Real life feedback on new 1 ton Fords or Chev/GMC's?

JungleJim

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2008
Messages
531
Reaction score
1,805
Location
Calgary
Been a real Cummins fan since 2007 Dodge 3500 Megacab 5.9L and suffered through the Dodge crap that comes wrappped around it. Had a few more Dodge 1 ton diesels since then and starting to look at options for a new truck within a yesr or so. Any feedback on new alternative brands for diesel 1 tonnes? Comments on features that have impressed or been disappointing? Reliabilty? I really like having a good exhaust brake but could do without ongoing rear diff issues... thanks!
 

Merc63

Active VIP Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
1,843
Reaction score
2,904
Location
Alberta
GMC Duramax and never look back. The new L5P is amazing. More power than you will ever need in a truck that drives like a car and hauls like a peterbilt. GM is better engineered to last longer and be more reliable. I have several that have been great trucks. Our 5.9 dodge is by far the worst. The torque curve on a Duramax is noticeably better, makes good torque down low and holds it on the high end. Cummins is a good engine, it’s just the rest of the truck isn’t.
 

SHREK1

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 12, 2008
Messages
2,302
Reaction score
3,338
Location
Sturgeon County
Think it comes down to your dealer support, I have a f350 and no issues, you can’t go wrong with any of them. I personally think the paint is better on the fords but still on the fence with the aluminum body. have buddies with the other brands and no complaints.
 

sledneck__11

Active VIP Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2011
Messages
1,632
Reaction score
5,458
Location
saskatchewan
Still have a 01 5.9 cummins had a 2012 ram 3500 aswell traded it on a 17 f350 interior is much nicer along with many more options then the dodge. Power wise the ford tows better and tranny shifts much smoother overall very happy with the truck both diesels were deleted dodge was a little better on fuel then the ford though. The dodge i interior hasnt changed much since 2010 and the 17s i looked at were almost identical to the 12 i had and not many upgrades. The ford has lane assist, set cruz speeds up applies brakes all on its own wasnt a fan at first but pretty inpressed with it. Dodge was to hard to deal with in my town so that was my main reason for switching to ford, got into a platinum for less then a laramie dodge and options wernt comparable havnt heard any issues with the new 6.7 powerstrokes as i did headstuds in my cummins to be safe but never had any real issues with the dodge once it was deleted. Exhaust brake in the dodge was better then in the ford much better stopping power. Take them for a test drive i dont think you can go wrong with any of the new diesels
 
Last edited:

Rene G

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
15,894
Reaction score
5,338
Location
Grande Prairie, AB
If I were in the market for a new truck I’d look at the Ford or GMC, both are great and it’s really up to personal preference at this point. I currently have a 2016 GMC Duramax and have had 2 Powerstrokes.
 

sirkdev

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Messages
3,272
Reaction score
5,335
Location
Stony Plain
Jungle Jim here is my 2c... always been a Ford guy so I am biased a bit. Currently have a 2017 F350 crew long diesel, previously had a 2015 F350 crew short diesel. The difference between the 2 is amazing while swapping out trucks this summer, I had the opportunity to pull the same trailer back to back with both and I was blown away at the difference between the two. The 2017 pulled like it had another 100hp and 2 less horses. The way the chassis handled it was also impressive at no time did I feel overwhelmed by a 46' 4 horse LQ trailer loaded to the max. With the 2015 I knew it was there...

My nephews rodeo, and 1 runs a dodge and 1 runs a ford, they swap every 1-2 years. The Dodge does get slightly better fuel mileage but the way that those Aisin auto transmissions shift leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Never really considered a GM and I'm not sure why.. My boss just bought a new D-max and was commenting on the fuel mileage that it was ridiculously good.

I personally think they are all so close now that for me its all about the dealer and relationships where you get the best support is where I buy.
 

Rene G

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
15,894
Reaction score
5,338
Location
Grande Prairie, AB
Jungle Jim here is my 2c... always been a Ford guy so I am biased a bit. Currently have a 2017 F350 crew long diesel, previously had a 2015 F350 crew short diesel. The difference between the 2 is amazing while swapping out trucks this summer, I had the opportunity to pull the same trailer back to back with both and I was blown away at the difference between the two. The 2017 pulled like it had another 100hp and 2 less horses. The way the chassis handled it was also impressive at no time did I feel overwhelmed by a 46' 4 horse LQ trailer loaded to the max. With the 2015 I knew it was there...

My nephews rodeo, and 1 runs a dodge and 1 runs a ford, they swap every 1-2 years. The Dodge does get slightly better fuel mileage but the way that those Aisin auto transmissions shift leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Never really considered a GM and I'm not sure why.. My boss just bought a new D-max and was commenting on the fuel mileage that it was ridiculously good.

I personally think they are all so close now that for me its all about the dealer and relationships where you get the best support is where I buy.

I agree with almost all of this except one thing... Dodge sucks! Jk
 

eclipse1966

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 1, 2010
Messages
4,599
Reaction score
7,824
Location
Armstrong BC
I am in agreement with Merc63. Went from a F350 to a d-max and no comparison. Best all around truck IMO and rides like a car with great fuel milage. When I am done with this truck I will not hesitate to buy another one.
 

Mountainman52

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 17, 2012
Messages
896
Reaction score
1,844
Location
BIS
I myself like the Duramax, have a 2006 bought new with almost 300 km now and never a issue with anything at all.Good regular maintenance is the main thing with these trucks. There all pretty good trucks now .I would suggest you go test drive all the trucks perhaps even take a loaded trailer on your test drive and go from there. If it were me I would buy the new Duramax LP5 great motor and trans. I have a buddie that just bought one and he loves it , said it far better than his 08 Duramax. (Hey Rene G why don't you sell me that Truck of yours !)
 

sirkdev

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Messages
3,272
Reaction score
5,335
Location
Stony Plain
Oh wait.. I remember why I did not by a gm.. somebody forgot that wheels were round and fender wells should be to..? Also that urea tank that drags on the ground is kinda crazy. Other than that I'd have one
 

rknight111

Administrator
Administrator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 27, 2006
Messages
13,678
Reaction score
23,394
Location
Parkland County, AB and Valemount, BC
Website
www.snowandmud.com
I have a 17 duramax 1 ton and the truck is unreal, crazy power and great mileage. I had a 16 before this and a huge difference between them two on the engine and driveline. Previous to that was an 08 f350 diesel money pit, after 1 motor, trans, many tows, that was gone. And before was a 2002 duramax, no complaints on that.

SBR runs a 2002-3 duramax and it goes strong.
 

catalac

Active VIP Member
Joined
Nov 22, 2008
Messages
3,428
Reaction score
13,124
Location
Red Deer
Last 4 diesels: 16 3500 Laramie Ram, 17 then 18 and now 19 F350 Lariats, haven’t gone to platinum for optics with customers and Fords have been getting shipped so the 17 cost me $4500 for 7 months 36km 18 cost me $3850 37Km 6 months. Rams don’t ship well warranty goes away across border.

Fords are more refined, quieter motor, nicer options on mine anyway, led headlights nice (not great but nice as I did hids in my dodge they were awesome) adaptive cruise, remote tail gate, are great on the Fords, 19 has a bang olofson stereo it’s cool. Seats in dodge were more comfortable (6’1” 250lbs). Cummins vs power stroke definitely differences but both have stupid power and I pull up to 14000lbs, engine brakes both good, trannys both good. big advantage to Cummins on fuel mileage I’d say real world 1.5L/100 long term average better. Paint way better on the ford, all 4 where white tricoat, Ram was bad (maybe I had a bad one) tailgate and wheel lips were beat. Ram box was too short imo the 6.75 Ford seems more practical. Likely some other stuff but both good trucks, prices I’m not sure anymore as I haven’t priced out a dodge but the reason I bought the 16 it was 8 grand less than a ford or a chev for similar options and I wasn’t on the USA program. Have this feeling though if was to buy one to take to 200K I’d lean towards the ram.
 

C of Red

Active VIP Member
Joined
Oct 26, 2008
Messages
501
Reaction score
918
Location
Calgary, AB
Jim, I’ve got an 18 F350. I’d let you borrow it but you probably wouldn’t give it back. JK. I’m a ford guy so a little biased.

I love the extra features the fords come with. Many of them already mentioned in the posts above. I installed the Ford trailer tpms system the other day. Still need to do the camera but it’s to cold for that now, will in spring. Massagy seats and the list goes on...

Pulls awesome, motors been around for 7yrs and is arguably Fords best desiel. GM’s are better on fuel tho as mentioned.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the three these days.
 
Last edited:

Merc63

Active VIP Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
1,843
Reaction score
2,904
Location
Alberta
14.9-15.2 L/km to revy with studded winters, deck with one sled on new l5p duramax. Tuned LML wouldn’t do that good, pretty impressed, I was doing 120kmh for most of the trip.
 

LBZ

Active VIP Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2010
Messages
3,068
Reaction score
3,651
Location
Central Alberta
14.9-15.2 L/km to revy with studded winters, deck with one sled on new l5p duramax. Tuned LML wouldn’t do that good, pretty impressed, I was doing 120kmh for most of the trip.

I’ll let you know if a tuned lml will do it or not this weekend. Pretty confident it will if not better.
 

JMCX

Active VIP Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2007
Messages
1,606
Reaction score
3,863
Location
Calgary
Did Calgary to Revy round trip without refueling in my stock 3500 LML with two on the deck. 14.6 l/100. I keep it to 10 over posted though. 17 F350 work truck is averaging 14 l/100 with a canopy.
 

Merc63

Active VIP Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2014
Messages
1,843
Reaction score
2,904
Location
Alberta
I have an LML, didn’t seem to get the same mileage. These are one ton, dually.
 
Top Bottom