4-5th gen CTD, Hemi 6.4 or Ford 7.3 gas?

[dward]

I know what answer to expect on this forum but thought I’d throw something out to get different opinions.
I’m looking for a truck, probably CC DRW 4x4 to carry a slide in camper and tow a medium size RV (12-15k lbs max) Not at the same time.
I’m leaning towards a 4th gen (16-18) Cummins due to the reliability of the CP3 pump. Although, I’m not finding any issues with the new CP4s so looking closer at a new CTD.
With the new transmissions, the gassers are getting some good reviews and would be more than enough power for what I need and much more simple and less maint issues than the new diesels.
I prefer the look of the Ram DRW over Ford but the 7.3 and 10 speed trans is getting great reviews. The IKE test with 16k lbs was pretty impressive.
Another thing I like on the new trucks is the 48-50 gal fuel tanks. Also, $8-12k less than a diesel.
I thought with all of our lock down free time we can get some good informative debates going.

 

[jgillott]

Owning both a 4th gen Ram Crew Cab and a modern Ford Crew, there is absolutely no comparison in interior space, ergonomics, visibility, etc. The Ford wins hands down.

I still think that the Cummins is the choice if you are going diesel, but if you are buying a gas powered truck, I think that the Ford would be my top choice. I can't speak about the Super Duty line, but I have been absolutely pleased with my F-150 and would buy another one in a second.

 

[Tuesdak]

How many towing miles or miles with the camper vs. unloaded?

Your sig for your current ride says Aisin: so you must be looking at the HO Cummins Aisin combo...

This is where gas engines eat fuel and don't have the same power a diesel does. Further grades with a revved up gas engine is risking blowing something up. (Like: AC compressors, transmissions, drop a valve.) The suggested use you have is where diesels make sense: loaded. If you have a lot of unloaded miles than it may be cheaper overall to go gas. Esp. with the higher diesel prices over gas. Nevermind the up front cost for a diesel.

Weight, aka cargo ability, for the slide in camper favors a lighter gas engine.

Don't let "new" mislead you on the CP4 pump. It's only "new on the Cummins" with ZERO listed improvements over other OEM use with Proven Failures.

 

[DonFitzwater]

“Lockdown free time”......what blue state do you live in? No free time here in Alaska, too much work to do!

 

[Wayne M.]

“Lockdown free time”......what blue state do you live in? No free time here in Alaska, too much work to do!

Profile says SoCal. With the fuel prices there, no wonder he’s searching.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Resale and what "IF" you decide to tow something larger???

16-18 DRW/AISIN with factory rear air ride. Swap out to a TITAN 55G tank.

 

[Timd32]

We stumbled on the 6.4L with an not so HD Aisin with 4.44 gears last weekend. Find one and test drive that.

Beside that from what you describe I don't see how you would be happy with the gasser and towing with that much payload.

If your going DRW would not have a gasser in mind for resale.

I vote for HO Aisin due to payload and towing combined as described. We still have not found these CP4.2 failures, not saying they are not out there but we have not found them.
Read a few DEF in the tank failures but nothing mass failure wise to stay away from.

Same time money to be saved going 18 and older is never a bad thing.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Wayne M.]

I hear that big new Ford gasser is a nice piece. Still too new to consider though.

 

[dward]

Unfortunately I’m in So California where gas is around $2.80 and diesel around $3.
I’m in Louisiana for a week of training and gas is $1.49, diesel $2.15
I keep browsing Auto Trader and some decent deals are out there.
2 contenders right now are a 17 DRW CC 4x4 Aisin Laramie with 32k mi For $49k
The other is a 16 Tradesman DRW CC 4x4 Aisin in Granite Crystal (my favorite) with 25k mi for $39k. The 17 has 4:10 and the 16 has 3:42.
I believe the 16 and 17 are the same truck with the changes made in 14 or 15?
The search continues.

 

[dward]

Most of the miles would be carrying a 5k lb camper towing a 4K Jeep.

 

[SnoKing]

Most of the miles would be carrying a 5k lb camper towing a 4K Jeep.

Get the diesel!

 

[Tuesdak]

With the deals they have on NEW HD trucks now... You may be a lower payment on a new truck than used.

X2 - The diesel would do way better with the constant load. It's gets tiring to listen to a HEMI scream all day.

 

[NIsaacs]

I hear that big new Ford gasser is a nice piece. Still too new to consider though.

My son just ordered one in a F-250, Lariat, extended cab 4x4, short bed w/4.30 gears, locker, 10spd and cab lights, lol. They said about 8 weeks.

 

[bcbender]

I would stick with the inline big-6 (IMHO) I looked at Furd and Chevy, drove both... stayed with the RAM because even with all that EPA crap on it, it is still waaaay easier to service and work on when / iff I need to. Wouldn't want to work on that V8 from what my Furd and Chevy guys say, especially on the HOT side..

 

[GBBrown]

I’d look long and hard at Ford before buying..there is/was a class action suit over their cp4’s and I read where some of the hot shots have experienced problems with their transmissions in the HD trucks...just what I read..do your own research

 

[DonFitzwater]

My son just ordered one in a F-250, Lariat, extended cab 4x4, short bed w/4.30 gears, locker, 10spd and cab lights, lol. They said about 8 weeks.

Not a 'Stroke I hope!

 

[NIsaacs]

Not a 'Stroke I hope!

7.3 gasser, with plans of a supercharger, Lol

 

[DonFitzwater]

7.3 gasser, with plans of a supercharger, Lol

I'd rather have that than a 6.7 'Stroke.

 

[RammerJam]

I'd rather have that than a 6.7 'Stroke.

My buddy, who is a diesel mechanic, was bent over the hood of a Ford 6.7, complaining that he sees twice as many Ford PS's in his shop as he does Chevy Isuzu's.

I said, "That's interesting. Because there are at least twice as many 6.7 Fords on the road as there are Chevy Isuzu's"

Even when Ford made the lousy 6.0l, and the supremely lousy 6.4l diesels, they still out-sold the Isuzu by 3 to 1 or more.

I guess being bankrupt back in 2008 and 09 didn't help chevy and dodge much, either.

But, the 6.7 PS seems to have little irritating problems more than the others.

Cummins rules

 

[DonFitzwater]

But, the 6.7 PS seems to have little irritating problems more than the others. Cummins rules

I strayed from the herd once. Got a 6.7 and it went through three turbos and two engines in 10,756 miles. Never again for this guy. My 6.0 powered F550 on the north slope was a joke too.......literally got a new engine every time they changed the oil. It got 4 engines in three years!