Ford 450 vs Ram 3500

JESSE1 · Jan 5, 2014

The early 6.7 engines used in the C&C trucks had turbo problems and also had a problem with dropping valves. The engines used in the C&C trucks use a different turbo than what's used in the pickups. I've talked with the service manager of the dealership I use and he says they're not seeing many problems now. A lot of problems with the emission systems used in service trucks come from long periods of idling. Plugs up the DPF if a regeneration is not forced. A lot of utility companies are switching back to gas engines just because of DPF problems. You can still get a V10 in Ford C&C trucks.

Red Horse · Jan 5, 2014

JESSE1 said:
The early 6.7 engines used in the C&C trucks had turbo problems and also had a problem with dropping valves. The engines used in the C&C trucks use a different turbo than what's used in the pickups. I've talked with the service manager of the dealership I use and he says they're not seeing many problems now. A lot of problems with the emission systems used in service trucks come from long periods of idling. Plugs up the DPF if a regeneration is not forced. A lot of utility companies are switching back to gas engines just because of DPF problems. You can still get a V10 in Ford C&C trucks.

Jess- Regarding your comment on the V-10, I am told Ford started putting the V-10 in Class 6 650's for the very reasonb you mentioned-the regen issue and the utilities/tree service companies were having a lot of issues because of their high PTO hours. Ford's sales numbers in class 6 and 7 are way up and I'm sure the V-10 option is a very big factor. To say nothing of the first cost savings over the standard Cummins in those trucks. If you don't run the snnual miles and if you don't need that diesel torque, the V-10 makes a lot of economic sense.

In the meantime, there is an Altec branch a few miles from me and I periodically swing through their yard. Ford 550's predominate the chassis pool in that 19,000 pd class and most of them are Power Strokes. It does appear Verizon is sticking with gas though.

As for class 7 trucks, Freightliner rules

PoorMansCat · Jan 5, 2014

Red Horse said:
Wow! With an experience factor you are having, its a wonder Ford is still in business. Just what is the application these trucks of yours are in?
What is even more amazing, after the first nine blew their motors at under 50k, you bought four more?

It wasnt my decision!!. I simply drive one of them. We have Cobalt service beds on the trucks with pto driven cranes, compressors, and out riggers.
The engine failures have slowed down except for the 12 model that spun 2 main bearings while at the dealership for a transmission overhaul! Turbo failures are still rampant during the summer time months, random derates/shutdowns due to the aftertreatment system.
We are in somewhat of a corner for service trucks, GM does not offer anything in the 1 1/4- 1 1/2 ton market, and Ram has the "Wrong C" on the fender. So we are stuck with Ford. Recently, our fleet manager has purchased a couple of Internationals to test....
Our trucks Idle for 10-12 hours straight sometimes, thats really not an issue, as long as you drive it about 30-45 minutes before shutting it down for the day, it hasnt been an issue. Our aftertreatment issues have been DEF pumps failing, random exhaust sensors, and of course the turbos failing saturating the exhaust filters with engine oil.

CJONE · Jan 6, 2014

PoorMansCat said:
It wasnt my decision!!. I simply drive one of them. We have Cobalt service beds on the trucks with pto driven cranes, compressors, and out riggers.
The engine failures have slowed down except for the 12 model that spun 2 main bearings while at the dealership for a transmission overhaul! Turbo failures are still rampant during the summer time months, random derates/shutdowns due to the aftertreatment system.
We are in somewhat of a corner for service trucks, GM does not offer anything in the 1 1/4- 1 1/2 ton market, and Ram has the "Wrong C" on the fender. So we are stuck with Ford. Recently, our fleet manager has purchased a couple of Internationals to test....
Our trucks Idle for 10-12 hours straight sometimes, thats really not an issue, as long as you drive it about 30-45 minutes before shutting it down for the day, it hasnt been an issue. Our aftertreatment issues have been DEF pumps failing, random exhaust sensors, and of course the turbos failing saturating the exhaust filters with engine oil.

Thanks for the heads up, we have had nothing but problems out of the Kodiac series so GM is out. The Dodge is still a option but not a very good one. We could find a few more low mile 450's but we were looking at new units. The pto's have to be capable of 30-40hp also. So that limits our choices too. Gas engines have a hard time with pto loads that high. Sooo we have been looking at putting deck engines just to run the hydraulics. Looks like the IH or Freightliners are the way to go. CJ