Ram 5500 vs. Ford F550
 

How do the two trucks compare? I am comparing 4x4 crew cab, 60" CA, 19,500 GVWR, Lariat/Laramie trucks. I am only starting my research, so please help me & put up w/ my dumb questions.

Most important is the engine/transmission - 6.7 Cummins vs. 6.7 Ford 'Scorpion'. To keep things apples-to-apples, I want to consider the auto tranny Ram, as Ford does not offer a manual. I assume that both have a DPF (and have to regenerate) as well as require DEF. Is this true? What is the real world milage (in town & Hwy unloaded and loaded). If either of these trucks are lightly loaded & idled allot, will they go into regeneration mode more frequently? What is the overall operating cost, taking into account fuel, DEF, maintenance cost, etc. What about reliability of the Cummins vs. Powerstroke?

Finally, how do the trucks stack up otherwise - interior & exterior?

As an owner of both for my construction company, I can give you a fair comparison. As far as reliability, you can't beat a Cummins, but we have 2 of the new Ford 6.7's and they have been fine so far and are strong. Having said that, I just got our Dodge back from the dealer with a new trans (auto) at 40k, but the Ford had to have two selenoids replaced a month ago, so there you go. Mileage will suck for both, expect 8-10 no matter what, most get shipped with 4.88's. They will tow like nobodies business with this gear. Don't let either idle too long, just not good for the new emissions crap. The Dodge will use twice as much DEF, our Ford we refill about every oil change and the Dodge gets it twice per service. Make sure you need this much truck, it is nothing for us to hook up 25k on a gooseneck and run down the road, that is what they are built for but exspensive to maintain when it's time: i.e. 19.5 tires, larger pads and rotors etc. The Dodge will cost about $2500 less starting out so that is a plus. Let me know if I can help with any other questions.

Thanks for your reply. How often do these trucks go into 'regen' & how long do you expect the DPF to last? I assume that when the trucks are lightly loaded or idle they use more DEF & regen more. If the engine is used to run a PTO, does the PTO put enough load on it typically to keep the emmisions stuff happy? I know it depends on what the PTO is driving, but any general idea?

Not sure how long the regen lasts, it does not show on the info screen like the pre def trucks did. We do not run pto's so not sure how they would effect it, but the more often a load is placed on the truck the better. What kind of work do you plan on doing with the truck?

My understanding is the more load the more DEF used but less regens. Also, we had a guy in here this weekend doing some work for us with an F550. I don't know what trucks this applies to but his had some sort of "clean idle" thing where it would only idle for 10 minutes. Maybe it was just an option his boss got for him.

Jeff.

Actually working on a developing a hybrid system for class 5 trucks. I want to learn/understand how the DEF & DPF works as a function of how the truck is being used.

The Ford's come that way from the factory, the dealer can reset it though. I like it as an owner to save fuel and maintenance issues.

I got an 09 F550 reg cab 60 inch CA. I use it to haul boats locally and long distance. The truck is great so far no issues other that the chincy arm rest keeps breaking. The truck seems to regen to much but has gotten much better with latest flash. I wish I had get the mid ship fuel tank so I could have shortened the rear frame to get the hitch weight further forward. Other than that I am happy. I am considering a new Ram too tho, what kind of mileage are the 5500s getting? I am getting about 7 with the 6.4. Are the 6.7 F550s any better, would go with the 4:30 rear in the F550, I am sick of turning 3,000 at 80mph.

The 550's will get better mileage towing because the Ford will allow you to tow in 6th in tow haul and the Dodge locks it out. You will see a few miles per gallon difference due to the trucks running DEF and not regenning(?) as much as your 09. I have an 09 as well we see the same type of mileage and have seen an improvement with our '11.

I just checked out fleet pricing, in Canada there was a $10,000 premium for a Ford. (both loaded trucks) I may prefer the Ford interior, but NO WAY is it ten grand nicer! That was for 2012, we are waiting to order a 2013, will have to see if this holds. (I did get pricing on the ram in the US and it was almost exactly the as the Canadian price, not sure if that would be the case for the Ford. Is the pricing difference the same in others experiance? I was shocked.

Fords are very proud of there trucks, pricing is crazy high. My 2012 3500 was 7 grand less then my 2009 f350' both loaded, laramie, lariet trims,

Would like to know what regen is?