Only Ram adopting the new tow ratings.

[roadhunter]

Of course it does.
They are advertising up to 700#. That's 700# that can be added to every capacity #.

So say magically your current pickup increased its' capacity 700 pounds. Would you do anything differently all the sudden?

What % of the time do you have you pickup maxed out on capacity where you would actually need the extra 700 pounds? For most people it's likely less than 1% of the time.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing but depending on how much it costs it might not be financially necessary to spend extra money to gain capacity that for most people is rarely if ever used. If there was no cost difference then its' a no brainer. But Aluminum is much more expensive than steel and will likely cost quite a bit more to make. We could make trucks out of carbon fiber and cut even more weight but at what point does the cost outweigh the benefit. That's all I'm saying.

 

[DarkBlack]

So say magically your current pickup increased its' capacity 700 pounds. Would you do anything differently all the sudden?

What % of the time do you have you pickup maxed out on capacity where you would actually need the extra 700 pounds? For most people it's likely less than 1% of the time.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing but depending on how much it costs it might not be financially necessary to spend extra money to gain capacity that for most people is rarely if ever used. If there was no cost difference then its' a no brainer. But Aluminum is much more expensive than steel and will likely cost quite a bit more to make. We could make trucks out of carbon fiber and cut even more weight but at what point does the cost outweigh the benefit. That's all I'm saying.

We make beer cans out of aluminum. They carry 12-16 oz of beer that has an active consumer life of 10-30 minutes, then the aluminum is discarded to be recycled.
I guess I missed your point...

 

[terryknight]

So say magically your current pickup increased its' capacity 700 pounds. Would you do anything differently all the sudden?

What % of the time do you have you pickup maxed out on capacity where you would actually need the extra 700 pounds? For most people it's likely less than 1% of the time.

I'm not saying it's a bad thing but depending on how much it costs it might not be financially necessary to spend extra money to gain capacity that for most people is rarely if ever used. If there was no cost difference then its' a no brainer. But Aluminum is much more expensive than steel and will likely cost quite a bit more to make. We could make trucks out of carbon fiber and cut even more weight but at what point does the cost outweigh the benefit. That's all I'm saying.

i hear what you're saying and will add this if you are always using the truck at its max capacity you need a bigger truck

 

[DarkBlack]

This thread is funny, I feel like I'm in the twilight zone.

 

[TractorRob]

Ford testing shows the 2.7-liter EcoBoost also outperforming Ram 1500 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel ...

Outperforming can mean different things to different people. From what I have read about the current EcoBoost, while it does get decent mileage not towing, when towing it's much closer to a V8. If the EcoDiesel gets the job done with far better fuel mileage, then many people would say the EcoDiesel outperformed the EcoBoost.

 

[fordmantpw]

i hear what you're saying and will add this if you are always using the truck at its max capacity you need a bigger truck

Within 700 lbs is not 'at its max capacity'. That that Ram EcoDiesel with 850 lbs of payload. Say you are towing and need 1200 lbs of payload. Add just half of that 700 and you are fine. 700 lbs is a LOT of extra payload!

Outperforming can mean different things to different people. From what I have read about the current EcoBoost, while it does get decent mileage not towing, when towing it's much closer to a V8. If the EcoDiesel gets the job done with far better fuel mileage, then many people would say the EcoDiesel outperformed the EcoBoost.

I don't think we will see the EcoDiesel get far better cost per mile. I would expect fuel economy to be 1-2 better with the Ram, but add in fuel, maintenance, and up-front cost, and the cost per mile will probably tip in Ford's favor, while out-performing the Ram at the race track as well.

And I don't get where you guys think this is a 'buzzy' engine. It's a turbo-charged 'diesel-like' gasoline engine. Go drive and EcoBoost 3.5L with a load and you will find it's not 'buzzy'.

 

[crazyal]

I'd wait 5 years or so before buying that 2.7L engine. Ford has really pushed the HP window on such a small engine. It's approx 25% smaller than the 3.5L yet makes almost 90% of the power. As for the dam test, it's a test to check how well a truck handles the heat associated with towing. It's something like 11 miles long yet Ford only did a couple of miles and then spiked the football calling themselves the winner. Sorry but do the whole test. Show us how hot the engine and transmission got. Show us the fuel mileage for the entire 11.4 miles.

 

[Monster5601]

They have an 8 speed tranny (not produced by Chrysler) and they have the EcoDiesel (again, outsourced).

Not quite right, ZF builds the 8HP70 transmission that is coupled with the Hemi and EcoDiesel, Chrysler manufactures the 8HP45 (in Kokomo, IN) that is coupled with the 6 cylinder. Chrysler/Fiat owns VM Motors, the division that builds the EcoDiesel.

I wouldn't use the word "out sourced" as derogatory, most parts of all vehicles are out sourced.

 

[dodge man]

I don't really see a problem with the aluminum in the Ford as long as its cost effective. Lighter is better in my book as long as you don't lose strength or durability. I had one of our work trucks, a F150 at the body shop last week and the owner was complaining about the new F150's saying the required all new tools and techniques to fix the body panels. Our truck is a 2014 so its all steel so not an issue. I guess it will be a learning curve. I'm curious what the body panels cost compared to steel.

As far as the drag race with a trailer is goes, I guess they had to show up Ram and Chevy and that was the best way to do it. Curious how they would compare in MPG on a long tow.

 

[fordmantpw]

Not quite right, ZF builds the 8HP70 transmission that is coupled with the Hemi and EcoDiesel, Chrysler manufactures the 8HP45 (in Kokomo, IN) that is coupled with the 6 cylinder. Chrysler/Fiat owns VM Motors, the division that builds the EcoDiesel.

I wouldn't use the word "out sourced" as derogatory, most parts of all vehicles are out sourced.

I forgot that VM Motori was owned by Chrysler/Fiat.

I still stand by my statement, though. There's really nothing that anyone needs to 'catch up' with Ram on.

I don't really see a problem with the aluminum in the Ford as long as its cost effective. Lighter is better in my book as long as you don't lose strength or durability. I had one of our work trucks, a F150 at the body shop last week and the owner was complaining about the new F150's saying the required all new tools and techniques to fix the body panels. Our truck is a 2014 so its all steel so not an issue. I guess it will be a learning curve. I'm curious what the body panels cost compared to steel.

Aluminum is around a lot today. F150 hoods are aluminum, I think the Mustang hood is too. The Al actually resists dings and dents better than the steel body panels. As far as cost, I think I saw that the cost to produce the truck was $400 more per vehicle. They have decreased costs in other areas, so the net cost increase of the truck is rather slight.

As far as the drag race with a trailer is goes, I guess they had to show up Ram and Chevy and that was the best way to do it. Curious how they would compare in MPG on a long tow.

I'm curious about MPG as well, both empty and towing. I expect the Ram to hold a slight edge, but total cost per mile I would expect to be very close. No matter which brand you prefer, these are some exciting times for pickup truck customers and fans! The competition is going to make them all better. In the end, they are all good trucks.