the Ram always brings the least amount of money out of the big three, all the dealers can not be wrong.  And last, Ford did not take any bail out money.

The Ram is a sharp looking truck, they really are.  I just feel they are not as well made compared to the other two, just my opinion.

Good luck in your purchase. 

[bakerhillpins]

Don't own any of the a fore mentioned vehicles just wanted to bring up the following since it seems to be a selling point between the 3.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/joannmuller/2011/09/19/ford-looks-hypocritical-in-new-anti-bailout-commercial/

But wait a minute. OK, Ford didn't file bankruptcy or get bailed out by Uncle Sam, but didn't it receive $5.9 billion in low-cost government loans in 2009 to overhaul its factories and bring out more fuel-efficient technology? What would have happened to Ford if Congress hadn't authorized taxpayer money to fund that $25 billion Energy Department program during a moment of crisis for the industry?

It's hard to say, of course, but the fact is, with the aid of that taxpayer loan and a well-timed bank loan of $23 billion, Ford managed to tiptoe past the graveyard and avoid bankruptcy. Since then, it has run its business well and reduced its debt from $33.6 billion to $12.2 billion.

Neighbor owns his own excavation company, has many GMCs,  Their latest (2500,  Acadia) are both on their 2nd transmissions and the 2500 just bit into $2300 in repairs. He works the 2500 hard on site and as a plow truck but his wife drives the Acadia around. Granted this is me relaying the info to you so take it for what it's worth. My experience with the bowie was never good but that was the 80s and we never looked back.

YMMV.  

[chargerboy69]

Don't own any of the a fore mentioned vehicles just wanted to bring up the following since it seems to be a selling point between the 3.

If I remember correctly this plan passed Congress in 2007 and was offered to all car companies to develop "green" cars.  When the time came out to hand out the funds GM and Chrysler were not eligible because they had already taken $75 billion in taxpayer money. Did Ford take 5 billion, yep they sure did.  But it was not "bailout" money.  This was for "green" car development passed a year before the crash. 

[GOTWING]

Being a Mopar guy, there is no option for me. It's RAM or nothing.

If i had to i would buy a Ford over a Chevy.

[bakerhillpins]

If I remember correctly this plan passed Congress in 2007 and was offered to all car companies to develop "green" cars.  When the time came out to hand out the funds GM and Chrysler were not eligible because they had already taken $75 billion in taxpayer money. Did Ford take 5 billion, yep they sure did.  But it was not "bailout" money.  This was for "green" car development passed a year before the crash. 

I hear ya!  I guess my point was more one of they all have gotten taxpayer money at one time or another to "bail them out" of some crisis so I don't think they should ding one maker over another for it.

[Todd Wilson]

I got 4 Dodge trucks and they are all running and driving just fine...................


Todd

[4cruzin]

Well I don't want my name disclosed but I do own a new Ferd truck and I bought the platinum series which I think is the top of the line in the truck series.  I also got the extended bed and it comes standard with the extended cab.  I had to order it to get the Eco-boost engine and for as large as this truck is . ... It hauls ass!  It is probably a good 2 ft longer than my suburban . . . .

I have no complaints at this time . . .

[BB1]

It's sacrilegious even to walk into a GM or Furd dealership.
I did it once because my friend had me pick him up at hu Furd place. I felt dirty the rest of the week.

It's RAM or nothing.

[ACUDANUT]

Fords, F-150..Motor Trends Truck of the year, 2012...I love mine.
Dodge/Ram's have the lowest resale value, and I bet my Ford doesn't see a Dealership for 10 years at least.

[Cooter]

Fords, F-150..Motor Trends Truck of the year, 2012...I love mine.
Dodge/Ram's have the lowest resale value, and I bet my Ford doesn't see a Dealership for 10 years at least.

Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw.

[1BAD68]

I wouldn't even consider a ram. Ford is priced higher than the rest but is a nice truck.
My work truck is a 04 GMC 2500 and has been trouble free except for a alternator and now it needs brakes at 140,000 miles, still runs perfect and has plenty of power.
Looking forward to maybe getting one of these someday...

[Cooter]

I'd hate to put tires on that thing...

[odcics2]

Since this is a MoPar forum, the only answer is Ram...   

    Well, at least the OP knows your fair and impartial.

You forgot: loyal.    Most folks don't know what that means any more.   Sad, indeed...

[ACUDANUT]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

[ACUDANUT]

Oh I forgot. Fiat owns 50 percent of Chrysler. 

[69rtse4spd]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

That could just be the guys working there. The guys at the dealership here in town are sharp. 

[69rtse4spd]

I'd hate to put tires on that thing...

Anything with 17 inch or bigger will cost, but that is what you are stuck with. And with the price of oil everthing cost.

[Silver R/T]

If 1/2 ton I'd go with F150. 3/4 ton I'll take Dodge w/Cummins.

[bill440rt]

Cooter .."Wouldn't be too sure...Do a Google search on how FORD expects to solve the "Death wobble" that almost ALL of their trucks seem to have...
I think you'll be surprized at what Ford calls/dismisses as a "fix"...We have figured it out at the shop, but customers tend to think after hearing what is wrong that Ford will "Warranty" it as it seems to be a design flaw. "

Want ot take any bets. My buddy bought his '11 Ram new with the big horn package. It has left him on the highway, and our working parking lots 6 times. That 6 tows and months with out his truck, because the dealership did not know what was wrong.

That could just be the guys working there. The guys at the dealership here in town are sharp. 

I will say this, the guys at the dealership where I bought my '07 from were completely incompetent.
I had my '98 Ram 2500 for 10 years, not one problem at all. Decided to trade it in for a new one (at the time, '07). While the '07 had nice appointments and it towed very well, it was plagued with electrical problems since day one. It was in the service bay more than in my driveway. I finally had to file a claim following the NJ Lemon Law to get rid of it. Took about a year, glad I did it.
The new one has been fantastic.   

[dstryr]

I went through the buying experience at the end of December and ended up with a RAM 1500.  My '01 2wd supercrew F150 went 202,830 miles and never left me hanging so I seriously considered both the '13 F150 and '13 RAM.  When it came right down to it, it was hard to not pick another F150 because my first one was so reliable.  The '13 is quite a bit upgraded in the XLT package over 12 yrs but the feel was very similar.  Engine performance, ride, layout, all felt familiar.  I know a couple of people with eco-boost supercrews and the mileage isn't what Ford advertised and while I was confident in the motor's ability to last a long time(I drive my stuff til its worn out) decided to go with the V8 and get virtually the same or better gas mileage.  

The RAM is great after 2 months and 4500 miles.  I've towed my flat car trailer unloaded, partially, and fully loaded and the 5.7l has no trouble keeping up.  The electronics in the dash and information center are cool and easy to figure out and my only concern is if they will still be working in 6-8 years and 150,000 miles.  The ride is quiet and smooth, shifting is great and the Multi-Displacement System really saves fuel.  

I didn't consider a Chevy/GMC because of a couple of reasons- the exterior styling doesn't suit me(subjective & personal opinion only) and after the quality issues I've had with my '08 G6 I may not ever buy another GM vehicle.  The front fenders look to me like the designers gave it shoulder pads to look aggressive...doesn't work for me.    

My F150 was a 2wd SuperCrew and outside of regular maintenance only needed front lower ball joints, rear axle seals, one coil pack, and one full set of spark plugs.  I did not have the spark plug issue where the threads tear out of the head, thank God.   The new F150s have great styling with a sharp, classy look.  The RAM did, too, and I have second-guessed myself a few times wondering if I picked the right truck.  Bottom line is I did, but they were that close each other that I could have gone either way.

FS  


BTW, looks like you're from Missouri.  I found the truck with the options I wanted at Don Vance Chrysler in Marshfield.  It was a road trip to go there for a truck but the local central Iowa dealers and one northeast Nebraska dealer I talked to were only coming down a few thousand from MSRP and rock-bottom priced my trade-in.  Don Vance had better pricing online than one local dealer gave me-AFTER including 3k for my F150.  

:2thumbs:Don Vance   Made a deal over the phone in under 45 minutes and got great treatment once I arrived at the dealership.

[Scaregrabber]

My work truck is an F150. I wouldn't buy one if it was the only thing available.
Squeeks and rattles, howling rearend, trouble with the heater, needed a frontend alignment at 30,000 miles with light use, awkward brake and accel pedals and on and on. Think a Ford is a quality truck? Open the tailgate to feel how heavy it is and then do the same to a Ram, the Ram is probably twice the weight. Touch the bodysides on the Ford box, see how easily they push in and then leave a mark where your finger was? Won't happen with a Ram. Junk, don't even consider a Ford. I would consider a gasser GM but no way a Ford, I've had to live with this POS for 3 years, I just wish someone would steal it or total it for me. It doesn't even have 50,000 miles on it yet.

Sheldon