Looking at replacing our aging F-150 supercrew lariat with something 2008-2011. looking for a crew cab only, will be towing 2005 Sunsation 288. I assume all the 08 and newer 1/2 tons are up to the job. Spent a lot of money owning and operating our Ford and haven't been thrilled with it as far as cost to own. There are 10 Rams to every Silverado and 15 Rams for every F-150 in the used classifieds, are the Rams that bad ? Not a huge Chevrolet fan but think the silverado is probably the best of the bunch. Looking to spend UNDER 25K, the under the BETTER. As an example, I have found a 2010 Ram crew cab, with 16K, hemi, big horn, for 22,500. What would you pick and why, all opinions are welcome good and bad. Thanks Chris.

Options are:

2009-2010 Ram 1500 5.7 hemi

2008-2010 Silverado 1500 4.8 or 5.3

2008-2010 F-150 5.4

2008-2010 Toyota Tundra 5.7

i had an 07 Ram with the 5.7 and loved the truck. i wanted to save some money so i traded it for an 02 Chevy 2500HD with the 6.0 - big mistake. the ram towed just as nice, got better mileage, a lot more power, than the 3/4 ton. the only area where the chevy was better is stopping.

5.7L Tundra. Here's why:
Extremely reliable
10K+ lbs towing capacity
6 speed auto
10.5" rearend
huge brakes
They hold their value extremely well.
Optional factory supercharger bumps horsepower from 385hp to 500+hp while still being covered under warranty.

I'm not sure what part of ny your in but if I have anything that intrest you just pm me.
http://www.dellacars.com

All trucks will have a high and low point. Drive em all and then get the most bang for your buck.

Had an 07 Sierra Crewcab with the 5.3 that I absolutely loved! Towed great, 21mpg on the highway. Parents have an 07 Ram with a Hemi that is a blast to drive, but has never seen better than 15mpg and doesn't tow half as well!

Been a GM man since '79 and have owned at least a dozen GM 1/2 tons. Last year, I looked at all three (Silverado, F-150, Ram) and ended up ordering a 2010 F-150 FX-4 crew cab with the 5.4L and 3.73 locker. No regrets other than I might want to trade for an EcoBoost truck once they have proven themselves.

Thanks Guys, Dont know if I got a lemon or not, but my 01 Ford has cost a fortune to own, and it's rusting very badly in and around the doors under the door jams, whole truck is a rusty mess, brakes always sucked, manifold stud problems, Put about 5K into repairs so far and don't want to risk it since i'm at the max towing capacity with the 288.

Here's another question, I burn pellets in the winter for heat and have always just had HD or Lowes load the entire ton into the bed of the truck, been doing this for 15 years with 3 different trucks without a problem, will the new style rear suspension in the 09, is the ram be able to handle this ? Most people agree the new suspension on the Ram is a dream to drive, but lowered the towing, hauling capacity.

I also had very bad luck with 2 toyota trucks I had in the past with rusting.

I'm leaning towards the Ram, or Silverado, is the 4.8L in the Silverado up the the task, doesn't seem to be many 5.3L for sale, mostly 4.8's? There is a huge selection of low mileage 09 and 10 Rams in my price range, whereas if I go with a Toyota or Ford they are usually older and have much higher mileage. I'm concerend about reliability, cost to own an corrosion resistance. Please keep the comments/suggestions coming. Thanks Chris

Ditto....eco boost is great....mileage has been ok, better than the 5.4 with way more power..but I like the 5.0..

I have never owned the 4.8, but I dont think I would with a boat your size.

My dad's late model Ram needs brake pads at 37k miles. He's got the 20s and does mostly around town but he's not really aggressive on the brakes.

Since you're towing, you've got to pay attention to option codes for axle ratios. I don't know about the others, but Chevy/GMC have started sneaking 3.23s in their half tons.

Sorry if I'm prying a little, but do you need the newer model years for easier financing? If not, an earlier model Silverado/Sierra would take all you can throw at it and more without the high buy-in. I'm a fan of paying cash for scratch and dent specials.