Devil's Advocate

[Delaware Cat]

Hello All.

I am new to this forum and new to the heavy duty pickup world - although quite familiar with the half-ton pickups. I haul big green oak logs for my workshop. I REALLY like what I'm hearing and reading about the 2014 Ram diesel 3500 - what's not to like with a CUmmins tied into a Aisin.

But what do I know? Would anyone be willing to take their "Ram hat" off for just a bit and give an honest appraisal of some things they DON'T like about the big Rams? Or even better, why I might instead consider the F350 diesel or Chevy 3500 diesel?

This way I know that if Ram still comes out on top, I have a winner for sure.

Thanks a lot!!!

Delaware Cat

 

[BlkRamRt]

it all depends on you....what do you see yourself driving? do some research on which truck hauls more best mpg's, ect depending on what options you want. I have a ram 1500 rcsb and so far i like mine...I cant compare it to a 3500 but the ram devision stepped it up with their interior and outer looks

 

[Etroze86]

Closest thing I could compare it to is my dads 2003 2500 and all I can say is Cummings is a I have to say.

 

[WhiteExpress]

There are electronic boogers on the '13s, my guess is by the '14 model year they'll be ironed out. That's all Rams, not just the 2500/3500.

Unless something has changed, the fancy built in gooseneck on the 3500s has no availability, which makes it a totally useless 'feature' as of right now.

You mention large logs, you don't mention trailer type.
Are you planning on a Dually or a SRW?

I think both Ford and Dodge make a very very nice product. Even their entry level trucks have wonderful interiors and are built solid. When it comes down to just 'under-hood mess' The Ram wins this one hands down.

I can easily spot and access regular maintenance items on the Cummins, the Duracrap nor Scorpion have this. (I don't like the Duramax, never have, likely never will).

The transmission in the F-250 (or 350) is great! Works amazingly well, especially when loaded up. The Ram seems to need an aftermarket tune to up the line pressure.

Given the decision, I'd personally still side towards Ram.

 

[Delaware Cat]

Thanks for your replies.

it would be a SRW. The logs are carried usually one at time but can be quite large - 1.5-2 ton - was thinking that at times I would not use a trailer but just the truck bed ( I realize this can be risky to the truck with loading and unloading). Other times I carry large amounts of rough cut lumber which I'd rather have up on the bed than in a flatbed open trailer.

 

[Burla]

Our transmissions blow, the Allison has always been the best. I love the coil over back suspension personally, but I do now know if there are limitations with that and handling a heavy load, and I don't even know if it is available in the 3500 yet but I would evaluate that.

Now, there are things you can do to your transmission to make it more heavy duty fairly cheaply, and there simply is no better choice for an engine then the Cummins. I am a Ford guy and I can tell you I have been nothing but disappointed in every Chevy I have bought (two trucks and one car). Even though I am a Ford guy there is no better truck on the market today then the Ram. I would easily say the next truck I would consider would be the Ford. I will never buy another Chevy in the life for any reason. One lemon law case and all three devoped moldy stinky air conditioners within 6 months of being brand new, and I fought with Chevy on all three vehicles. Say what you want, breathing in stinky mold all day every day while your driving is disgusting and unhealthy. My brother loves Chevy and he traded his brand new truck that had the moldy air conditioner only to get another truck and again you guessed it- stinky air conditioner. My wife and I are real happy that with our Dodge and Toyota we have had no stinky air conditioners! Wanna breath in Mold, buy the Chevy you wont be disappointed. Good luck with whatever you choose.