Previous Ford and Ram owners

[Jus Cruisin]

Gotta ask.... I've been a Ford guy first and Ram second for 40+ years. Even though there are some things on the GM trucks, or lack of, I'm still really considering a 1500 GM truck. The last 3 have been the top of the line so I'm leaning towards the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate 4X4 with a 6.2l engine (black interior). This brings me as close to what I'm used to.

 

I like the performance figures and I understand they are super quiet. I actually like the infotainment system, same as what I have in the Corvette, I think.

 

So, for those that have switched, happy? Any odd things to get used to?

 

I just hope the suspension will handle my v-nose car trailer without a weight distribution hitch (no way/room to use one). I figure I can get my cars positioned in the trailer to keep the trailer level. One car will bring the trailer and load to 7,500lbs. And my other car 6,500lbs.

[conundrum]

Just curious; why do you want to get rid of the Ram?

[tnchevy]

You are looking at getting a loaded out and very expensive truck so to me it sounds like if you don't like the GM truck then you can probably be able to afford to trade it on something you do like. Have you ever thought about renting one for a week? You can also tell the salesman that you want to keep the truck for the weekend before you decide. Lots of options and opinions are like you know what, every body has one. Only you can decide what truck is right for your needs.

[Bergy21]

I switched from a 2013 F-150 Larait to a 2016 Silverado LT Z71.

 

So far I liked how the Ford felt smaller, but maybe that is what I was used to. The Sony stereo in the Ford blows away the GM Bose system. The power of the ecoboost was a bit better than my 5.3L. I do like the my link, the Silverado is quieter, the mileage is way better with the 5.3L.

[Jus Cruisin]

You are looking at getting a loaded out and very expensive truck so to me it sounds like if you don't like the GM truck then you can probably be able to afford to trade it on something you do like. Have you ever thought about renting one for a week? You can also tell the salesman that you want to keep the truck for the weekend before you decide. Lots of options and opinions are like you know what, every body has one. Only you can decide what truck is right for your needs.

 

Not a bad idea.

 

Just curious; why do you want to get rid of the Ram?

 

 

I trade every two or three years. The Ram actually has been decent. DEF issues have just hit mine. I had to replace catalyst last week. Under warranty, but it seems once it starts more issues seem to follow. Plus I just don't need a diesel and the $285 fuel filter changes and $170 oil changes anymore. I just don't work it enough.

[OldBlue61]

Have you ever thought about renting one for a week?

Exactly what I've been doing. Wife got in an accident w/ her car (fortunately she was ok, but 6 weeks to repair her car), and a truck was available in our insurance coverage. So the wife took my car, and I got a rental truck. These were all 'crew' cabs.

 

Had a '16 Big Horn for 2 weeks. 5.7L. Like the way it road and drove, but as they get older, it 'seems' to me that they become less reliable. If I was leasing for 2 years, I'd probably get a Ram, but I plan to purchase and keep it for a while, so as much as I liked it, I'm still a little wary.

 

Next I had a '16 F150 XLT, 3.5 non-turbo (all they had). Not exactly a dog, but no where near as responsive as the Dodge, as expected. Love the Al body, but HATED driving it - it was very uncomfortable on anything over an hour in the saddle. And I didn't like the design of the interior. Didn't 'feel' like a truck when I was driving, if you know what I mean. Wasn't happy with it, and I've been Ford guys for years.

 

Now I'm in a '15 Silverado, LT (1?), 5.3, 3.42. So far I like it a lot, other than the trans that can't figure out what it wants or needs to be doing. I did see a post about disabling the trans brake, so I will try that and see if it performs any better. So far I'm thinking a GM twin may be in my future if the trans can be straightened out.

[camcamaro1991]

No Ford or Ram guy here, but I have plenty of friends and old co workers than owned them. Most opt for 1500 gasser's as cost of maintenance for diesels its getting ridiculous.

 

Sierra Denali Ultimate, I didn't want a sunroof or 22" wheels, So that option was out!

 

I have every option except a sunroof & 22" wheels, and the wonderful 6.2L, I can understand the black interior, just saw new 2016 High Country yesterday at the local gas station and man you could see that poop saddle brown interior from a mile away really looked bad as the guy had a Deep Ocean Blue Metallic, what was GM thinking?

 

Guessing you race since you have a Vette/another car and V-nose trailer? I tow 7-7.5K, but adding another 6.5K is too much for the Denali they are rated very close depending on 4x4 or 4x2 at 9,100 - 9,400

 

http://www.gmc.com/content/dam/GMC/global/master/nscwebsite/en/home/Tools/Download_A_Brochure/01_Images/2016-gmc-trailering-towing-guide.pdf

 

Yes my 2016 Denali is very quite, however I can't leave anything alone it will get the full sound deadening treatment.

[Jus Cruisin]

No Ford or Ram guy here, but I have plenty of friends and old co workers than owned them. Most opt for 1500 gasser's as cost of maintenance for diesels its getting ridiculous.

 

Sierra Denali Ultimate, I didn't want a sunroof or 22" wheels, So that option was out!

 

I have every option except a sunroof & 22" wheels, and the wonderful 6.2L, I can understand the black interior, just saw new 2016 High Country yesterday at the local gas station and man you could see that poop saddle brown interior from a mile away really looked bad as the guy had a Deep Ocean Blue Metallic, what was GM thinking?

 

Guessing you race since you have a Vette/another car and V-nose trailer? I tow 7-7.5K, but adding another 6.5K is too much for the Denali they are rated very close depending on 4x4 or 4x2 at 9,100 - 9,400

 

http://www.gmc.com/content/dam/GMC/global/master/nscwebsite/en/home/Tools/Download_A_Brochure/01_Images/2016-gmc-trailering-towing-guide.pdf

 

Yes my 2016 Denali is very quite, however I can't leave anything alone it will get the full sound deadening treatment.

 

I kind of worded the towing wrong. The most I pull is 7,500. I have a 32 Ford 3 Window Coupe that only weighs 2,600 lbs. So when that is in my trailer (24' v-nose) I'm really less than 6,000lbs. Used to race a 67 Chevy II pro street. Can't live without a pickup or a trailer.....

[camcamaro1991]

Your all good then for towing, these new GDI engines really tow well, the 6.2L really doesn't care anything is back there for a gas engine, its no diesel but you understand. I love my 6.2L. I have not towed with my 6.2 as I don't have enough miles on her yet, but the dealer let me borrow a 6.2 for testing.

 

I remember you started the GMC vs Chevy thread, IMO the GMC Sierra Denali is really the way to go.

 

Last note, I do tow 7.5K in the summers, I will tell you to skip on the 22" wheels with MRC (MagneRide) Wife has caddie with 22" and MRC.... beats me up, I won't ride in it unless I have to. She always says she doesn't notice it, trust me its night and day difference. 20" vs 22"

 

Oh yeah disable powertrain grade braking, helps a lot with weird transmission shifting.

[scott.moody.9401]

I bought my 09 Ram 5.7 new and sold it when I got my 16 Sierra 5.3 recently. I like both. The differences I noticed are that the GMC rode firmer, not harsh but the Ram was more car like. The Ram steering feel was easier. Ram was also taller in front. GMC has more modern technology features (its just newer). GMC is quiet but so was the Ram. I like the external looks equally. Ram had a lifetime powertrain warranty which I hated giving up

 

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[Jon A]

I just hope the suspension will handle my v-nose car trailer without a weight distribution hitch (no way/room to use one). I figure I can get my cars positioned in the trailer to keep the trailer level. One car will bring the trailer and load to 7,500lbs. And my other car 6,500lbs.

 

It'll handle that easily. However as always I recommend you add a set of airbags--you can keep the truck level without skimping on tongue weight, it'll ride and handle better...great bang for the buck improvement.

[Red_5]

 

It'll handle that easily. However as always I recommend you add a set of airbags--you can keep the truck level without skimping on tongue weight, it'll ride and handle better...great bang for the buck improvement.

 

I agree with this if you can't use a weight distributing anti-sway hitch. I have a '15 SLT Max Tow with 6.2 and it tows a tall 24' 7500lb travel trailer really well and we actually have hills/mountains around here.

 

I was towing my 20' car hauler with an '08 Aspen which has a 5.7 HEMI, I like towing with my Sierra much better(I'm aware it's not an apples to apples comparison). Car haulers are nice because with enough length you can alter position of the car in the trailer to change how the trailer tows so easier to manage weight wise than a travel trailer.

 

Oh, and if you buy the Denali make sure you get it with the OEM brake controller. You can't add the OEM controller later and it works great.

[Jus Cruisin]

Thanks for all the replys. I hope to actually see a Denali Ultimate when I'm out of town for a few days. No one around my area have ordered any. I'm fine with the 22" rims. I had them on a Harley Davidson F150 a while ago. And, it certainly won't ride any worse than my 3/4 ton Ram that has 80psi in the tires. At this point I'm pretty sold on the truck. I like the appearance, the interior I need to check out better and I hope to be able to get the dealership I end up choosing to let me demo one for a day or so.

[fedmogul89]

I owned a 2015 Ram 1500 Big Horn. It was a very nice truck, and the 8 speed transmission was flawless. I had OEM tow mirrors and tow package. I had no major issues with the truck; i just wasn't crazy about the large amounts of chrome on the truck. Kind of made me nervous to use it at times, lol. For what I tow, i dont notice any performance difference. Although I do feel like at lower speeds, the Ram had more hind-end behind it. At higher speeds, i don't notice a difference. The Ram seemed to have more storage space, and the 5.7 Hemi was a hulk. But the 5.3 is no pushover either. Going from the 8 speed to a 6 speed i do notice a few rpm "deadspots" where I would normally associate a gear change. But nothing too major. The interior of the Silverado seems more fluid and pieced together then the Ram did. The ram seemed like everything was more blockier inside. But it was still a nic truck.

[bosro]

Came from an 11 F150 with the Ecoboost.

I had no real issues with the truck for 60k miles.

Would have bought another if they had done some performance improvements in 15.

Pulled awesome.....more relaxing than pulling with my 6.2L

My current truck is not what I would call perfect.....

Tranny sucks.....clunking,weird shifts....blah blah

Vibes at highway speed,which showed up,were not there as new truck.

Like the 6.2L....gets a bit better mpg than the Ecoboost....but burns premium

Lots of power and pulls well.....revs to do it.

All in all I'm not satisfied with the Chevy and have regrets.

If the tranny wasn't the way it is and vibes weren't present then it would be a different story.