Posted: 9/25/2026 7:46:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: taliv][Edited]
|
looking for GD's thoughts on 3 trucks RAM 3500 cummins 6.7 or the 6.4 HEMI F550 6.7 powerstroke and 10-speed transmission Chevy 6500 silverado with duramax 6.6, alison 6 speed I already ran the comparison through a few AI like grok, but am curious what you guys have to say. Focus is on RELIABILITY, maintenance and how easy they would be to repair when they do break down. I assume they all have a pretty decent lifespan, but if one really stands out good or bad, feel free to comment on that as well. if it matters, assume the trucks are pretty much always loaded within 2k lbs of rated capacity. (but no towing) individual truck, not part of fleet |
|
I read that completely wrong. I took away, loaded with 2k lbs, and was like why the hell would you buy a 550 of 6500 for 2k lbs. Now my brain sees - up to capacity. Based on the truck fleets I see it could go anyway. You will find an equal number of people who had great luck with each and shit luck with each. |
|
First off, a 1-ton and medium-duty are not the same class of pickups. If it's being used commercially, that puts you into cdl territory. Second, gas vs diesel. The 6.4 is a good motor, but it's not a diesel. What's the use case? 5500 is more pickup-trucky, 6500 is big commercial trucky. Size, maneuverability, upfit options change here. None of the 3 are really comparable. |
Joined:
Mar 2026
Posts:
568
EE: 0% (0)
USA
|
RAM's 6.4L, then Cummins will be the easiest to work on. F550 will have the detuned engine since it's a chassis-cab. All modern diesels are ticking time bombs. Good luck. Curious how you are comparing a gas 1-ton to a F550 & 6500 diesel? |
|
Just an FYI, because I can't answer your question. I ordered a 2025 RAM 2500 4X4 last year with a the 6.4/8 speed transmission, Tradesman II package. I think it's really a nice pickup. Lots of power and very comfortable with some nice accessories. My toy hauler loaded weighs about 9,500 lbs. If you are familiar with AZ, Phoenix to Flagstaff, Alpine, Albuquerque NM, Ruidosa NM, plenty of power up the grades and good braking power down grades (turn off Tow Mode down hill on steep grades). I only have 15,000 miles on the pickup, but no issues and it's a pleasure to drive and for towing. Good luck. |
|
Originally Posted By SnowMule: First off, a 1-ton and medium-duty are not the same class of pickups. If it's being used commercially, that puts you into cdl territory. Second, gas vs diesel. The 6.4 is a good motor, but it's not a diesel. What's the use case? 5500 is more pickup-trucky, 6500 is big commercial trucky. Size, maneuverability, upfit options change here. None of the 3 are really comparable. i don't want GD to get side tracked with the use case, but respectively, these are the base vehicles for a few truck campers (truckhouse, earthroamer LTx and SX 2.0 ). So yeah, they are pretty comparable. Obviously the comparison involves 25' length, 29' and 34', respectively. But somewhat surprisingly I'd have expected quite a bit more difference in GVWR. Not commercial, so no cdl. The ram 3500 based one is avail gas or diesel, which is somewhat surprising. Heating is with a diesel air heater, so it seems like gas would be a poor choice, but maybe worth it to avoid EGR and DEF |
|
ETA: NVM It really seems like you need to figure out which camper you want first; the medium duty ones will be substantially larger, or do you want one you can take on tighter trails? There is a dude on the HD Ram forum who has a 3500 based AEV Prospector with the Hemi and a 4 wheel popup camper. He's been all over the country in the past 5 years and has over 100,000 miles on it, mostly offroad. You may find that interesting, but it may be too spartan a setup for you. He replaced the spare tire with a diesel tank for his diesel heater and stove. |
|
Originally Posted By AK-12: ETA: NVM It really seems like you need to figure out which camper you want first; the medium duty ones will be substantially larger, or do you want one you can take on tighter trails? There is a dude on the HD Ram forum who has a 3500 based AEV Prospector with the Hemi and a 4 wheel popup camper. He's been all over the country in the past 5 years and has over 100,000 miles on it, mostly offroad. You may find that interesting, but it may be too spartan a setup for you. He replaced the spare tire with a diesel tank for his diesel heater and stove. I actually had an AEV prospector as a daily driver for almost about 6 years. 100% reliable and loved it. 2016 model but I’ve heard so much crap about new ones idk if my experience means anything. No worries about tight trails anymore. Not doing any super technical stuff anymore. But if full timing, breakdowns will really suck. Prob several days in a hotel etc. hoping to avoid that. |
|
Originally Posted By taliv: I actually had an AEV prospector as a daily driver for almost about 6 years. 100% reliable and loved it. 2016 model but I’ve heard so much crap about new ones idk if my experience means anything. No worries about tight trails anymore. Not doing any super technical stuff anymore. But if full timing, breakdowns will really suck. Prob several days in a hotel etc. hoping to avoid that. FWIW the HD Rams are still on the same 4th generation that released in the 2010 model year. There have been various styling updates, and suspension and powertrain changes, but suffice it to say the transmissions are better now (arguably best on the market), and the Hemi has one of the more proven track records. There have been some changes to the Cummins starting in 2019 but usp4u can probably speak to those better than I can since he has one in his new 3500. |
|
From what I see, all three have an issue of putting out incomplete developments for engines and transmissions. You need to study which engine and transmissions have all countermeasures applied. At that point, all 3 will deliver longer life performance. So, look at specific years based on what you are willing to pay and align that to which one has the best ending and transmission reputation for that year. AI could help, I think. |
|
Originally Posted By taliv: F550 6.7 powerstroke and 10-speed transmission I already ran the comparison through a few AI like grok, but am curious what you guys have to say. Focus is on RELIABILITY, maintenance and how easy they would be to repair when they do break down. I assume they all have a pretty decent lifespan, but if one really stands out good or bad, feel free to comment on that as well.  The Rams in our fleet are much nicer to work on.
|
USN Retired: APR 1988 - MAY 2008
"My center is giving way, my right is falling back, situation excellent, I attack." —Ferdinand Foch
"My center is giving way, my right is falling back, situation excellent, I attack." —Ferdinand Foch
| None of the above. Over the life of the truck you would save thousands of dollars buying the same truck with a gas engine. If you hate money buy a diesel light or small medium duty truck. Run the numbers for 300,000 miles and a diesel never is cheaper to operate per mile until you get to about 18-20000 pounds GVW all the time. |
RIP Jeff Reed. Tennessee Squire, Ga. Carry member, NRA,Non-puking 72 ounce drinker 2 of 6 Norcal call sign, Forgotten.
|
Originally Posted By _Matt_: The ram interior will fall apart. 3 transmissions by 150k The ford will be the most expensive. Best chance of being stolen too The Chevy will have mechanical failures, everything except the engine and trans Based on personal ownership experience and about a decade of fleet management, neither of those are true for the Ram; Chevy and Ford are much more likely to have a transmission failure. Not sure why you think Fords are particularly likely to be stolen. |
Join the Community
Your next conversation starts here.
Create your free account to join discussions, share your experience, save topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.
- Join discussions
- Follow topics and replies
- Connect with fellow enthusiasts
Already a member? Sign in
Stay informed by subscribing to our Newsletter