Help me decide, 3 trucks I need to pick 1 from.

[Greywynd]

We had 2 days of 10-12 degree weather here last winter. I was also told that when the temps get that low, you should keep the DEF level under 1/2 full. I didn’t realize my DEF tank was 3/4 full. I was worried it would freeze. It never did.

In my 20+ years of being on the internet, I have read more BS rumors that never amounted to anything.

Well, I’ve had DEF freeze several times.

For the Ram/Cummins fans, the new ones with emissions are not the trucks you’re familiar with. I bought a new one in 2020, and traded it last year for a Ford diesel instead. In the 4 years, and 80,000 miles, it never made it from one oil change to the next without having warranty work needed, about 3/4’s of that was emissions related. I think at the end I was at 6 or 7 DEF pumps, two tanks, the lines for it, an injector and the controller/module was changed out or reprogrammed (maybe both?, trying to forget.) It also had an intercooler replaced, some alternator issue, and body issues with fit and waterleaks.

To the OP, myself for what you’re describing, I’d either redo your current truck if you like the basics of what you have, or look at the Ford godzilla in either a 3/4 or one ton single rear wheel.

 

[Dunno]

Oh yeah, BTW, read up on the Bosch CP4 diesel fuel pump class action lawsuit. Stay away from a truck with the CP4 pump, which are all the late model diesel pickups. Earlier Dodge’s had the good CP3 pump that didn’t shred itself and ruin your fuel system and potentially engine. Later Dodges have it and was a stupid move to use it.
Greywynd makes a solid point. The 7.3 is a great engine. Save the money and redo what may break down. Even Cummins has come out with a gas version of the 6.7 diesel. The expense and BS of diesel cost and maintenance outweigh its benefit in many applications, so much so that companies that need class IV-VI trucks wanted a gas engine to replace the diesels presently being used. I did the math years ago and the fuel savings at that time of the cost of a diesel engine fuel savings only caught up to the savings in gasoline powered trucks after 100k miles. Sounds like you are not going to put that mileage on the truck.

 

[isdavyy4u]

Have a son in law runs a oilfield service company 50 60 service trucks. Primarily Fords and Dodge.
Any and all diesels after 2020 absolute crap. They have gone all gas.

 

[kneedeep]

I only read the first pages of this thread as it seemed to ramble from the OP question.
I have had property in North MS Delta since 2011 and resident since the Pandemic allowed courthouse in Panola County to reopen.
My 06 Duramax 2500 retired as a work truck to the resident farm truck when I built a cabin using some of the salvaged lumber from the dilapidated farmhouse built in the 50s.
When I am in coastal Alabama, the ‘DukTruk’ (named by then 10 yr old son) is parked under a shed with battery maintainer connected.
The 2016 Expedition that the wife bought new is my travel wheels now and she is in a 2020 F150. Besides being gutless and the infernal ‘start/stop’ guarantees I will not inherit it, she can trade it in for her next ride.
The Expedition has good mileage and towing power enough for a small 12’ 7500# trailer. DukTruk has a 14k# 22 equipment trailer for heavy hauling.
I carry full coverage on the Expedition and liability on the DukTruk.
What I do works for me, but Your Mileage May Vary!
Welcome to MS!

 

[Hodado]

I bought a 2024 2500HD w/ 6.6 GAS, Allison 10 speed. It replaced my older 2015 2500HD 6.6 DIESEL w/ Allison 6 speed. My diesel NEVER went back to dealer/service and I did all the maintenance on it. Best truck I’ve ever owned. But service and fuel prices as well as service on DIESEL priced it out for me.

I pull a 10K trailer with my new truck (gas) with zero issues; plenty of power. Extra cost of fuel consumption offsets maintenance and fuel costs of diesel.

I’d go with a Duramax with the Allison pre-DEF if you can find one they just keep going

 

[Dftodd]

Wow three new engines under warranty ? What happened to cause that ?
I am currently a Ford f150 owner with 10 speed automatic, very often hearing of folks having problems with them but so far mine has been flawless.

We've had to replace one ecoboost engine in one of the shops f150's.

Got it shipped in from another location, so I don't know the history. When we got it in, the transmission had some issues, and the engine was dusted. So I just sent it over to Ford and billed the other location for the engine

 

[D&D]

The choices are not all that good really.
The RAM is interesting, but nearly 300K on miles is a turn off.

Both Fords worry me. Son has gone thru 3 engines under warranty for his 2022 F250. He married into a Ford only family, now he is regretting getting a Ford. Ford has had so many recalls, it's been such a turnoff too. He liked the Ford for an aluminum body too, will not rust out. But, if you can't have a working engine, then it's useless.

I don't know what to tell you to choose.

If going to Ford, would definitely skip the diesel and get the 7.3L gas. It has plenty of oompf and torque for your needs, oil changes are half the price, maintenance is easier, components are accessible plus gas is averaging 1.00/gallon cheaper from NY to Va

 

[Gord Baker]

Background:I'm retired. I've been going through the process of trying to determine what truck to add to my fleet. The truck will be used in Virginia and Mississippi. It's prime purpose will be to gather dust and suck up parking space. Occasionally, maybe 5 times a year I'll drive it from Va. to Ms. towing a 10K trailer down I81, I40, I75 and getting to northeast Ms. and then after a month or three, drive back. It will carry 2 passengers, me and my wife.
I've been making this trip with about this frequency since 2011 mostly with a 2002 Ford F350 7.3, CC, dually and it's crazy I know.
But the dually is getting "long in the tooth" and I'm concerned about it breaking down.
I missed out on the deals last January and the Tariff threat kicked in and prices jacked up. But now they have come back down slightly.
Also I looked at 5L F150's and they cost almost as much.

So I've narrowed my choices down to 3 vehicles.
2023 Ram Bighorn with /edit- 6.7L
diesel < 300 miles ~53K
Warranty mostly used up sitting on the lot
2024 Ford F250 XL w/ 6.7 0 miles full warranty ~56K
2025 Ford F250 XL w/ 6.7 0 miles full warranty ~60K

To me the 2024 is the sweet spot.
/edit - what would you pick?

Rent one!

 

[Aquabird]

You neglected to mention the color. Shouldn't that be a deal clencher?? Ok, no, save $10k, get the 24.

 

[MarblemountLane]

Sitting is very hard on electronics, and indeed most low voltage equipment. The older and simpler it is, the more free of electronics it is, the better it will tolerate sitting. My 1959 Massey Ferguson can sit for months with no problems. We caused all kinds of ills by letting a WJ (1999-2004) series Jeep sit. I will not put big money into an occasional use rig. My 1982 GMC C2500 6.2 diesel pulled a 24’ trailer across the country twice, before I owned it. Even a rig that old had a dash gauge fail, but voltmeters are available.

I view older rigs as being for retired guys. There is a bit more regular routine maintenance, but all can be done at home with basic tools. Drive the most enjoyable vehicle you can afford (but never more than you can afford). I enjoy OLD (but I’m letting my 1956 and 1966 Internationals go, because I want to move.