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Old 07-31-2021, 06:49 PM   #1
Blueswede
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Trying to choose between trucks....

So I'm back to contemplating upgrading to a dually. Looking at a 2014 Ram 3500 and a 2013 F-350 KR. One question that I have is how the trailer will sit on either of them compared to my current F-350 SRW. The SRW has 20" tires while both of the DRW have 17" tires. I'm wondering how my trailer will sit given the lower profile of the bed. Right now, it sits perfectly level on my Ford. If I go with the Ram, I have to invest in a new hitch that fits the Ram; I already have the Ford hitch for the KR. Any advice/opinions are welcome....thanks!
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Old 07-31-2021, 07:19 PM   #2
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Sounds easy to me. If you have a hitch that fits the Ford stay with it. You can probably adjust the pin box or hitch head to fine tune.
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Old 07-31-2021, 07:33 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Blueswede View Post
So I'm back to contemplating upgrading to a dually. Looking at a 2014 Ram 3500 and a 2013 F-350 KR. One question that I have is how the trailer will sit on either of them compared to my current F-350 SRW. The SRW has 20" tires while both of the DRW have 17" tires. I'm wondering how my trailer will sit given the lower profile of the bed. Right now, it sits perfectly level on my Ford. If I go with the Ram, I have to invest in a new hitch that fits the Ram; I already have the Ford hitch for the KR. Any advice/opinions are welcome....thanks!
I have a Reese hitch..I think that’s who makes the Ford oem? When I got my new truck I didn’t need a slider so I just bought replacement fixed legs for my hitch..kept the hitch piece and put the slider in my garage in case I ever need it…maybe you could just get the ram legs if you decide to switch truck brands
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Old 07-31-2021, 08:27 PM   #4
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I test drove a RAM 3500 dually . Didn't even the parking lot after going over a speed bump.Ride was like a brick with wheels. I stuck with FORD. Much smoother ride and plenty of power.
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Old 08-01-2021, 01:33 AM   #5
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I test drove a RAM 3500 dually . Didn't even the parking lot after going over a speed bump.Ride was like a brick with wheels. I stuck with FORD. Much smoother ride and plenty of power.
Lol it seems we found the lifelong Ford guy.. Ford is nice but so are any of the big three.. ( no offense but did you really test drive one?) I have the Factory air suspension on my Ram…it rides really nice..like a 1 ton dually! Didn’t you decide to add airbags to your truck?
Don’t let anybody try and sway you with brand preference…if Ram was sooo bad they wouldn’t sell any trucks..Amd I like Fords!…I almost bought a Ford but could not find one because of the chip shortage…my next truck will probably be a f450..but Ram trucks are absolutely great trucks as well..I almost bought a gmc also but they wouldn’t do employee pricing on the truck I looked at.
The aluminum bodies on the fords worried me a little only as far as getting any body damage fixed and how much that may cost but the one your looking at is all steel and I always carry full coverage anyway.
Would have to find a good body shop that can do aluminum work

It’s like coke vs Pepsi… it’s not about any specific quality reasoning…it’s more the bias of the person you ask.
A lot of the unloaded ride quality is in the air pressure of the rear tires when not towing.
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Old 08-01-2021, 03:29 AM   #6
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Speaking with the voice of experience, just what one ton rides smooth as silk? Not the big three!
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Old 08-01-2021, 04:33 AM   #7
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I know its a big diff from my previous 18 and current 21 to a 13, but I have found the newer Fords ride much higher than the previous ones. Have you measured the height yet to make sure?
As for ride, all duallys will ride rough. Saying that, my 21 Platinum (shouldn’t matter) compared to my 18 Lariat rides amazingly smoother. No idea why as I believe nothing has changed and suspensions should be the sane between those trims. But it sure does ride smoother over expansion joints and such. Maybe alignment tweaks or something?
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Old 08-02-2021, 10:14 AM   #8
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Yep, I sure did somewhat test drive the Ram , although it had leaf springs, not the newer air suspension. I've owned several trucks, 1/2,3/4 , 1 ton SRW and 1 ton Drw . From Chevy,GMC, Ram and Fords. Just Ford has worked out for me . At this time, pretty much all Big 3 as you say are pretty good. It's just more about preference.
I wouldn't mind an F450 myself, if anyone can find one . I happened to purchase my new 2021 F350 DRW in January. It was the only one on the lot. They had recently received it.
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Old 08-02-2021, 10:17 AM   #9
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Yep, I sure did somewhat test drive the Ram , although it had leaf springs, not the newer air suspension. I've owned several trucks, 1/2,3/4 , 1 ton SRW and 1 ton Drw . From Chevy,GMC, Ram and Fords. Just Ford has worked out for me . At this time, pretty much all Big 3 as you say are pretty good. It's just more about preference.
I wouldn't mind an F450 myself, if anyone can find one . I happened to purchase my new 2021 F350 DRW in January. It was the only one on the lot. They had recently received it.
Yeah if you see a truck on the lot these days you better just buy it…may be gone tomorrow. Ford does make a nice looking truck
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Old 08-02-2021, 06:08 PM   #10
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I had a '12 RAM 1 ton dually and traded it in on a new '21 F-350 KR. I had to get the B&W lower hitch base to fit the Ford, but I had no issues with the pin box or box sides being too high on the Ford.
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Old 08-12-2021, 07:15 AM   #11
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As I mentioned in another thread, I am going to trade my SRW Ford for a beautiful 2011 Ford F-450. Found it in No Cal and the dealer is driving it down and driving my old one back up. Looking forward to seeing how it is to drive and tow with a dually. I’ll keep you all posted…
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Old 08-12-2021, 08:28 AM   #12
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As I mentioned in another thread, I am going to trade my SRW Ford for a beautiful 2011 Ford F-450. Found it in No Cal and the dealer is driving it down and driving my old one back up. Looking forward to seeing how it is to drive and tow with a dually. I’ll keep you all posted…
Just out of curiosity, have you had any issue with current 2011 super duty? it was the first year for the 6.7 . i had one and it was always at the shop for the emissions crap until they finally figured it out. They had even plug in what they call a flight recorder to pick up everything on truck when it go into regeneration.
My 13 was better ,and when they went to the 15's, they came out with the exhaust brake. I've owned several Super Duties. All have been great except for my 11.
Congrats on the new to you F 450 . safe travels
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Old 08-12-2021, 09:41 AM   #13
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I've had my 2011 for 6 years. Yes, it's been in the shop a few times but I would imagine that's pretty standard for most trucks. Nothing major. It runs like a top. I'll be sad to see it go......but the payload is just too small for our Cougar.
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Old 08-12-2021, 11:04 AM   #14
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I have a 2014 Ram dually S B with a mega cab the ride is fine. No rougher than my brother’s Ford, maybe a little smoother. Only you can make that decision, drive them both, and pick the one that suits You best.
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Old 08-12-2021, 11:25 AM   #15
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Paul, he already bought the 450. And please tell me you wouldn't pick one HD truck over another because it rides smoother....IJS. That's half-ton stuff.
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Old 08-12-2021, 12:29 PM   #16
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The Ram crowd seems desperate to make converts... just sayin...
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Old 08-12-2021, 12:29 PM   #17
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Jim you are right. Depending on what you call “smooth”. I was talking 1 ton in both cases. Which ever one He is happiest with is what counts. I was just giving my view on the two. happy camping. Be safe.
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Old 08-12-2021, 12:31 PM   #18
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And Ford people do the same —just sayin
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Old 08-12-2021, 12:43 PM   #19
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I am not the one that brought up smooth ride. That subject was already put out there for comment. My comment addressed the ride comment, I thought that is what what this forum was about people expressing opinions without getting called on the carpet for it. Sorry I did not mean to step on anyone’s toes.
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Old 08-12-2021, 01:52 PM   #20
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I am not the one that brought up smooth ride. That subject was already put out there for comment. My comment addressed the ride comment, I thought that is what what this forum was about people expressing opinions without getting called on the carpet for it. Sorry I did not mean to step on anyone’s toes.
I don't think Jim called you on the carpet... he is kinda old and crotchety at times and can appear gruff to those who aren't used to his ways. When asking about "which truck", certainly ride and comfort might be a high priority to some buyers. To others, not so much.
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