Considering a new F250

I tow a reflection grand design 370FLS without any issues with a 2015 F250 SD Diesel XLT with a 3.31 axle as well
 
My 2018 Ram 2500 CTD is headed for the repair shop AGAIN!!!! We were in the middle of 6 week trip and when heading to Tims Ford State Park in Tennessee from Paducah Kentucky and my ABS warning lights lit up and I lost cruise control. My scanner picked up code C0020 ABS Pump Electrical Failure. This is the second time we've had this issue. My brakes seemed to work fine, so we continued on, with bells going on and off as we drove. When we got to Tims Ford I called the local Ram dealer and was told they couldn't fit my tuck in for a week or two. Since we couldn't stay that long, we moved on. The next day we got in the truck and everything worked fine, then the day after that more alarms. It was intermittent like that for the rest of the trip. I called a few more dealers along the way and none would fit us in. Even though it only has 36,000 miles on it we've decided to trade it in. It is just not reliable enough and I'm DONE WITH IT!!! It has literally been in the repair short more than all of my other trucks combined.

Anyway..... I saw a nice new 2023 F250 Lariat Diesel in a local dealership. My only issue or concern is that it has a 3.31 ELECTRONIC-LOCKING AXLE. I was hoping for a 3.55 or higher. Is 3.31 enough?

Unfortunately, my truck won't be looked at until next week and I can't sell it with all the alarms, so the 2023 may be gone by the time my POS RAM is fixed.

I use a '22 F250SD, 6.7 diesel, and love it. You didn't say what you were pulling, but I can pull my 2600RB (7800 GVW) at 70mph with cruse control on, and it virtually stays in 10th gear...and get 11-12 MPG. It definitely gives me worry-free service!
 
What are you towing? It's all about the payload and an F250 diesel can get real close if you're towing a 5th wheel. I upgraded to an F350 with over 4000 lb payload and never looked back.
 
My 2018 Ram CTD 3500 also had this issue. First it was the ABS module, then the pump. Luckily I bought an extended warranty which has paid for itself. I’m out 200 in deductibles only. I’d get a lower trim 3500 long bed unless you never intend on pulling a fifth wheel. Good luck ?
 
From my reading, it's somewhat of a common problem with the Ram from about 2018 on. And there doesn't appear to be a real fix that lasts. Some have had the ABS system gone through and parts replaced, but it has come back after some of the repairs. Do a Google search for "Ram ABS problems". It comes and goes on my 2018 Ram, but doesn't affect the performance of the brakes except for the lack of ABS. The worst side affect is it disables the cruise control. The dash lights on mine will come on sometimes after hitting a big bump, which leads me to think it may be a loose ABS sensor. But it hasn't been enough of a hassle to try and track it down. The dinging of the alert is annoying though. Sometimes it will do it on cool, high humidity mornings, and sometimes in the rain. It usually goes away after a while and may not have another issue for weeks.

I go onto the Ram forums and see if anyone has made any progress on a real fix, but nothing the last time I checked. I imagine if it comes on and stays on I will address the issue, but for now it's not enough to make me get rid of the truck.

I replaced the ABS hydraulic unit on my 2018 RAM 2500 CTD in December 2021 and the problem has not returned. Got the part from Rock Auto and did the work myself. I thought I could just live without ABS until I locked up a couple of tires sliding down a hill toward the rear of a car. That convinced me to fix it. I initially thought it might be wheel sensors because it would flash the ABS light when hitting a pot hole, but it was the ABS Hydraulic unit. Probably just a bad design or poorly manufactured. Not a big deal to replace and flush with new brake fluid. Shouldn't need a dealer. I didn't have to have any programming or computer work done to make the new unit work.
 
I replaced the ABS hydraulic unit on my 2018 RAM 2500 CTD in December 2021 and the problem has not returned. Got the part from Rock Auto and did the work myself. I thought I could just live without ABS until I locked up a couple of tires sliding down a hill toward the rear of a car. That convinced me to fix it. I initially thought it might be wheel sensors because it would flash the ABS light when hitting a pot hole, but it was the ABS Hydraulic unit. Probably just a bad design or poorly manufactured. Not a big deal to replace and flush with new brake fluid. Shouldn't need a dealer. I didn't have to have any programming or computer work done to make the new unit work.
People on the Ram forums have reported the same thing, with the problem recurring after a year, or even just a few months, or not having any more issues at all. Seems to be just a crap shoot.

Got curious and just checked RockAuto, they show Out of Stock for the ABS parts, and the hydraulic unit. Makes me glad I decided not to bother to "fix" it. :)
 
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I pull my Reflection 297RSTS with a 2024 Ford F250 Lariat with the Tremor package. The Tremor package has the same axles and suspension as the F350, but is underrated at 10,300 lbs. Payload is 3,149 lbs. Gear ratio is 4.30 More than adequate for my situation.
 
A fried has an F350, 7.3 with 3.55 gears. He wishes he got the 3.73 gears. On even a flat terrain trip (think FL, GA) he drops out of 10th gear into 8th when going up an over pass. So he tows in 8th or 9th (chooses it manually). He figures if he had the 3.55s or even the 3.73s he could tow in the higher gear. It probably doesn't matter except in terms of RPM (or fuel mileage). His rig probably weighs between 14k and 15k.

3.73 isn't going to change that much in a gasser. I have the GM 6.6L and 10 speed and even with a 30 mph tailwind, I won't run in 10th gear most of the time. The transmission programs for the gassers are optimized to run lower cylinder pressures rather than lug the motor down. This is better for longevity, and actually, fuel economy too. On flat roads going 65 MPH with mild to moderate winds, I'm typically in 8th gear and around 2300 RPM or so. Truck is happy as a clam running like this, and I've really been impressed by how the 6.6L gas engine has woken up once over the 5000 mile mark. Hill pulls that were demanding 4100 RPM when new are now 3500 RPM pulls, and acceleration is also better, transmission smoother. 3480 lbs payload in a relatively well equipped 2500 is pretty good too.
 
From my reading, it's somewhat of a common problem with the Ram from about 2018 on. And there doesn't appear to be a real fix that lasts. Some have had the ABS system gone through and parts replaced, but it has come back after some of the repairs. Do a Google search for "Ram ABS problems". It comes and goes on my 2018 Ram, but doesn't affect the performance of the brakes except for the lack of ABS. The worst side affect is it disables the cruise control. The dash lights on mine will come on sometimes after hitting a big bump, which leads me to think it may be a loose ABS sensor. But it hasn't been enough of a hassle to try and track it down. The dinging of the alert is annoying though. Sometimes it will do it on cool, high humidity mornings, and sometimes in the rain. It usually goes away after a while and may not have another issue for weeks.

I go onto the Ram forums and see if anyone has made any progress on a real fix, but nothing the last time I checked. I imagine if it comes on and stays on I will address the issue, but for now it's not enough to make me get rid of the truck.

My 2018 RAM 3500 CTD was analized by the local dealer, part ordered that had PN changed, installed, and runs great again. That was at least 15K miles ago (62K miles now) and I have not had that issue since.
The dealer and the detailed repair info said that it must be properly reported through dealer testing, even said what parts to replace and what parts didn’t need replaced. Either I am really lucky. . . .or just did things right.
 
I hate to say it but all of these diesel trucks have problems - Ram, Ford, GM can't seem to build reliable trucks in the last several years. I have been a loyal GM owner and me and my family have had 6 GM trucks in the last 10 years and all of them have had problems, especially with emission related issues with the Duramax. Even my daughters gas Yukon Denali has had a new motor, transfer case, electrical problems. I've been lucky with my 2016 Duramax with 55k miles and haven't had but a few issues but I'm constantly watching for the next warning light to start flashing. Sorry for the rant but with price tags nearly $100k for a new truck, you would think there would be better reliability.
 
I upgraded from an F150 to an F350 with the 7.3L gas engine to tow my Reflection 260RD. The F150 handled it but I wasn't comfortable with it. My payload went from 1,742 on the F150 to 4,048 on the F350 with 3.73 gears. I originally searched for an F250 but the F350 was available used in the exact configuration I wanted. I agree with a previous poster that you should skip the 3/4 ton and go for a 1 ton. Going gas over diesel will increase your payload because of the weight difference. I've owned the truck for over 2 years and have only had to replace the power steering fluid pump (covered under warranty) along with general maintenance.
 
I thought an update was in order. The dealer had my truck all of last week and the "issue" is finally fixed for now. The ABS hydraulic unit went bad again and had to be replaced. This is second time we've gone thru this repair. Apparently this is a very common problem with 2017 and 2018 RAM 2500s and apparently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the propblem. So I called them up to see where their investigation is at and I spoke to someone there who told me they are still investigating the matter! So I said the the person, "these trucks are between 6 and 8 years old. Are you waiting untill these vehicles are all off the road before you conclude your investigation?"

We've had so many camping trips negatively impacted because we ended up spending so much time sitting in repair shops waiting. My 2018 RAM 2500 CTD has literally spend more time in repairs shops than all of my other trucks combined. The other day I was parked on a slight incline in my driveway. I got into the truck, started it, put it into drive and the truck rolled backwards 3 to 4 feet before the transmission engaged. Frankly for us this was the absolute last straw for me. So today we traded in our RAM 2500 and bought a 2023 Ford F250 diesel. Hopefully, this truck will be more reliable.
 
I thought an update was in order. The dealer had my truck all of last week and the "issue" is finally fixed for now. The ABS hydraulic unit went bad again and had to be replaced. This is second time we've gone thru this repair. Apparently this is a very common problem with 2017 and 2018 RAM 2500s and apparently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating the propblem. So I called them up to see where their investigation is at and I spoke to someone there who told me they are still investigating the matter! So I said the the person, "these trucks are between 6 and 8 years old. Are you waiting untill these vehicles are all off the road before you conclude your investigation?"

We've had so many camping trips negatively impacted because we ended up spending so much time sitting in repair shops waiting. My 2018 RAM 2500 CTD has literally spend more time in repairs shops than all of my other trucks combined. The other day I was parked on a slight incline in my driveway. I got into the truck, started it, put it into drive and the truck rolled backwards 3 to 4 feet before the transmission engaged. Frankly for us this was the absolute last straw for me. So today we traded in our RAM 2500 and bought a 2023 Ford F250 diesel. Hopefully, this truck will be more reliable.


When I had my 2018 3500 Ram I was having a lot of problems also it went to the shop a few times so before going on our cross country trip towing our 5th wheel my wife said she don't trust that truck and for me to trade it in, and I said, OKAY, LOL. Congrats! Pics.
 
Its been quiet hear. Lets wake it up.

Today, i learned something on srw vs drw. ( gasser not diesel )

This is not to wake the sleeping bear on diesel vs gas. I have had 2 HD diesels and am happy i have my new HD gasser.

I dont know on other brands, but this morning i looked up some specs for maybe going to a truck camper in about 18 or so months. That said, i currently have my 2020 reflections 273mk, and a 2024 chevy srw 3500 4x4 6.6 L8T gasser WT regular cab. I looked up/did a price and build on a 2024 chevy 3500 4x4 L8T gasser WT regular cab dually. On a gasser, as not everyone needs a diesel. Or wants one. Without splitting hairs and posting the chevy sight numbers, as one really needs the vehicle built and to look at the door sticker. For example, general gm sight sais my payload is 4,500lbs, my door sticker sais 4,311 lbs. A dually is over 7,600, so its made for payload in comparison.

The interesting part is,,,, my apples to apples pickup, build, swr vs drw sais the dually has around 300lbs ( less ) towing for goose and 5ver towing. But more for bumper pulling, of course. Mine bumper, srw is said to be 14,500lbs, a drw is said to be 16,700 i think.. ( obviously,,,, diesel is the opposite for towing comparisons ) But thats not the point

So those that are told that they are in need of a dually if towing over 12,000-14,000lbs is not true.

By no means am i posting this to argue, just posting what i stumbled across.
 
My 2018 Ram 2500 CTD is headed for the repair shop AGAIN!!!! We were in the middle of 6 week trip and when heading to Tims Ford State Park in Tennessee from Paducah Kentucky and my ABS warning lights lit up and I lost cruise control. My scanner picked up code C0020 ABS Pump Electrical Failure. This is the second time we've had this issue. My brakes seemed to work fine, so we continued on, with bells going on and off as we drove. When we got to Tims Ford I called the local Ram dealer and was told they couldn't fit my tuck in for a week or two. Since we couldn't stay that long, we moved on. The next day we got in the truck and everything worked fine, then the day after that more alarms. It was intermittent like that for the rest of the trip. I called a few more dealers along the way and none would fit us in. Even though it only has 36,000 miles on it we've decided to trade it in. It is just not reliable enough and I'm DONE WITH IT!!! It has literally been in the repair short more than all of my other trucks combined.

Anyway..... I saw a nice new 2023 F250 Lariat Diesel in a local dealership. My only issue or concern is that it has a 3.31 ELECTRONIC-LOCKING AXLE. I was hoping for a 3.55 or higher. Is 3.31 enough?

Unfortunately, my truck won't be looked at until next week and I can't sell it with all the alarms, so the 2023 may be gone by the time my POS RAM is fixed.

VEry happy with my 2023 F250 6.7l diesel. We dont plan to pull a larger 5th as we just moved from a TT - Transcend ML240 to the 5th Reflection 293RL. As others have said the 6.7 L diesel with a 3.31 is a beast.

We pulled the TT with an F150 - 3.5L eco boost. When we switched to the F250 I have seen the mileage improve by 30% with the bigger engine diesel.

The 293RL 5th pulls like a dream with the F250 but it is only 11000 GVWR. We still have lots of room on weight and we never get close to payload. We have had an F350 and 40ft 5th in the past and dont plan to go there. If you may go to a large 5th an F350 would be a consideration.
 
Its been quiet hear. Lets wake it up.

Today, i learned something on srw vs drw. ( gasser not diesel )

This is not to wake the sleeping bear on diesel vs gas. I have had 2 HD diesels and am happy i have my new HD gasser.

I dont know on other brands, but this morning i looked up some specs for maybe going to a truck camper in about 18 or so months. That said, i currently have my 2020 reflections 273mk, and a 2024 chevy srw 3500 4x4 6.6 L8T gasser WT regular cab. I looked up/did a price and build on a 2024 chevy 3500 4x4 L8T gasser WT regular cab dually. On a gasser, as not everyone needs a diesel. Or wants one. Without splitting hairs and posting the chevy sight numbers, as one really needs the vehicle built and to look at the door sticker. For example, general gm sight sais my payload is 4,500lbs, my door sticker sais 4,311 lbs. A dually is over 7,600, so its made for payload in comparison.

The interesting part is,,,, my apples to apples pickup, build, swr vs drw sais the dually has around 300lbs ( less ) towing for goose and 5ver towing. But more for bumper pulling, of course. Mine bumper, srw is said to be 14,500lbs, a drw is said to be 16,700 i think.. ( obviously,,,, diesel is the opposite for towing comparisons ) But thats not the point

So those that are told that they are in need of a dually if towing over 12,000-14,000lbs is not true.

By no means am i posting this to argue, just posting what i stumbled across.

Payload numbers is not everything. If you trailer is over 12K I recommend the dually for safety and stability. Overall they are slightly solider - hard to enplane until you set you hiney in the seat and drive over rough roads an high cross winds with the trailer or 5th wheel.

Now if you really want to see some strange numbers look at Dodge. And for stronger payload look at Ford where the aluminum body pays off. Then for a real challenge look at the drive train components like size of axles, the the carrying capacity, fuel tank size and look at break size. An finally is the seating, exterior visibility, and dash layout. And each brand truck in SRW and Dually will drive differently. Lets say the engineer in me has me deep in the specifications, and I have looked at all 3 - back in 2021 and 2022 when shopping for my new truck.

Just food for thought.
 
Its been quiet hear. Lets wake it up.

Today, i learned something on srw vs drw. ( gasser not diesel )

This is not to wake the sleeping bear on diesel vs gas. I have had 2 HD diesels and am happy i have my new HD gasser.

I dont know on other brands, but this morning i looked up some specs for maybe going to a truck camper in about 18 or so months. That said, i currently have my 2020 reflections 273mk, and a 2024 chevy srw 3500 4x4 6.6 L8T gasser WT regular cab. I looked up/did a price and build on a 2024 chevy 3500 4x4 L8T gasser WT regular cab dually. On a gasser, as not everyone needs a diesel. Or wants one. Without splitting hairs and posting the chevy sight numbers, as one really needs the vehicle built and to look at the door sticker. For example, general gm sight sais my payload is 4,500lbs, my door sticker sais 4,311 lbs. A dually is over 7,600, so its made for payload in comparison.

The interesting part is,,,, my apples to apples pickup, build, swr vs drw sais the dually has around 300lbs ( less ) towing for goose and 5ver towing. But more for bumper pulling, of course. Mine bumper, srw is said to be 14,500lbs, a drw is said to be 16,700 i think.. ( obviously,,,, diesel is the opposite for towing comparisons ) But thats not the point

So those that are told that they are in need of a dually if towing over 12,000-14,000lbs is not true.

By no means am i posting this to argue, just posting what i stumbled across.

Yup. Towed a 14k fifth wheel with my signature truck for 7 years with no issues.
That said, I would definitely go with a dually when considering a truck camper. It will be top heavy and the dually lateral stability will be beneficial.
Rich
 
My past diesel a 2015 ram 2500 regular cab, with the 6.7 cummins diesel, when putting in my vin number in the ram sight, said payload 2,500lbs. i was spot on when i scaled it for payload, my needs not hooked up. For towing it was 18,960.66lbs. That good for a 2500 srw. So, payload sucked, but towing was great.
 

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