Alright, I just gotta ask . . . Ford or Chevy(GMC)?

dragynj wrote:Here's the situation. Been a long time Chevy guy. Mostly because it's what I was raised up on and partly from experience (I used to work on the road a bit and we used Ford, didn't like them as much as the Chevy's we used). However, that was then, this is now.

Time has come to look at replacing the TV. The 6.0 Chevy just doesn't cut it out here in WA. In ND it did just fine pulling, but mountains are a completely different story.

So, I ask you. What is better? I'm looking at Ford and Chevy but you Dodge lovers feel free to add your 2 cents worth. Not a big Dodge guy and that is based on the Chrysler that my wife owns, no real life experience with a truck. But that Cummins may be enough to lure me in!

Well, for this part, you're going to get everyon's opinion based on what they have had or have. I think in general, they are all very well built these days, so it's going to come down to what you prefer.

To keep it "fair" below are some criteria that I'm looking for in our next rig.

- Cab Room/Comfortability - We are a family of 5 with a 14yo that likes to occasionally bring friends. Seating 6 would be nice, but not 100% necessary (this is impossible with some of the higher end trucks). Which of the big 3 offer the most "personal space" so my kids don't kill each other?

Yup...the MegaCab by Dodge will win hands down on interior room. Next to that, the Ford has typically had the most room, but it is probably by so little that again, it will come down to personal feel.

- Power - Pulling a 32qbbs. Hoping to venture into Canada and northern Cali in the near future. All will get me over the mountains (my 6.0 proved that) but which one will do it with the least amount of effort?

All the diesels will be just about the same, especially the newer ones. The differences will not be something the average driver will really notice in the end.

- Reliability - A lot of posts on here about Ford problems (ERG valve or something!??!) has me nervous. Every company produces a lemon here and there, but are there any big things to watch out for? Certain years or models?

I think you pretty well hit the nail on the head here. In general, it seems that Chevy has had the best track record, but even they have had their problems. I have a 1st gen 6.4L Ford (the first of those engines), and had my radiator replaced at about 25,000 miles, but since then, not a single issue. It's been a great truck so far (knocking on wood!!!).

- Features - DVD, Back Up Cameras, Navigation, Exhaust Brake. . . . Who's got the coolest stock gadgets?

Stock gadgets depends on the trim you end up with. And the year of the truck. The newer Fords (2011 and 2012) in the Lariat and King Ranch are just about as slick as you can get. And the leather seats are just about to die for...very nice!

Ok, OK, that's about it for now! Time to hit Autotrader.com to begin the search and look at prices. Going to be hard to get rid of a truck that's perfectly fine AND PAID FOR, but should help out in the long run.

My advice is to hit the truck dealers and really look them over. From a performance standpoint, they all are pretty close. It's going to come down to the creature comforts in the end, I think. My preference...the Ford. But again, that's based on years prior to 2010. I have not looked at the newest Chevy's or Dodges. Good luck, and happy hunting!

As always, thanks in advance!

Richard Mondavi wrote: My rub with Dodge is they build great engines, but the rest of the vehicle falls apart around it as the numbers on the odometer get higher.

schrowang wrote:

Richard Mondavi wrote: My rub with Dodge is they build great engines, but the rest of the vehicle falls apart around it as the numbers on the odometer get higher.

Richard,

All vehicles start to fall apart when they get into the high numbers. I didn't have a problem with my '04 until I hit 100K. Not the normal stuff like tires, brakes and shocks. But, you're gonna see a new water pump, new universals, new drivetrain seals, etc., etc. Seen it happen to Fords, GMs, Chevs and Rams. Only way to avoid it is to get a KW or a Peterbuilt, preferably with a Cat engine, 10-speed compound tranny and a Spicer two-speed rear.

LOL

oldelmer1 wrote:If you get the History channel on TV, this Sunday, they are having a competition with all 3 brands. I'm not sure if they are using the new 6.7 HO for the Dodge or what, but should be an interesting show.
If you've never seen these guys do tests on vehicles, they really run them hard through the tests.
My advice, test drive all 3, and see what you think....

oldelmer1 wrote:If you get the History channel on TV, this Sunday, they are having a competition with all 3 brands. I'm not sure if they are using the new 6.7 HO for the Dodge or what, but should be an interesting show.

If you've never seen these guys do tests on vehicles, they really run them hard through the tests.

My advice, test drive all 3, and see what you think....

dragynj wrote:Test driving an '08 GMC tonight. I think they are a little high on the price though (asking $43k, price on website is different) , but it's just a test drive. Work with them enough and maybe they'll drop it down. They also have a Dodge there that I'm going to put through the paces too. Links to both below. This dealer is historically on the high end of the price, but I've heard they do negotiate down quite a bit.

http://www.bmwtricities.com/VehicleDetails/used-2008-GMC-Sierra_2500HD-4WD_Crew_Cab_Standard_Box_Work_Truck-Richland-WA/1183247223



http://www.bmwtricities.com/VehicleDetails/used-2010-Dodge-Ram_2500-4WD_Crew_Cab_6.4_Ft_Box_Laramie-Richland-WA/1133789593

Maxtor wrote:
I think you should purchase a Dodge like Tom.... Our economy "Parts wholesalers" needs the stimulus.

brokeinct wrote: Dodge also enlarged the rear doors on the quad in 2010 so its a true quad.

RonK wrote:Anybody go with the new Ford Diesel? I want to like it ,but it's so different.

Portagie1968 wrote:

RonK wrote:Anybody go with the new Ford Diesel? I want to like it ,but it's so different.

In Reader Digest version what makes it so different.

The only thing I have seen that I do not like is the rear end gears.