Do all HD pickups ride rough?

[mike69440]

Our driveway is 1/4 mile long at end a 1/2 mile dirt road no better than my drive. 6 of 7 of our road vehicles are all wheel/4wd as are all the other equipment.
There is 2wd stuck, 4wd stuck, and excavator stuck. Been almost excavator stuck a few times. Actually been excavator stuck once to the tune of a $1,500 recovery. Ouch!

 

[WM75Guy]

My 2024 GMC 3500HD Denali specs 75 PSI front/70 PSI rear. It rides OK until you hit a bump like where the bridge and road meet. If unloaded it bounces pretty hard, loaded not so bad. But I bought it to tow with, not for the ride. For that I got the 2024 Yukon Denali. That is a smooth ride, better than my wife's 2024 Cadillac XT6.

 

[not2old]

My 1990 F250HD came with tires rated for 80PSI. I immediately replaced them with tires rated for 50PSI that met the load requirements. It was hard to believe it was the same truck, it rode so much nicer. My 2024 F350 is parked for the winter and I haven't had it long enough to play with tire pressures yet but will also consider replacing the tires as I may not live long enough to wear them out.

 

[D&D]

That’s a cool idea, but kinds expensive, but if it includes an air compressor that’s a bit of a plus for airing up tires etc.

The one for my 3500 was a tad over 12k. I cheated and found a wrecked ambulance and bought the whole package for 3500. I kept the air ride stuff for my truck and parted out the rest. Upgraded to an ARB compressor and can now run a 1/2” impact gun.

 

[mike69440]

Just going from load rance 6ply to load range E 10 ply can make a 1/2 ton go from a soft ride to more 3/4 ton feel even while maintaining the lower 6 ply air pressure in the 10 ply tires.

I have e rated tires and air springs on my 2012 Titan. Rides more or less like stock with 45 psi in the Wild peaks and 5-10 psi in the air bags. I added Blisten shocks. Tow a 7500 LB camper. It does fine but, ideally a 3/4 ton would be better.

 

[Tomtint]

I bet the distance between the axles and the quality of the seats accounts for 90% of the ride quality differences between equal GVWR’s
The lesser springs and softer tires make 1/2 tons ride better than 1 tons

No doubt.. The Limited 450.. is school bus long so that helps. Also as you mentioned, the seats themselves are incredibly comfortable

 

[Slowpoke Slim]

All depends on what you're used to I guess.

When I went from my 74 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 "camper special", to my 2012 Ford F-250 4x4 (gas engine), I couldn't believe the difference in the ride. The Ford drives like a Lincoln Towncar compared to my old Dodge. I keep load range E tires on my Ford, and they are normally aired up to rated pressure. But I need a truck. For "truck things". If I wanted a Lincoln Towncar, I would have bought one.

I bought my Ford new in 2012, still have it, still think it drives like a Towncar.

 

[Tomtint]

All depends on what you're used to I guess.

When I went from my 74 Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4 "camper special", to my 2012 Ford F-250 4x4 (gas engine), I couldn't believe the difference in the ride. The Ford drives like a Lincoln Towncar compared to my old Dodge. I keep load range E tires on my Ford, and they are normally aired up to rated pressure. But I need a truck. For "truck things". If I wanted a Lincoln Towncar, I would have bought one.

I bought my Ford new in 2012, still have it, still think it drives like a Towncar.

I had a 2015 4x4 F350 crew cab Platinum gas 6.2 That was a really nice truck. The 6.2 is a great power plant

 

[mike69440]

Wow, I don’t think I would like to have an F250. I have an F150 and the ride is so silky, that it rides much better than my wife’s 4runner.

Up to 2018, Ford HD F150 payload package used to be available on trims up to the Lariat and in std. & crew cab with 6.5 bed. Sadly no longer available except by special order in base work truck.
Also just try to find an F150 in dealer stock with the max trailer package. You would be more successful hunting unicorns.

 

[dstig1]

My '05 F250 beat the snot out of me empty. Loaded was much more manageable. I hated driving it for that reason. Finally sold it and got a Ranger a year and a half ago and it is tons better. I really didn't need the capacity of the big truck anymore, but still needed a truck somewhat. Stuck with the supercab to get the 6' bed as I could not stomach a 5' bed after having an 8-footer on the F250.