Considering trading in my Ram 2500 CTD for Ford f250 Diesel

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

Like the title says I am considering trading in my 2018 Ram 2500 CTD Laramie for a 2023 Ford F250 Diesel Lariat and I like hear your opinions.

My Ram only has about 32K miles on it and lets just say that it has been less than reliable. We purchased it in February 2019 and had no issues with it that first year. However in the three subsequent years (20, 21 and 22) we virtually had an issue with the truck on every trip we took during that time. Typically we take 5 or 6 trips a rear. We spent a lot of time on those trips either sitting at a Ram dealership or looking for one. By last year (2023) we seemed to have gotten all the kinks out of the truck and we didn't have any issues, until that is when the Cummins scandal hit. It was announced right before last Christmas and I got my recall notice (67A) the very next day we had mail delivery. Ever since I've been trying to get a straight answer from Ram about what this recall is going to do to my truck. I've phoned the dealer and Ram corporate and got no answer. I also emailed Ram customer service several times with direct questions and did not get a single response. Ram's silence is very telling. Needless to say, I'm not happy with Ram, but my 2500 is paid for.

Unfortunately, I have no real experience with Ford and I wouldn't mind hearing from other Ford F250 owners how they like or don't like their trucks.

Thanks

Bob

 

[classicrockguy]

My 2022 F250 Lariat diesel has been pretty flawless so far. Amazing power and decent mileage pulling my 315rlts. You will find lots of folks either raving or ranting about the “big 3” HD diesels. I am very happy with mine, so I guess this is a “rave” post.

 

[Joe1967]

Welcome the Ford world. Might I suggest getting an F350 for the increased payload? I have a 2022 F350 Lariat diesel and it rides quite well. I have only had my truck for about six months, but I really enjoy it. 3353 pounds of payload with the Factory fifth wheel prep kit.

 

[trailrydr]

Dont have the diesel, but my '23 F250 CREW Lariat 4x4 SB 7.3 gasser is quite the truck. The F250's & F350's SRWs do have large turning radius and take some getting used too.

Supposedly, the way to go would be a F450 DRW if needing/wanting a better turning radius.

 

[wudwork]

[MENTION=20676]BeerBrewer[/MENTION] 2019 F350 Platinum in my driveway. I learned early on, get your last truck first so I considered F250 but for a marginal price difference the F350 was a better fit for me. I wanted the F450 but really don't want a dually. Take a test ride in a 450, you will be amazed at turning radius (much like a golf cart). The F250/350 turning radius is noticably more than the 450 as long as you get a short bed. The long bed 250/350 turning radius is too much for me, all it took was 1 test drive. I also considered the RAM but quickly moved on based on a few prior bad experiences.
As for history of my 350, only routine maintenance and a few recalls. Longest time in the shop, to date, was getting the 54 gallon tank put in. My payload sticker says: 3260 lbs. Any truck you consider will reduce payload by additional weight of diesel, 700 ish pounds. BUT the power improvements and the option to get larger tank makes decision easy. With that big tank, I never pull rig thru a gas station anymore as I get at least 600 miles on a tank.

Within past month or so, I get a letter from area dealers at least once per week; they want me to trade in and get a newer model. I take that to mean the inventory is high; might be a good time to jump in.

Good luck.

 

[classicrockguy]

Welcome the Ford world. Might I suggest getting an F350 for the increased payload? I have a 2022 F350 Lariat diesel and it rides quite well. I have only had my truck for about six months, but I really enjoy it. 3353 pounds of payload with the Factory fifth wheel prep kit.

+1 on the F350 vs the F250. I have the max towing package, which gives me 10,800gvw vs stock 10,000gvw. Main difference is my F250 has the F350 rear axle and heavier springs. This puts me at 2,835 payload on the door sticker, as well as an order price that was very close to a comparable F350. Unfortunately, I figured all of this out well after my order was in process, so live and learn. Since I tow a big bumper pull vs a 5th wheel, I’m fine with the uprated F250. However, starting from scratch I would have just ordered an F350.

But, if you really want an F250, and especially if you go with the much heavier diesel drive train, the higher gvw package is a must. Otherwise, you will be approaching an F150 on available cargo capacity. The diesel adds about 800lbs over the gas versions.

 

[trailrydr]

+1 on the F350 vs the F250. I have the max towing package, which gives me 10,800gvw vs stock 10,000gvw. Main difference is my F250 has the F350 rear axle and heavier springs. This puts me at 2,835 payload on the door sticker, as well as an order price that was very close to a comparable F350. Unfortunately, I figured all of this out well after my order was in process, so live and learn. Since I tow a big bumper pull vs a 5th wheel, I’m fine with the uprated F250. However, starting from scratch I would have just ordered an F350.

But, if you really want an F250, and especially if you go with the much heavier diesel drive train, the higher gvw package is a must. Otherwise, you will be approaching an F150 on available cargo capacity. The diesel adds about 800lbs over the gas versions.

That why I went with the F250 7.3 gasser payload 3500, 9 mpg towing 10k, 15 - 16 bobtailing.

And.... an F150 still drives better than both the F250 and F350 SRWs IMO when it comes to turning radius.

 

[Rudy35]

Had a few hiccups with my 2018 Ram, but it's now straightened out and runs great. I'm keeping it because it's paid for. As for the recall, I'm not doing it, truck runs great and with no info from Ram with what the recall changes, it's not going to happen!

 

[triplethreat]

Skip right past the F250 and go straight to the F350. Increased payload capacity cannot be overstated and will likely save you from upgrading again if/when you decide to do a larger camper. See my signature line (the bolded part of it).....true words were never spoken.

 

[classicrockguy]

To the OP …

There are multiple configurations on all of these SD trucks, regardless of brand. Strongly encourage you to research what those are, and what they really mean when it comes to pulling an RV. Some of it is “fluff” (various luxury options) and some of it is very significant (cargo capacity, drive train torque, gas vs diesel, etc). All of it has big $$$ impacts. Fortunately, there are mountains of posts on this and many other discussion groups to help you zero in on the specs that suit your situation.

As far as brands are concerned, once you know what features you need and want, it may come down to price, availability, and brand preference (if you really have one). All 3 of the major SD truck lines (Ford, GM, Ram) are very capable. Go to any RV park and you will see all 3 well represented, and you will also hear unfortunate horror stories from those who have been unlucky with their particular brand. The rest will happily brag about how great theirs is (myself included).

I stayed with Ford since I have had good luck with several F150’s over the last 40 years. I also bought the Ford extended warranty to 8 years/125k miles for about $2,500. One failure post-factory warranty could easily exceed that amount.

I love the truck. I take meticulous care of it. It continues to amaze me with my huge bumper pull in tow. The big hills out here in the wild west barely affect it at all. It gets over 12mpg on extended towing trips with well over 11k on the hitch, and 20+mpg as a highway cruiser unloaded. (See, I will happily brag!)

What is most important IMHO is you get the specs you need/want for both current and potential future situations, so you don’t end up doing this more than once. New these SD pickups can cost in excess of 100k. Even a modest one can be 70-80k. Nice used ones are nearly as much. For me, that’s a pile of hard earned money. Best to educate yourself and choose wisely.

 

[JeffD68]

Everything we can share with you is anecdotal. I'm a Ford guy. I've had at least one Ford truck in my driveway since I bought my first new vehicle, a Ford Ranger, in 1992. Those six trucks have been mostly trouble free with the exception of a failed transmission in a 2005 F-250. My current truck has had zero issues in 5+ years and 45K miles. Does that mean that Ford trucks are objectively better than GM or RAM. I don't think so. I feel like I've been fortunate. A vast majority of longtime GM or RAM buyers probably feel the same. Most importantly, if you have lost confidence in your current truck, move on. I can't imagine feeling anxious about your tow vehicle when you are supposed to be having fun. I would suggest giving Ford or GM a shot. Pick the brand that offers the best best value or you like the most.

 

[BeerBrewer-MGRV]

I totally agree with the rational of skipping the 250/2500 and going to a 350/3500 but there just is not that many around. Most that I've seen are either work trucks or over $100K. The F250 that I found has a payload of 2885 lbs and that's more than enough for us. I'm towing an Imagine 2670MK and tongue weight is just about 950 lbs.

I'm scheduled to bring in my Ram 2500 on Saturday so the dealer can give me trade in value.

What kind of mileage for you folks see when towing with your F250s? My Ram gets (that is before recall 67A) gets between 11 and 14 mpg when pulling our 2670MK I typically tow no faster than 65 mph. When not towing I get like 18-19 around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

 

[OshawaDave]

Skip right past the F250 and go straight to the F350. Increased payload capacity cannot be overstated and will likely save you from upgrading again if/when you decide to do a larger camper. See my signature line (the bolded part of it).....true words were never spoken.

Totally agree. If I was considering a diesel, regardless of manufacturer, I go straight to 350/3500 as well.

 

[classicrockguy]

I totally agree with the rational of skipping the 250/2500 and going to a 350/3500 but there just is not that many around. Most that I've seen are either work trucks or over $100K. The F250 that I found has a payload of 2885 lbs and that's more than enough for us. I'm towing an Imagine 2670MK and tongue weight is just about 950 lbs.

I'm scheduled to bring in my Ram 2500 on Saturday so the dealer can give me trade in value.

What kind of mileage for you folks see when towing with your F250s? My Ram gets (that is before recall 67A) gets between 11 and 14 mpg when pulling our 2670MK I typically tow no faster than 65 mph. When not towing I get like 18-19 around town and 24 mpg on the highway.

My “real world” mpg experience with my 2022 F250 diesel is as follows:

Previous trailer was a 23’ full cross-section model that weighed about 6,000lbs soaking wet and loaded. I pulled it over 6,000 miles from Utah to Michigan and back through many states and all sorts of flat/hilly interstate/highway conditions with my previous 2018 F150 Plat 3.5 eco. When I got home, average mpg was just over 9 on premium.

I got my new 2022 F250 diesel the following spring, but our new, much larger trailer was not ready in time for my next summer trip. So I pulled the smaller trailer about 3,500 miles through Utah, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. All pretty hilly stuff. The diesel pulled that little trailer like it wasn’t even there. When I got home avg mpg for the entire trip was comfortably over 14.

Last summer I did almost the same trip with the new, much larger trailer. Average mpg was comfortably over 12.

I have also driven the new truck unloaded about 3,000 miles rt to Houston for the holidays. Average mpg at somewhat higher speeds was about 21.

Your trailer is a bit lighter than my 315rlts. I would expect if you take it easy (as I do), you should see similar numbers. Perhaps even closer to 13mpg, especially on less hilly terrain.

The thing about these modern, ridiculously powerful diesels and fuel mileage is … they are very sensitive to how hard you work them. For example, a strong headwind kills mpg. Higher speeds (say 70+) also knocks mine down quickly. Lots of others report much lower mpg with larger, heavier, and most importantly taller 5th wheels. Again, the drivetrain can tow the crap out of just about anything (subject to available cargo capacity). However, mpg will of course suffer as you work it harder.

My 2 cents.

 

[JKellerJr]

Like the title says I am considering trading in my 2018 Ram 2500 CTD Laramie for a 2023 Ford F250 Diesel Lariat and I like hear your opinions.

My Ram only has about 32K miles on it and lets just say that it has been less than reliable. We purchased it in February 2019 and had no issues with it that first year. However in the three subsequent years (20, 21 and 22) we virtually had an issue with the truck on every trip we took during that time. Typically we take 5 or 6 trips a rear. We spent a lot of time on those trips either sitting at a Ram dealership or looking for one. By last year (2023) we seemed to have gotten all the kinks out of the truck and we didn't have any issues, until that is when the Cummins scandal hit. It was announced right before last Christmas and I got my recall notice (67A) the very next day we had mail delivery. Ever since I've been trying to get a straight answer from Ram about what this recall is going to do to my truck. I've phoned the dealer and Ram corporate and got no answer. I also emailed Ram customer service several times with direct questions and did not get a single response. Ram's silence is very telling. Needless to say, I'm not happy with Ram, but my 2500 is paid for.

Unfortunately, I have no real experience with Ford and I wouldn't mind hearing from other Ford F250 owners how they like or don't like their trucks.

Thanks

Bob

The Powerstroke is a hell of a motor. My only issue with the Ford Diesel is they still use the Bosch CP4 pump which has a reputation to say the least. Ram recalled every 2019-2020 Cummins with it and swapped the CP3 back in. GM stopped using it in 2017 after a bunch of problems.

 

[huntindog]

The Powerstroke is a hell of a motor. My only issue with the Ford Diesel is they still use the Bosch CP4 pump which has a reputation to say the least. Ram recalled every 2019-2020 Cummins with it and swapped the CP3 back in. GM stopped using it in 2017 after a bunch of problems.

X2 If Ford wasn't using that pump, the truck in my signature would be an F450. I lived under the CP4 cloud for 9 years. It never gave me any trouble. But I was acutly aware that any time I started it, could be the time I lost CP4 roulette. All motors will need a fuel pump someday. They just don't last forever. Usually a few bucks, an afternoon and some beers and you are back on the road again. Only the CP4 pump destroys the entire fuel system when it gernades.
When it was time for a new truck, no CP4 was my #1 priority. Ram was using it then, and Ford never stopped. So GM was my only choice. It happens to be my third GM dually. And they just keep getting better

 

[Wileykid]

Totally agree. If I was considering a diesel, regardless of manufacturer, I go straight to 350/3500 as well.

The Ford and Chevy/GMC both are the same size and ride the same between the 250/2500 and 350/3500. Same fuel mileage, just better payload. The RAM is different in that the 2500 has the coil springs, where as the 3500 is leaf springs. Most people prefer the leaf springs over the coils when handling a heavy load.

 

[315RLTSinPA]

As others have said, try to go with a 350/3500. My F350 Lariat CC srw has a payload of 4200lbs. You can get a lemon with any brand. I've had Ford trucks since 1990 and all but one have been great. The one bad one was an F250 with the 6.0 diesel. And even that one was great until after 100k miles. I was going to buy a 22 F450 but the dealer wanted 20k over sticker. Found the 23 F350 I have now, and I'm glad I got a 23. Ford made a lot of nice changes to the 23's.

 

[Scott'n'Wendy]

I can tell you what the software update will do to your Cummins engine. The emissions 'scandal' was something about the cold weather starting. So the software update deals primarily with cold weather start/idle. Or that's what people tell me.

I had a Ford F250 that teated me exactly like your Dodge has treated you. In the shop constantly after the first year or so...ruining trips etc. I agree..get rid of the truck. You will never trust it anyway. Don't be concerned about my bad Ford experience though. It was a 2003 6.0 litre diesel. I don't think there was a worse diesel engine ever installed in a truck and Ford has moved on well past them now. I also agree with huntindog. If you are buying a diesel, buy a GM or a Dodge...but you ain't gonna buy another Dodge for a while..so go look at a Duramax.

 

[Captcolour]

+1 to skipping the F250 and get a F350. Should you ever decide to move to a 5th wheel, you would have the truck. My son just bought a new F350. Lives near Nashville and flew to Baltimore to get it. He was all in for a Lariat at $73K. He saved thousands. For these trucks, 5th wheel prep is an option and still has some supply chain issues. Priority for Ford is F450 which has this standard. Most new F250s/F350s out there do not have this. My son's did which was a bonus. So my input is go F350 and expand your search to find the best truck at the best deal. Also sell your truck privately. Probably gain several dollars. Particularly with F350s and F450s, dealers sell everything on the lot so not giving as much on trade-ins because they don't have to.