2015 Ford F-350 SRW LB vs 2007 Dodge 2500 SB - Montana Owners Club

Drifty1 · 03-01-2016, 05:37 PM

We have a 2007 Dodge 2500 w/6.7 that we tow with but in the last couple of days we had the chance to drive a 2015 Ford SRW LB from Phoneix to Sacrmento CA. The total miles pulling a 40' Big Sky were about 800 miles over two days..
There are a couple of items that stand out in my first impression. One is that the truck feels quite a bit heavier even before hooking on to the Big Sky.. I know that the truck is a bit heavier and you can sure feel it. Another thing is when hooked to this heavy trailer I never felt that the trailer was in control of me, which to me is the feeling of being pushed around by the trailer.
One of things I think are great feature on this truck mirrors which allow you to see the trailers tires when making corners. It is nice to make sure you are not taking out any stop signs etc. when making corners.
A couple of things I did not feel were up to the challenge were the exhaust brakes and the turn signals. The exhaust brakes to me were non existent compared to my dodge as they seem to use the transmission shifting more an exhaust braking system.. As for the turn signals I never did fully get the hang of the operation.. What ever happened to the old move the lever up till it clicks.
As for power it has plenty but does shutter a bit when pulling away from a stop light.. The shutter is no big deal but you can feel it. Also the truck feels very stable with the SRW which confirms to me that a person does not need DRW to feel like you are in control of this heavy of trailer..
I know there are folks that are not going to agree with my opinion... And keep in mind these are my thoughts which might help someone to decide if they need a DRW vs SRW.. I love my Dodge but found I really like the mirrors and the bulky feeling of this Ford.. It is a very nice truck..

speedster100 · 03-02-2016, 02:45 AM

You should try a GMC or Chevy as well if you get a chance. The power is better and they also handle the trailers with ease. I have a 42ft 3790RD Montana on my 2015 Chev SRW and no issues at all. Stable and in control, exhaust brakes works well although rarely need it or use it.

The new Chevy/GMC cabs are quiet and tight making a long haul so much less tiring.

mlh · 03-02-2016, 03:23 AM

They are all very nice nice trucks.
It think the shutter you felt was axle wrap. They put long springs on the new trucks for a nice ride then you get axle wrap. I had it on my 08. They were bad about that.
Lynwood

Eagleback · 03-02-2016, 03:42 AM

Remember apples to apples, try a 2015 Ram then you will have a better idea in what your looking for, your ram is almost 10 years old and on the old frame. And your correct about the mirrors. i have mine tilted to the up position the use the convex mirror to look at the tires. and i went out and bought clip on mirrors, i know they don't look right but they do work. and the exhaust brakes on the ram are an industry leader for being stock.

Drifty1 · 03-02-2016, 04:08 AM

John I am not in the market for a truck at this time. I just wanted to post my thoughts as it is not everyday you get a chance to drive someone else's truck and trailer 800 miles. I am hoping to drive the 1 ton Dodge while towing a trailer in the future. My Dodge does a fine job pulling my trailer.

1retired06 · 03-02-2016, 04:29 AM

shudder occurred on ours only when hooked up, and because pin weight dropped the rear a bit and changed the dynamics of the drive shaft assembly. Installed air bags, and no more shudder.

pkbridges77 · 03-02-2016, 12:27 PM

There are some good videos on YouTube comparing the features of all the big three. First time I drove my F-150 Ecoboost I couldn't figure out the turn signals, but after a few times of finally getting it, it becomes natural and quite effortless, I would say better than the rest. A simple flash of the lever and you get three blinks (or five if the trailer is hooked up). Great for lane change and exit ramps. Ford mirrors seem to get positive reviews consistently. GM interiors, Ram tech and the Cummins reliability. The 6.7 Ford is a beast for power. Duramax also seems high in reliability. My opinion, USA builds GREAT trucks for our use.

mlh · 03-02-2016, 01:23 PM

I think when the CEO of Toyota wakes up in the night screaming he just had a dream about an Ameracan pickup.
I hope you like your Ecoboost as much as I like my 2015, 2.7 EB. Eco boost, pick one.

richfaa · 03-02-2016, 02:04 PM

Agree on the axle wrap. The Ford Trucks are heavier than the other two brands. Our 08 F-350 was 8750 right out of the dealer and on to a scale.

The Bone · 03-03-2016, 08:18 AM

I hated the turn signals at first and still not used to them 6 months and 9,000 miles LOL.
I dont have any shudder with my F250 but my 5er is only 34 foot. I added air bags to my truck to help with squat. As for the exhaust brake that is how its supposed to work. To engage the exhaust brake just step on the brake and you can feel it engage. On the downhill it will downshift to hold a certain speed if you apply the brakes while going downhill it should stop the downshift. Cruise control has a effect on the exhaust brake as well.

Artemus Gordon · 03-03-2016, 06:32 PM

I won't get into truck wars, but look at recalls. I own vehicles from all three manufacturers, but my F450 Ford has never been recalled. Ram and GM have been plagued with issues, mostly minor but time consuming. The 6.7 has proved to be a vast improvement for FMC. The 2017 Super Duty will bring an entirely new design that will be hard to write off your list. I for one, would not buy less than a 3500 if towing 40 ft RV. I also never have felt the shutter you spoke of in the entire 45k miles on my truck, nor have had any exhaust brake complaints. Someone mentioned videos on line. The towing videos can can answer many questions. I would also recommend 4x4 in any truck you purchase. More than once I have needed it to pull myself and others from deep gravel and mud. Lastly a Dually is my preference and had been debated many times. Enjoy, today's trucks are awesome and very comfortable in all three manufacturers lines!

Drifty1 · 03-04-2016, 05:53 AM

I almost forgot to add the seats in this truck to the like list. I have a bad back and I feel that the seat wants to wrap around me more than my Dodge. With this seat I feel more support in the mid back range... This comes in handy on those 500 miles days..

pkbridges77 · 03-05-2016, 03:08 AM

8000 miles over two trips and zero fatigue from our Ford with KR interior.

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