Formula Outlaw

I would buy a nice used "heavier" truck than a new "lighter" truck. Besides let someone else take the hit on depreciation. The difference in "ease of towing" is tremendous between the two differently rated trucks.

bglz42

Just my opinion: Buy a HD truck, 3/4 or one ton. Diesel, preferred. You'll never buy another half ton.

If you must buy a little truck, then buy the Ford.

Jim

Smitty

iTrader: (1)

Get an F-250 Superduty diesel package. You WILL NOT be sorry. Awesome tow rig for that size boat and great mileage over a gasser. For the extra you spend up front you will get it back when you sell it. I just bought an F-350 diesel and put a chip in it. HOLY SH*T it goes like a scalded dog!!!

lightspeed

I Have A Hemi Pulls real well The Only Thing i Am Going To Do Is Put Adjustable air Bags In the Rear. When You Put weight In The Back it Sags a little This Way The Truck Will Be Level When You Tow Other wise Its A killer Truck I Am Pulling a 36 mirage

BODYSHOT1

no this one!...

tjscarab

Buy the Dodge!!! More horsepower more torque and a 7 year/70,000 mile warranty. Ford builds a good truck too but for what you will do with it the Dodge I think will work better. I have a Dodge 1500 and my boat weight is similar to yours and it has no problem.

h2owarrior

For towing your Pantera, both trucks will work. The most important thing is to make sure it is equipped for towing. Most of the 1/2 ton trucks on dealers lots are not equipped to tow your boat. You may need to order one. I would also get the longest wheel base possible. It will handle the load better.

If I were buying, I would go with the Ford. It appears you are sensitive to resale and it seems to me that Ford trucks hold their value better.

I am with some of the others as far as diesel engines go. If you want to have a truck that will have no problems towing the boat (even through the mountains) I would go with a diesel powered vehicle. Would still go with Ford for the above reason. Both diesel trucks Ford or Dodge) would tow the Pantera with no problem.

h2owarrior

Really good point about the hitch. I think Ford is offering the big dead weight hitch on the SD models. But you have to make sure you order it. On the 150's & 1500's, you have to buy aftermarket. For my money, DrawTite is the hitch of choice.

thedonz

power wise go with the dodge . comfort i'm sure everyone will agree that the ford is hundred times more comfort. luxury wise the ford is hundred times more and looks wise my opinion the ford is a lot nicer. if your not going to be towing a heavy boat cause your pantera weights like about 6500 and change if i'm not mistaken i would go with the ford all the way. if what ya are looking for is just power then go with dodge. and i'll tell ya those hemis spend gasssss

donz jr mike

clearcut3

For Dodge owners resale is irrelevant...once you buy it you won't sell it!

Seriously I have owned 8 4X4 vehicles in the last 9 years. Chevy, Ford, and Dodge. The Chevy's and fords were beat to death after 1 year of my abuse and I was very unimpressed with the towing (gas vehicles). The Dodge's just keep going and tow like an OX. You won't pass a gas station but they will tow like no other.

They all build good trucks. If you go with a diesel the cummins is impossible to beat for towing capability and proven longevity. With the gas vehicles I will buy nothing but a Dodge now. My next vehicle will be a 2500 Cummins but I will keep the one I have now as a spare. It's been to good not to. If you do go with a ford buy the Super duty..in my opinion they are the only one's that look good...the others are HIDEOUS. Sorry if I offend anyone JMHO.

On another note: Rating capacities are just what they state, a rating. They are not what the vehicle will or will not do but a rating the company puts for the CYA factor. I deal with ratings on a daily business for work and we "de-rate" EVERYTHING. Just make sure your rating on your hitch is up to standards because that's where the insurance company will nail you.