Truck Advice Ford or GMC

[FadeToBlack]

Need advice real world advice. I am looking at upgrading my truck. I am looking at the 2024 Ford F-250 Platinum Tremor with the 6.7 HO Diesel Package or the 2024/25 GMC Denaii HD2500 with the 6.6 Diesel. Both very nice trucks looking for advice with people that have them. I like lifting my truck and the new truck will either have a level or 3" lift on it. I hear Fords are easier to deal with on lifts but dont relly know. Also with towing a 5th wheel, MY dealer always told not to not exceed 65" with the bed and my present truck is at 63" what is everyones advice on this would you go up to 65" and if you have a truck like that do you regret it. And as far as Ford goes anyone with this engine package. What do they think especially with the drive train, mainly the Transmission. Thanks for any advice

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

On the GMC side, are you looking to stick with the Denali trim or going to the top with the Denali Ultimate?

I've heard lifts are preferred over levels. How much are you looking to spend above the purchase price of the truck itself?

Why the limitation on 65”? Is that a max figure for 5th wheel towing?

 

[FadeToBlack]

On the GMC side, are you looking to stick with the Denali trim or going to the top with the Denali Ultimate?

I've heard lifts are preferred over levels. How much are you looking to spend above the purchase price of the truck itself?

Why the limitation on 65”? Is that a max figure for 5th wheel towing?

Yeah I am looking at the Ultimate. I think the 65" is because of the Trailer hanging in the back of the truck you need space between the Bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel

 

[DUNEFLYER]

Following....

 

[DoughBallin14]

Well small bit of comparison is that the gm trucks have their puck system set back a few inches towards the tailgate more then the other brands which gives for space between trailer and back of cab. More helpful for a short bed but still worth noting. You hadnt mentioned long bed or short bed

 

[Yoshiro]

I have a 2023 F350 diesel. I like the Fords as they have a solid front axle and are much easier to lift. I have a 6" on mine. 27k miles on it and so far not a single issue knock on wood. I really like the 10 speed trans when towing. It's always right where it needs to be in the rpm range with that many gears, and the larger dia tires aren't an issue.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

Yeah I am looking at the Ultimate. I think the 65" is because of the Trailer hanging in the back of the truck you need space between the Bed and the bottom of the 5th wheel

There should be some adjustability with the 5w hitch in the bed and the 5w kingpin “tongue” to adjust for different height setups, you may need to pick a specific 5w hitch or move the trailer kingpin up to accommodate a lifted tow vehicle.

 

[brecht]

I put almost 13k miles on my 24 350 tremor since May and I love it. 3” BDS level on 37s. Just got back from a 1,300 mile road trip through lake Mohave, St. George, north rim Grand Canyon, and Sedona. So far it’s been flawless. Daily driver, adventure car, tow vehicle (boat and smaller trailer), mall crawler etc does it all well

 

[HBCraig]

I've had that F350 a couple of times and it ran flawlessly.

 

[D19]

Just rolled over 12,000 miles on my 24 Denali. It’s got a 4 inch stage six CST kit on 37. No complaints. We’ve been thinking about getting a new trailer and the height of the truck for a fifth wheel has been a little concerning. I might just do a bumper pull.

 

[Englewood]

Ive had both...The f-250 never let me down in 15k miles, it was a workhorse. However, I personally like the fit and finish of the GMC better. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

[riverroyal]

did you actually find a tremor ultimate? I cant imagine one is on the lot

 

[boatpi]

I have the 2023 King Ranch f 250. Not an ho, with 3.31 axles, and axle is important. I believe by the way the tremor comes with the F350 rear axle.

With larger tires a lower ratio may be best. As to power, I told the load my trailer with 10,000 pounds the trailer itself weighs 3200. literally every two weeks I cruise northbound on interstate 15 Cajon Summit without much effort using less than half throttle at 60 to 65 mph! The power of the engine, the standard one, at 1050 foot pounds is insane. What is truly changed this truck is the 10 speed transmission. I have had half tons and super duties in the past. It is difficult to find a fault with this truck.

 

[X Hoser]

Need advice real world advice. I am looking at upgrading my truck. I am looking at the 2024 Ford F-250 Platinum Tremor with the 6.7 HO Diesel Package or the 2024/25 GMC Denaii HD2500 with the 6.6 Diesel. Both very nice trucks looking for advice with people that have them. I like lifting my truck and the new truck will either have a level or 3" lift on it. I hear Fords are easier to deal with on lifts but dont relly know. Also with towing a 5th wheel, MY dealer always told not to not exceed 65" with the bed and my present truck is at 63" what is everyones advice on this would you go up to 65" and if you have a truck like that do you regret it. And as far as Ford goes anyone with this engine package. What do they think especially with the drive train, mainly the Transmission. Thanks for any advice

Following as I am looking at new trucks. Currently a 2015 GMC 2500HD Duramax. Have had both Fords and GMCs in the past. Not very good luck with either brand. Transmissions in the Fords and DEF system and paint issues in the GMC. Plus the ever present CP3 pump issues in the GMC. Curious as to why you are not considering a Dodge?

 

[4Waters]

ALL RIGHT, IT’S BEEN AWHILE!!

 

[Doc]

Both great trucks, I guess main thing is is if you have to have a solid axle up front or not. Both the 6.7 and the 6.6 are strong motors and are using the same 10speed transmission. I think both brands interiors are great although I will say the Gm seats to me are way more comfortable on long hauls vs the ford though. I also think the Gm's ride better then the Fords due to the IFS.

 

[n2otoofast4u]

I came from a 15 Denali to a 22 F350. Pros and cons for both and frankly I don't see how you can go wrong with either!

 

[Melloyellovector]

Of those 2 options if lifting at all , ford
Chevy and gmc with IFS and lifts don’t get along well

 

[MonkeyButt70]

Both are great trucks, I have a 2024 F250 Tremor 6.7 HO. For me it came down to comfort. The ergonomics are better for me in the Ford. It is like buying a top brand gun, which feels better in your hand.

 

[242Baja]

Been driving ford all my life so they get my vote - they have never let me down !

 

[beerrun]

I think its way more expensive to lift a chevy then a ford

 

[Orangegazm]

I'm a Chevy guy but my employee has a 24' 3500 dually with 50K miles and has went through 3 transmissions and GM is not wanting to put in a forth... they also don't want to give him shit on a "Lemon Law " buy back. It's been an absolute nightmare and I've pulled all the favors that I can, what a piece of shit.... I would go with the Ford.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I don't know about Ford trucks but I was looking at GMCs for towing heavy and based on my research I came to the conclusion that bone stock, the fuel economy crap has ruined their towing/hauling capabilities, especially if you plan to use them that way consistently and often.

It seems you have to immediately go aftermarket after you buy it to fix otherwise ticking time bombs with the engine and transmission and a few other areas, be it gas or diesel.

So you buy an almost $100k truck only to find you probably need another $10k-$30k to fix all the stock crap so it can do the job you bought the truck for to begin with.

GMC should be making HD trucks that cost LESS because they know all the corners they have cut for fuel economy and what the new owners are going to have to pay to defuse the bombs in stock form.

Note I am referring to the HD platform not the 1500 light duty grocery getter mall crawler trucks people buy for no truck reason other than its cool to drive a truck.

Rant over.

 

[NicPaus]

I have a new Gas 2500HD. What is the ticking time bomb issues if I use it to tow? It's mainly a river runner. But I haul my skidsteer and dump trailers occasionally.


If I would of Bought the diesel. Either Ford or GM I would of bought the longest available extended warranty due to the DEF system. They are both great trucks. I prefer the Denali with a 4" lift. I just don't put enough miles on my personal truck or have a toyhauler these days to justify diesel.

 

[toto]

We ordered a 23 F450 with the HO and we love the truck. We just got back from a 2200 mile mission and the comfort level is amazing. Both nice trucks but I am glad we went the Ford route.

 

[riverroyal]

I'm a Chevy guy but my employee has a 24' 3500 dually with 50K miles and has went through 3 transmissions and GM is not wanting to put in a forth... they also don't want to give him shit on a "Lemon Law " buy back. It's been an absolute nightmare and I've pulled all the favors that I can, what a piece of shit.... I would go with the Ford.

He needs a new lemon law attorney.
If he truly is on trans number 4 it's a lemon.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

I have a new Gas 2500HD. What is the ticking time bomb issues if I use it to tow? It's mainly a river runner. But I haul my skidsteer and dump trailers occasionally.


If I would of Bought the diesel. Either Ford or GM I would of bought the longest available extended warranty due to the DEF system. They are both great trucks. I prefer the Denali with a 4" lift. I just don't put enough miles on my personal truck or have a toyhauler these days to justify diesel.

For the gassers its the AFM/DoD on the engine, and the trans is weak in the torque converter, some if the clutches can fail with heavy towing, and also needs the TBV (trans bypass valve) changed to a lower temp module as it runs too warm stock.

At least that's what I found in my research, YMMV of course.

 

[DoughBallin14]

For the gassers its the AFM/DoD on the engine, and the trans is weak in the torque converter, some if the clutches can fail with heavy towing, and also needs the TBV (trans bypass valve) changed to a lower temp module as it runs too warm stock.

At least that's what I found in my research, YMMV of course.

most of this is very true but @NicPaus has the newer 6.6l which does not have the dreaded afm dod issues and actually is super de tuned haha but it just pulls and pulls, but it also had the same 10speed as the diesel hds not the shared 10speed like the half ton ford/gm trucks that have the terrible torque converter, thermostat, terrible tuning and valve body issues.

 

[NicPaus]

I also have a 2016 with 6.0 gas. It gets worked way harder than the newer 6.6. It doesn't have AFM either.

I have a 2015 Duramax work truck that weighs over 12k loaded with tools. No comparison diesel to gas. But I regularly tow 10k + - with the 6.0 with dump trailers. Throw pallets in it regularly. They all have been solid trucks. The 6.6 gas gets great fuel mileage on the highway. Around town none of my 5 3/4 - 1 ton rigs get over 9 mpg.

 

[X-rated]

1 word……Ram!!!

 

[FROGMAN524]

For the gassers its the AFM/DoD on the engine, and the trans is weak in the torque converter, some if the clutches can fail with heavy towing, and also needs the TBV (trans bypass valve) changed to a lower temp module as it runs too warm stock.

At least that's what I found in my research, YMMV of course.

My 10L1000 speed never gets over 145, even towing, unless it’s a long grade with the boat in the summer and it might touch 175.

Just did the fluid change yesterday at 100,000 miles. Not a hiccup with trans or EPA shit.

 

[riverroyal]

Why not the 7.3 gas monster super duty? More than enough power for a 5th wheel. 9k cheaper also

 

[Cdog]

GM just had a huge recall in their HD 10 speeds.

I’ve beat if not tried to break my 21 f350. My 25 HO platty has a build date 12/16.

I’m a diehard GM guy and this 21 is my 1st ford.

 

[AzMandella]

Why not the 7.3 gas monster super duty? More than enough power for a 5th wheel. 9k cheaper also

I have the 7.3 gasser in my 2023 F250 with 10spd tranny . Not one hicup yet .

 

[Rbcconst]

I have had both and currently in a 22 F250, it Hauls ass and is more spacious in the cab. The back seat in the chevy had horrible leg room, that may have changed.

Stock vs stock the chevy is a better ride. Lifted the ford is a way better ride. There are some newer lifts out there for the chevy that might be getting closer. If I was going chevy id be finding the nicest lift I could. With ford you better make sure to buy all the stabilizers the lift offers. Carli has a upper and lower, other lift manufactures have 2 lowers. Same applies to the leveling kits. Whatever you do with the ford do not buy that ready lift leveling kit, rides like ass. Get Carli or something equal.

Chevy is quieter in the cab. Not saying the ford is crazy loud but hands down chevy is for sure quieter in the cab.

I feel like the ac in the chevy worked better.

4x4- ford has a vacuum system to lock the hubs which i find gay for the price of the truck. If that vacuum line comes off youll be manually locking the hubs and there is no indicator that they did not lock when you hit the switch on the dash, youll have to pay attention if the front wheels are grabbing or not. If you do a lift make sure the shop extends the vacuum lines or they will pop off. Most of the aftermarket wheels have hub caps that cover the hub so you need to know how to remove it and have the tool handy.

My chevy had major def issues starting at 80k miles. I have not had issues with the def on the ford, yet.

If i was buying a new one today I would have no problem buying either one. I bought the ford last time because it has more power, a more roomy cab (adults have plenty of leg room in the back) and did not come with black fender trim that needed to be painted right off the lot. Some swear that the ford tows much better, i have not towed anything real heavy to comment. I did tow a 40’ 5th wheel with the chevy and it just did ok however did not have the 10s trans in it so im assuming that would help.

 

[Flatsix66]

Need advice real world advice. I am looking at upgrading my truck. I am looking at the 2024 Ford F-250 Platinum Tremor with the 6.7 HO Diesel Package ....

Got this a few months ago in HO Tremor Lariat Ultimate. The engine thrust and ten speed trans are awesome. Highway passing is amazing. 21MPG on river trips.

 

[Taboma]

I have had both and currently in a 22 F250, it Hauls ass and is more spacious in the cab. The back seat in the chevy had horrible leg room, that may have changed.

Stock vs stock the chevy is a better ride. Lifted the ford is a way better ride. There are some newer lifts out there for the chevy that might be getting closer. If I was going chevy id be finding the nicest lift I could. With ford you better make sure to buy all the stabilizers the lift offers. Carli has a upper and lower, other lift manufactures have 2 lowers. Same applies to the leveling kits. Whatever you do with the ford do not buy that ready lift leveling kit, rides like ass. Get Carli or something equal.

Chevy is quieter in the cab. Not saying the ford is crazy loud but hands down chevy is for sure quieter in the cab.

I feel like the ac in the chevy worked better.

4x4- ford has a vacuum system to lock the hubs which i find gay for the price of the truck. If that vacuum line comes off youll be manually locking the hubs and there is no indicator that they did not lock when you hit the switch on the dash, youll have to pay attention if the front wheels are grabbing or not. If you do a lift make sure the shop extends the vacuum lines or they will pop off. Most of the aftermarket wheels have hub caps that cover the hub so you need to know how to remove it and have the tool handy.

My chevy had major def issues starting at 80k miles. I have not had issues with the def on the ford, yet.

If i was buying a new one today I would have no problem buying either one. I bought the ford last time because it has more power, a more roomy cab (adults have plenty of leg room in the back) and did not come with black fender trim that needed to be painted right off the lot. Some swear that the ford tows much better, i have not towed anything real heavy to comment. I did tow a 40’ 5th wheel with the chevy and it just did ok however did not have the 10s trans in it so im assuming that would help.

I know on both my F150 Raptors the front hubs were engaged by releasing vacuum and hubs are engaged until after starting and increasing vacuum releases them. In other words, default in the case of a damaged vacuum hose, is hubs engaged.

 

[575cat]

GM just had a huge recall in their HD 10 speeds.

I’ve beat if not tried to break my 21 f350. My 25 HO platty has a build date 12/16.

I’m a diehard GM guy and this 21 is my 1st ford.
View attachment 1456185

Supposedly Ford superduty uses that same 10 speed , yike,s , failing drum material or something like that . ck out flying wrenches , very smart Ford tech many vids on the issues

 

[AzMandella]

I have had both and currently in a 22 F250, it Hauls ass and is more spacious in the cab. The back seat in the chevy had horrible leg room, that may have changed.

Stock vs stock the chevy is a better ride. Lifted the ford is a way better ride. There are some newer lifts out there for the chevy that might be getting closer. If I was going chevy id be finding the nicest lift I could. With ford you better make sure to buy all the stabilizers the lift offers. Carli has a upper and lower, other lift manufactures have 2 lowers. Same applies to the leveling kits. Whatever you do with the ford do not buy that ready lift leveling kit, rides like ass. Get Carli or something equal.

Chevy is quieter in the cab. Not saying the ford is crazy loud but hands down chevy is for sure quieter in the cab.

I feel like the ac in the chevy worked better.

4x4- ford has a vacuum system to lock the hubs which i find gay for the price of the truck. If that vacuum line comes off youll be manually locking the hubs and there is no indicator that they did not lock when you hit the switch on the dash, youll have to pay attention if the front wheels are grabbing or not. If you do a lift make sure the shop extends the vacuum lines or they will pop off. Most of the aftermarket wheels have hub caps that cover the hub so you need to know how to remove it and have the tool handy.

My chevy had major def issues starting at 80k miles. I have not had issues with the def on the ford, yet.

If i was buying a new one today I would have no problem buying either one. I bought the ford last time because it has more power, a more roomy cab (adults have plenty of leg room in the back) and did not come with black fender trim that needed to be painted right off the lot. Some swear that the ford tows much better, i have not towed anything real heavy to comment. I did tow a 40’ 5th wheel with the chevy and it just did ok however did not have the 10s trans in it so im assuming that would help.

When I first got my truck it rode rough as hell . I replaced the tires with BFG KO3's and it improved the ride quite a bit . Then I put a BDS 2" levelling kit on it that had new dual rate coil springs and Fox 2.0 shocks . It rides really nice now .

 

[Cdog]

Supposedly Ford superduty uses that same 10 speed , yike,s , failing drum material or something like that . ck out flying wrenches , very smart Ford tech many vids on the issues

Similar design. Not the exact same. So far it seems fords version is stronger.

 

[RandyH]

55K on the 24. No issues. 6.6 Liter Ultimate. Towed many times well over the rating with the tip trailer.
New 2025 just came in. Leveling it now. Trying the AT4X Ultimate this time with the AEV option. AEV= Wheels/Tires/Bumpers. The AT4X is suppose to be 1.5" lifted already. Decreases towing slightly. Just stuck on GM and never had a bad experience with them.

 

[Rbcconst]

I know on both my F150 Raptors the front hubs were engaged by releasing vacuum and hubs are engaged until after starting and increasing vacuum releases them. In other words, default in the case of a damaged vacuum hose, is hubs engaged.l

I know on both my F150 Raptors the front hubs were engaged by releasing vacuum and hubs are engaged until after starting and increasing vacuum releases them. In other words, default in the case of a damaged vacuum hose, is hubs engaged.

Not sure on all the functions. I just know if you try to engage 4x4 and a vacuum line is disconnected it will not lock the hubs you would have to do it manually. Those vacuum lines are cheesy.

 

[Rbcconst]

When I first got my truck it rode rough as hell . I replaced the tires with BFG KO3's and it improved the ride quite a bit . Then I put a BDS 2" levelling kit on it that had new dual rate coil springs and Fox 2.0 shocks . It rides really nice now .

Yes. Stock they do not ride great and kind of bounce all over the road. The tires help a lot. The leveling kit would help. And the steering stabilizers are a must if you want to save your front end and stop the wobbles.

 

[BingerFang]

GMC Ultimate interior is second to none.

I love my 1500 Ulitmate.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Both trucks are having issues with their 10-speeds. GM has weaker steering with the IFS, but isnt susceptible to death wobble like Ford and Ram. BTW, I have seen more broken front axles on Fords than I have with GM's and that repair is WAY more expensive on a Ford.

The backseat in the GM is HUGE now too. I'm 6'1" and fit in the back with MORE than enough leg room to be comfortable.

BTW, I would advise against lifting the truck at all if a 5th wheel is going to be towed. These new trucks are so tall that going any higher really reduces your bed clearance quite a bit (ideally you'd like to have at least 7" between the bedrail and the trailer) and you want the trailer to sit level when towing to keep weight balance correct so there aren't too many options to get you more clearance to the bed.

 

[Taboma]

Yes. Stock they do not ride great and kind of bounce all over the road. The tires help a lot. The leveling kit would help. And the steering stabilizers are a must if you want to save your front end and stop the wobbles.

I don't know how yours work, but I know how my 2018 worked because I had a problem with mine when it lost vacuum and defaulted to engaged. It was repaired under warranty.
If you have a Ford Truck with Ford's Integrated Wheel End (IWE) actuator system --- then read this informative article in Gear Magazine. If you don't then ??

Gears Magazine - Engaging Moments! Ford's Vacuum-Actuated Locking Hub System, Diagnosis and Issues

Convenience and ease of operation are things we have come to expect out of our daily driving experiences. Pushing a button should give us exactly what we want immediately. This is what we have grown to expect from our 4-wheel drive systems. Since the introduction of shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel...

gearsmagazine.com

 

[575cat]

Not sure on all the functions. I just know if you try to engage 4x4 and a vacuum line is disconnected it will not lock the hubs you would have to do it manually. Those vacuum lines are cheesy.

Vacuum keeps them released

 

[satellitemike]

I'm a Chevy guy but my employee has a 24' 3500 dually with 50K miles and has went through 3 transmissions and GM is not wanting to put in a forth... they also don't want to give him shit on a "Lemon Law " buy back. It's been an absolute nightmare and I've pulled all the favors that I can, what a piece of shit.... I would go with the Ford.

I know the main guy for buy backs in Temecula if he needs some help?

 

[2Driver]

Did a F350 2024 with full Carli pintop set up and 37’s. Im pretty happy. No way I could have gotten the same result with the GM. Also my first Ford.
That said if I didn’t need the lift for functionality I would never have done it for “looks” and probably would have bought the AT4

 

[Rbcconst]

I don't know how yours work, but I know how my 2018 worked because I had a problem with mine when it lost vacuum and defaulted to engaged. It was repaired under warranty.
If you have a Ford Truck with Ford's Integrated Wheel End (IWE) actuator system --- then read this informative article in Gear Magazine. If you don't then ??

Gears Magazine - Engaging Moments! Ford's Vacuum-Actuated Locking Hub System, Diagnosis and Issues

Convenience and ease of operation are things we have come to expect out of our daily driving experiences. Pushing a button should give us exactly what we want immediately. This is what we have grown to expect from our 4-wheel drive systems. Since the introduction of shift-on-the-fly 4-wheel...

gearsmagazine.com

Vacuum keeps them released

All I know is I went to Pismo and got yanked out of the sand by a Toyota tacoma because the 4x4 did not engage, I was unaware ford had a vacuum line set up like that or I would have gotten out and manually locked the hubs. When I got home I noticed one of the vacuum lines was not connected. As soon as I repaired the connection the 4x4 worked again.