Gmc vs ford

[JFF&KRN]

I know I am going to get a lot of opinions, favorites etc. I have been a GM owner for years. I am working on upgrading trucks, again. I went from the 2010 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas with 3:73. I bought a 2019 Chevy Silverado 6.0 gas with 4:10. I did gain some power when pulling the hills, outside of Phoenix to Flagstaff. I did also lose mileage, down to about a mile or so per gallon. a little extra time for getting somewhere isn't a big deal.
So, I know everyone tells me to go Diesel, but, I also understand GM has the new 6.6 with direct injection, and Ford with the 7.3 with the 10 speed transmission, both gas. OH, all have been 4x4 and I wouldn't have anything less. a couple questions: is it hard to fine diesel fuel in the off the beaten path areas, is the cost of about 12 K really worth it if it is also my daily driver. We do about 10,000 miles per year out and about or cross country. at leas one bigger trip, 4 to 6 weeks or so, then about 8 or 10 smaller trips, 3 or 4 days to a week or so. So if any has the experience with switching, towing with both etc. please share your honest experiences and not just an opinion. OH, we tow our 337 at 14000 lb, have it at around 13,500 fully loaded.
thanks for your help and input. Jeff

 

[BadDogPSD]

I've not had the newer gas motors, but did have a 2003 F250 with the V10.
Pulling the flats, either will do just fine. Pulling the mountains of the west, I'll take diesel over gas everytime.

 

[50ST8R]

I know I am going to get a lot of opinions, favorites etc. I have been a GM owner for years. I am working on upgrading trucks, again. I went from the 2010 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas with 3:73. I bought a 2019 Chevy Silverado 6.0 gas with 4:10. I did gain some power when pulling the hills, outside of Phoenix to Flagstaff. I did also lose mileage, down to about a mile or so per gallon. a little extra time for getting somewhere isn't a big deal.
So, I know everyone tells me to go Diesel, but, I also understand GM has the new 6.6 with direct injection, and Ford with the 7.3 with the 10 speed transmission, both gas. OH, all have been 4x4 and I wouldn't have anything less. a couple questions: is it hard to fine diesel fuel in the off the beaten path areas, is the cost of about 12 K really worth it if it is also my daily driver. We do about 10,000 miles per year out and about or cross country. at leas one bigger trip, 4 to 6 weeks or so, then about 8 or 10 smaller trips, 3 or 4 days to a week or so. So if any has the experience with switching, towing with both etc. please share your honest experiences and not just an opinion. OH, we tow our 337 at 14000 lb, have it at around 13,500 fully loaded.
thanks for your help and input. Jeff

We have the 2018 F350 with the diesel. As we also have the long bed we have a 48 gallon tank so have not had problems finding diesel well before it gets to a critical stage. We too have had GM for years but felt the F350 towing capabilities and accessories for our needs better at this time. We bought a platinum package and have been happy with it all.


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Kevin & Deb. 2021 Reflection 320 MKS
2018 Ford F-350 Diesel SRW Platinum

 

[Gran Casita]

Ford & 6.7L Diesel

Jeff, your setup is similar to mine, except my GVWR is 15,000# & we travel around 14,000-14,500#. We have put over 35,000 miles on our Solitude over all kinds of terrain (flat land & mountains) from coast-to-coast & would give our Ford 6.7L Diesel a big “thumbs up!” Our truck has done everything we’ve asked of “her” impeccably. I also use it as a daily driver & love the ride & creature comforts. The 48-gallon tank is helpful for our range needs & I have not had an issue finding diesel in those remote locations we’ve travelled. Hope this helps! -Diego

 

[Bamaman]

Since you tow so many times per year towing a fifth wheel, you really should consider switching to a diesel.

Since you've been driving GM products, maybe you have a relationship with a dealer already. I'd suggest a GMC because of better looks and I like that drop tail gate.

I'm a Ford guy, and I still prefer my SuperDuty diesel. But all the Big 3 diesel trucks are fine vehicles and would do a great job for you.

 

[RobWNY]

I'd suggest a GMC because of better looks and I like that drop tail gate.

I have a buddy that just had to have that fancy tail gate on his 2021 GMC 2500HD SRW Gasser. After a month he said he wouldn't get it again. It's nice but very heavy and he doesn't use the features all that much to warrant the added cost.

 

[Geodude]

Your towing use sounds awfully similar to ours. We've pulled various trailers with gas engines and have had a Ford F-350 diesel and now have a GM 3500 diesel. The first tow with a diesel is an "a ha" moment. I used my F-350 for commuting and it was a short commute so I was a bit worried about that, but never had any problems. I bought the GM dually when I retired since I wouldn't need it for commuting into a downtown area of a 1M+ city. Then guess what? My old office asked me to do contract work a couple of days a week. Great, parking a dually downtown. Turns out it was never an issue but they take up a full space edge to edge!

Both the trucks did everything asked of them, were fairly much the same with perhaps the GM needing a tad more visits to the shop (2-3 recalls and one DEF pump failure) whereas the Ford was 1-2 recalls and a NOX sensor failure IIRC. One note is that Ford still uses the Bosch CP4 fuel pump in their diesel motors whereas Ram and GM stopped using them.

Our GM has the 36 gallon tank and I carry a 20L container of diesel as a backup. We've never had trouble finding fuel in all our travels. Never really felt the need to have an aux tank but it would be kinda cool to not fill up for 15 hours of towing.

 

[JFF&KRN]

Thanks to all who have already responded. I will probably go do a little shopping this weekend, an as a couple of the dealers here locally have both on their lots. 2019, 2020 and of course 2021. for the most part, they are all diesel and I guess I just need to drive them, wish they had a fifth wheel hitch and would let me try it for a weekend, that would help tremendously to make a decision. The only thing so far I am not sure that I like, is the rest of the family picking on me. But seriously, not sure if I will suck it up and buy new. Maybe just a used one to see. Oh, I do already have an auxiliary tank, guessing just flush it before using it for diesel. Thanks again to all, keep those comments coming.

 

[huntindog]

I am surprised that nobody has brought up the CP4 pump.
All of the big 3 used it at some point. Ford is the only one still using it.
The CP4 design has a fatal flaw in that when it fails, it sends metal debri thruout the entire fuel system. EVERYTHING from the injectors, lines filter housing, tank etc needs to be replaced. If any debri is left in the system, it can cause the new pump to fail, and mean a do over....
Bills are in the 10-15K for this repair. I would not own a CP4 pump truck without a warranty.

Every motor at some point will need a new fuel pump. Usually this is a simple, affordable fix. Only on the CP4 is it not.

 

[Redapple63]

I currently own a 2019 GMC Denali 3500 diesel and I love it!


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[bertschb]

I am surprised that nobody has brought up the CP4 pump.

I think it's because the CP4 fears are overblown. I was freaked out about it myself. I had a 2016 Denali and two F-350's with the CP4. No problems with any of them. After doing more research than any person should have time for, it appears to me that the failures are caused by poor fuel quality. And more specifically, water in the fuel. Ford made some big changes to their fuel filtration system and that change and the fact that I avoid shady gas stations like the plague, lets me sleep well at night. Well, that and the fact that I never seem to keep trucks for more than 2 years so they are always under warranty anyway

Seriously though, if you have an older truck with the CP4 pump (without the newer filter system) and you pump your fuel from old farm tanks, etc, you should be concerned. If you refuel at high volume stations and drain the filter frequently, the chances of a CP4 failure are very remote.

 

[huntindog]

I think it's because the CP4 fears are overblown. I was freaked out about it myself. I had a 2016 Denali and two F-350's with the CP4. No problems with any of them. After doing more research than any person should have time for, it appears to me that the failures are caused by poor fuel quality. And more specifically, water in the fuel. Ford made some big changes to their fuel filtration system and that change and the fact that I avoid shady gas stations like the plague, lets me sleep well at night. Well, that and the fact that I never seem to keep trucks for more than 2 years so they are always under warranty anyway

Seriously though, if you have an older truck with the CP4 pump (without the newer filter system) and you pump your fuel from old farm tanks, etc, you should be concerned. If you refuel at high volume stations and drain the filter frequently, the chances of a CP4 failure are very remote.

I just sold my 2011 CP4 truck last year.(2011 Silverado) yes the odds of ANY motor having a fuel pump failure in a given year are low..... But EVERY motor will have a fuel pump failure at some point in it's life. Fortunantly I won the CP4 roulette game, getting rid of mine before it failed. I did have a warranty almost to the end of my owning it though (Geico Mechanical breakdown) For the las few months while waiting for my new truck to arrive, I was without coverage. I was very aware that every time I started it up, could be the time it failed. There is absolutely no warning,,,, it just quits.
As for the cause.... water will hurt any pump. so will other things. And they just wear out. The big issue is not the cause of failure, as all pumps WILL fail. The issue is the carnage that occurs when a CP4 fails.

 

[Wileykid]

RAM went from the CP3 to the CP4 in 2019. They had enough failures, that they went to a different version of the CP4 in 2020. Still having failures, they went back to the CP3 in 2021. There is a rumor that RAM will be doing a recall on the 19-20 this summer to put a CP3 in them.

 

[Pepinross]

I know I am going to get a lot of opinions, favorites etc. I have been a GM owner for years. I am working on upgrading trucks, again. I went from the 2010 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas with 3:73. I bought a 2019 Chevy Silverado 6.0 gas with 4:10. I did gain some power when pulling the hills, outside of Phoenix to Flagstaff. I did also lose mileage, down to about a mile or so per gallon. a little extra time for getting somewhere isn't a big deal.
So, I know everyone tells me to go Diesel, but, I also understand GM has the new 6.6 with direct injection, and Ford with the 7.3 with the 10 speed transmission, both gas. OH, all have been 4x4 and I wouldn't have anything less. a couple questions: is it hard to fine diesel fuel in the off the beaten path areas, is the cost of about 12 K really worth it if it is also my daily driver. We do about 10,000 miles per year out and about or cross country. at leas one bigger trip, 4 to 6 weeks or so, then about 8 or 10 smaller trips, 3 or 4 days to a week or so. So if any has the experience with switching, towing with both etc. please share your honest experiences and not just an opinion. OH, we tow our 337 at 14000 lb, have it at around 13,500 fully loaded.
thanks for your help and input. Jeff

-----------------------------------------
I have a 2016 GMC 2500HD. Open road, empty 22-25MPG. 5th Wheel trailer pull 10-12 MPG (9K# trailer). No problem with fuel availability.
Tom

 

[Canadiansteelman]

I have a buddy that just had to have that fancy tail gate on his 2021 GMC 2500HD SRW Gasser. After a month he said he wouldn't get it again. It's nice but very heavy and he doesn't use the features all that much to warrant the added cost.

I have a 2020 GMC 2500HD Denali and I just love that new tailgate. Makes getting in and out of the box very easy. I originally thought it was a gimmick but have since changed my mind. I love the Duramax diesel with the 10 speed. GMC really stepped up their game with these new trucks! Truck hardly knows my fifth wheel is behind it.

 

[Richard Orton]

Jeff & Karen - Our trailer is much smaller than yours; bumper pull at 7500# loaded, so my comparison is limited. However, I did make the trade from gas 1500 GMC to Duramax 2500 GMC in December. We've made one long trip with the new truck and the difference in the driving experience is profound. We encountered some pretty steep hills in NW Arkansas and just left the cruise at 65 mph; the motor handled the climbs easily. Depending on your age, the GM tailgate may be very valuable. The newer 2500 HD's are so tall that I would struggle climbing into the bed of the truck were it not for the new tailgate. If you do upgrade to a diesel, we would recommend ordering a TSD Logistics Fuel Card so that you can fuel in the truck lanes at truck stops on your trip. Much easier than fighting to fit into a lane at the convenience store. The TSD card also provides discounts on the fuel price.

 

[Irvmik]

I had a 2017 F150 5.0 towing a 2021 Transcend xplor 240ML, it was rough going up the hill to Flagstaff. Bought a 2020 F150 3.5L twin turbo with 10spd, had no issues going up the hill.

 

[Band1t]

I know I am going to get a lot of opinions, favorites etc. I have been a GM owner for years. I am working on upgrading trucks, again. I went from the 2010 GMC Sierra 6.0 gas with 3:73. I bought a 2019 Chevy Silverado 6.0 gas with 4:10. I did gain some power when pulling the hills, outside of Phoenix to Flagstaff. I did also lose mileage, down to about a mile or so per gallon. a little extra time for getting somewhere isn't a big deal.
So, I know everyone tells me to go Diesel, but, I also understand GM has the new 6.6 with direct injection, and Ford with the 7.3 with the 10 speed transmission, both gas. OH, all have been 4x4 and I wouldn't have anything less. a couple questions: is it hard to fine diesel fuel in the off the beaten path areas, is the cost of about 12 K really worth it if it is also my daily driver. We do about 10,000 miles per year out and about or cross country. at leas one bigger trip, 4 to 6 weeks or so, then about 8 or 10 smaller trips, 3 or 4 days to a week or so. So if any has the experience with switching, towing with both etc. please share your honest experiences and not just an opinion. OH, we tow our 337 at 14000 lb, have it at around 13,500 fully loaded.
thanks for your help and input. Jeff

Jeff,

Good luck with your choice. In preparation of our move from my 2004 Ram 2500 diesel and TTL, to a 5'er, I just ordered a 2021 Ram 3500 dually Longhorn (fell in love with the interior and built the truck around that). It will be August before I see it. You will need diesel for sure. I would go DRW as well. I test drove both Ford and Ram. I just love the sound and feel of the Cummins diesel. We did just purchase a new Ford F-550 last week at work. I picked it up and I am just not a fan of the Powerstroke. I think it is just what I am used to, the Cummins feels like slipping on an old comfortable shoe. The Ford 10-speed surprised me. It did have quick acceleration unloaded (I have read that loaded the Ram pulls better), but from a smooth start I was in 6th at 25 mph, and 10th by 35 mph. I did not tow anything to see how the gears are. I would expect the Ford to be slightly smoother shifting. Good luck, as trucks are so expensive, you want to get it right the first time.

 

[Kevin.lanes]

I have a 2020 3500 Denali and love it!
We have a 311BHS so we have similar weights, the truck tows awesome I love the cameras, also with 2020 and newer there is a tad longer box with the factory pucks also moved back I have had no need for a slider.
The truck is my daily driver also, yes I don’t park in the spots in front of the doors and have to consider the parkade heights but I love driving my truck.
I am going to buy 2 20L Diesel jerry cans, more for convenience rather than not being able to find diesel on the road.
My truck goes in for airbags tomorrow, the 311 squats my truck close to 3” and I want that leveled out.
Yes you do pay more for the truck today but it is also worth lots more in the future.
Good luck with your search!

 

[Rn29306]

Ford CP4 fuel pump bypass kit. It won’t keep the CP4 from grenading, but will protect the rest of the downstream fuel line components.

https://www.thoroughbreddiesel.com/ssd-gen2-cp4-bypass-kit/