Ford F-150 versus Dodge Ram 1500

Yeah! They're such a pain Definately not user friendly.

Like others have said both forums will produce some biased responses. So, if you want to hear from Ford itself, search for the YouTube video where Ford mechanics are interviewed and asked "which engine would THEY buy?" Something like 9 of 10 said their 5.0 V8 version, ...not their 3.5 EcoBoost.

Point is even the Ford mechanics don't really like their 3.5 EcoBoost, so if you are deciding between a turbo version of any engine vs. the N/A version of another engine, choose the non-turbo choice = RAM.

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gfh77665 said:

Like others have said both forums will produce some biased responses. So, if you want to hear from Ford itself, search for the YouTube video where Ford mechanics are interviewed and asked "which engine would THEY buy?" Something like 9 of 10 said their 5.0 V8 version, ...not their 3.5 EcoBoost.

Point is even the Ford mechanics don't really like their 3.5 EcoBoost, so if you are deciding between a turbo version of any engine vs. the N/A version of another engine, choose the non-turbo choice = RAM.

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There's a reason Ford mechanics prefer the 5.0l, because the replace s lot of turbos On the Eco's. My son- in- laws father works in a local ford service dept and said they replace a lot of those. And if it's not under warranty, it's not cheep. There are 2 turbos on those and each is over $1500 just for the part. Throw in labor and other trinkets needed in replacement and you're looking upwards of 5 grand most likely. As for the hemi, there have been some cam & lifter failures moreso between 2009 an 2012. My local service manager says the ones he sees are mostly police cars because they idle a lot,many hours a day most likely. That causes low oil pressure, around 30 psi at ldle vs 50 psi above 1000 rpm. There are some on this forum that have had cam failures but most are no problem. Considering ram sells over 500,000 a year that's not too bad. You would hear a hell of a lot of bad press if the failure rate was excessive.

Brandon-w said:

I have a few Ford beefs. (work truck)
First when you put it in park the doors do Not unlock. Not like any other brands, can't be turned on or off in the settings either.
Two the trailer hitch clips suck!! Might as well have them right at the damn spare tire and they're a pita to hook unhook because you have to go through two holes. We used clevices to remedy this.
The seat stitching is cheesey look at the head rests, it's not even uniform or straight. Passenger side dashboard has bumps in the front driver side does not. Like for a truck company and people who spend more time in the interior I'd think they'd spend more time making it quality.

Bonus I liked the 10 spd trans and the 5.0l but still ain't no hemi. Rode wonderful till we put 10 ply tires on but that's anything

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not sure why your doors don't unlock in park, my 2011 f150 did, and our 2015/16/17 work trucks all unlock in park, nd there is definitely a setting to change it on the 2011.

gfh77665 said:

Like others have said both forums will produce some biased responses. So, if you want to hear from Ford itself, search for the YouTube video where Ford mechanics are interviewed and asked "which engine would THEY buy?" Something like 9 of 10 said their 5.0 V8 version, ...not their 3.5 EcoBoost.

Point is even the Ford mechanics don't really like their 3.5 EcoBoost, so if you are deciding between a turbo version of any engine vs. the N/A version of another engine, choose the non-turbo choice = RAM.

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exactly right, most will take the 5.0L over the eco. the eco will tow more easier, and with less fuel, but unloaded, the 5.0 gets the same, sometims better mpg than the eco
then the bonus....5.0 sounds better.....but hemi sounds way better

The newer 3.5 ECO with the 10spd Auto has way more power than the HEMI (60 more lb/ft of torque and probably makes it at a lot lower RPM but the fact of the matter is its still not a V8 and doesn't sound like a V8. Hell I owned a 2013 F150 with the older 3.5 ECO and it was fast as hell and would throw your ass back in the seat when you punched it but those seats were as hard as a rock and the ride was simply awful.

I have to say, 2 years ago when I was shopping for replacement tow vehicle and everyday driver I was very close to buying a Ford. Would have loved to have the 3.5 Eco boost, but was not willing to pay an extra 6k for it. So drove 3 or 4 5.0 2017 with base options and liked them.

I had paper work on one that I was happy with, was going to be more than that I wanted to spend but had more of the options that I wanted (big screen, heated seats, 3.5 eco, tow package, etc) That night i seen an ad on Facebook for a RAM. And thought to myself '****, never drove one of them on this hunt'. So the next morning I went to drive a 16 big horn with more options, less miles, and about 8k less than the Ford. All I had to do was start the truck with the rear window open... damn that hemi!

Both are very comparable trucks and are going to have their own issues now or down the road. Only thing you can do is drive em and find one you like.

The Ford trucks offer the most towing features but with all that technology comes costs. I've also found that for whatever reason Ford doesn't install the 30amp fuse in the engine compartment fuse box for the 12v trailer tow battery charge?? It is usually found in the plastic bag in the glovebox. After you install the fuse it still doesn't allow you to charge the trailer battery at idle. Only when the transmission is engaged. Very annoying. Someone else already mentioned the size of Ford's receiver hooks for the tow chains. Most Ford owners I know have had to buy D ring shackles just to hookup the chains.

I have over 18k tow miles with multiple travel trailers on my Hemi with 3.21's. Not one problem. I replaced the rear shocks at 100k miles. Went with the KYBs. I think the Ram offers comparable performance, affordability, better durability and more user friendly.

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

canadiankodiak700 said:

not sure why your doors don't unlock in park, my 2011 f150 did, and our 2015/16/17 work trucks all unlock in park, nd there is definitely a setting to change it on the 2011.


exactly right, most will take the 5.0L over the eco. the eco will tow more easier, and with less fuel, but unloaded, the 5.0 gets the same, sometims better mpg than the eco
then the bonus....5.0 sounds better.....but hemi sounds way better

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What is the "less fuel" with the eco based on? From what I've read, the eco gets good mpg driving easy BUT if you punch it or cruise above 70 mph when the turbo's spin up the mpg goes to hell. That goes for towing too so the mpg's are a wash as far as comparison. As far as hemi vs eco, go to youtube and watch TFLTruck "Ike Gauntlet" runs where they match different truck towing in the mountains of Colorado. The eco edges out the hemi due to the thin air which the turbos compensate for but it's still close. Not enough to make a firm decision on.

i tow a 36 foot travel trailer with a ram 1500, but it is set up to tow, all new disc brakes, stroker kit and supercharger which puts out 575 hp in my 5.2l transmission and oil coolers which are electric, new tear end, new springs in the rear, 8 ply cooper tires. i spent the money because it is a 8 foot bed

Based on the specs for a 2019 the Ford 3.5 Ecoboost beats the RAM 5.7L. See link below. They do say that the RAM does have the bigger brake system, which is more important in the bigger picture (IMO).
Also with a boosted motor the advantage is the torque curve peaks much sooner, around 2500 vs just over 4000 for the 5.7L and gives it a better 0-60 time, but it also has a 100 more FT/Lbs then the 5.7L Hemi so in real world driving the engine will struggle when speeds are low and RPMS are high. Also the rear gear will affect its driveability with respect to weight being towed. IMO the 5.7L is a great motor and will pull well thru its torque band and will have a better all around manners. Does the ECO tow nice, yes at a lower RPM, but once you have to start dropping gears and increasing RPM the Hemi's gonna be nicer, less shifting, less RPM jumps, etc. Also depending on the rear gear the Eco boost will have about the same torque as the 5.7L when turning about 4000 RPMs when looking at the torque graphs.

Also add there is a weight difference between the F150 and the RAM across all 3 cab styles and it makes a difference in the performance numbers, but adds to its drive ability. More TV (Tow Vehicle) weight more stable the combo, again IMO.

Also, the Ford may be rated to tow more, but as we all are aware your trailer weight is directly related to your payload, and 1500 lb payload is a 1500 lb payload regardless of your trailer weight. So your average 30ft camper with a 12% tongue weight (TTs tend to range from 11 to 13% tongue weight) from the factory and a 7000lb GVWR is gonna take up 840lbs of your 1500 lb payload regardless of being Ford, Chevy, or RAM.
In the end it really is all about payload. Find what you like with the Payload to support your needs.


2019 Ford F-150 Limited 2019 Chevy Silverado High Country 2019 Ram 1500 Limited
0-60 MPH 5.1 Seconds 5.4 Seconds 6.2 Seconds
0-60 MPH (towing) 10.0 Seconds 10.6 Seconds 11.9 Seconds
Braking 70-0 MPH 168 ft 175 ft 184 ft
https://www.fordf150blog.com/2019-f-150-3-5-ecoboost-vs-6-2-silverado-vs-5-7-hemi/

Brandon-w said:

I tow 14-16000 pounds with my hemi 1500. Only suspension mods are the red helper/air bags gbeg go inside the rear springs and use a eq hitch.

I tow lots through the mountains and never had a problem. Yeah yeah I know the truck is rated for like 11000 max but I push my luck.

I'm also running a few engine mods. Cam, headers, cat delete cold air intake custom tune. But even as stock it pulled. I keep up with the diesels no problem. Never come up against a Ford but as said above why buy a truck with an engine that doesn't even have the literage of a jug of milk.....

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No you push the luck of everyone on the road around you. One blow out, one aggressive emergency maneuver and it's over, it's just a matter of what gets caught up in the wreck! Just your truck and trailer? You? The car on the road beside, behind, or coming at you? The 17 year old kid driving for the 1st time? Grandma / Grandpa?

I will be the 1st to admit I do dumb things with my truck, aka: 106, etc. but I do these things on empty roads / highways where its me, my truck and the trees and I am not putting the life of others in jeopardy with my antics.

TomB 1269 said:

No you push the luck of everyone on the road around you. One blow out, one aggressive emergency maneuver and it's over, it's just a matter of what gets caught up in the wreck! Just your truck and trailer? You? The car on the road beside, behind, or coming at you? The 17 year old kid driving for the 1st time? Grandma / Grandpa?

I will be the 1st to admit I do dumb things with my truck, aka: 106, etc. but I do these things on empty roads / highways where its me, my truck and the trees and I am not putting the life of others in jeopardy with my antics.

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I've had to do may emergency maneuvers and stops. Driven on some of the sketchiest ice packed roads I've ever seen and dodged wildlife on almost every occasion of being on that road. It's not just the truck but how you pack the trailer. And that road has a 50mph speed limit so there aren't any races going on. I've even had to dodge people who park in the middle of the road on a friggen corner who decided to stop and take pictures of bison! Trust me I'm not gonna take any risks that's going to kill me I'm Alittle older and more mature than that. Sure it's overloaded, for factory everything. But my everything is upgraded now.... Just like big trucks a simple tire change can mean they can register for 2000kg more payload....

Brandon-w said:

Just like big trucks a simple tire change can mean they can register for 2000kg more payload....

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But you are not driving a big rig … you are driving a half ton pickup and your payload and towing capacities are limited by a lot more than suspension and tires.

You also have opened yourself up to a huge liability in the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident. even if the accident is not your fault. The fact that you are towing above your rated limit will be used as evidence of careless disregard for the safety of yourself and others. Not a comfortable place to be in my opinion.

U guys are missing the point. I'm saying the dodge could easily tow that much I dont think the Ford would hold up to that for 1000 miles straight go....

As for the ramifications of my actions that's on me. There are alot more things to worry about than that.

God forbid you kill a mom and her kids because you are overloaded. Just on you right? Screw the family that loses someone because of your ignorance.

Also, now that you’ve admitted you’re illegal in every way, WHEN something horrible happens, this thread will rear it’s head in court. I hear prison is not too bad though.

Sad part is I’m not that surprised


2018 Ram 2500 6.4L 4x4
Amsoil SS 0W-40

AFMoulton said:

God forbid you kill a mom and her kids because you are overloaded. Just on you right? Screw the family that loses someone because of your ignorance.

Also, now that you’ve admitted you’re illegal in every way, WHEN something horrible happens, this thread will rear it’s head in court. I hear prison is not too bad though.

Sad part is I’m not that surprised


2018 Ram 2500 6.4L 4x4
Amsoil SS 0W-40

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Yeah we've established that... Let's get back on topic. Ford vs dodge as said above my dodge has proven time and time again it can haldle long periods of towing through the mountains. I'd choose dodge every time when it comes to towing.

Found these pics on the interweb. I wouldn't buy a Ford just because of the aluminum foil they use for the body.

The material is just garage

My sample set is super small. Only Ford I've owned is a 2001 Ranger I bought in 2002. Was a good truck. And I've owned a 05, 06, and currently 2017 Ram, along with an 06 Dakota.

But my neighbor who always tells me how great his ecoboost is and how much better it is than my Ram, is the only one of the two of us who has had a tow truck come to his house to get his truck

Was a proud day seeing it on the back of the tow.