The Heavy Duty Truck Comparison You Need

A step forward from a year ago is the move to offer new heavy-duty pickup trucks to give us the power and performance needed to move mountains and reshape the world.
Ram is the first of the big three names to offer new versions of these big trucks with the 2019 Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models that will be equipped with the specs and items that we want. The new Chevrolet Silverado HD will be offered in February and Ford has announced that a new Super Duty model will be coming in the next two years.

The Current Comparison

With both Chevrolet and Ford models still in the works, we have to perform this comparison with the trucks we currently have on the market. This may show just how much better the new Ram is and the fact that the other brands will have to make serious improvements for the future, or it could show the opposite. The current trucks that we see on the market, to include the new Ram, are the Ram 2500 and 3500 HD, the Chevrolet Silverado HD in the 2500 and 3500 sizes, and the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty models. Only the Ford team gives us three heavy-duty truck models. For what it’s worth, it could be noted that while both Ford and Chevy are also busy making sedans and big-time SUVs like the Ford Expedition and the Chevy Tahoe, Ram produces tough trucks, exclusively. It’s hard to see if this is specifically a benefit for Ram, but it doesn’t hurt.

Engines and Drivetrains

All three trucks offer both gasoline and diesel powertrains to give you the power you need for the drive. Ram has two diesel versions with the new model that was just introduced. Ram also has an advantage with the 6.4-liter V8 that makes 25 more horsepower than the next most powerful gasoline model and Ram is the only brand to make use of an eight-speed automatic transmission with the gasoline engine that you may want to enjoy.
The diesel engines offered by all three brands is where you find the most power for the towing and hauling you need. When it comes to horsepower, the Ram is the weakest with only 400 ponies, while the Chevy models make 445 horsepower and the Ford reaches 450 ponies under the hood. When it comes to torque, the power changes with the Ram being the best in the class at 1,000 lb.-ft. followed by Ford at 935 and Chevrolet at 910. All of the diesel engines use six-speed automatic transmissions for the drive to give you the shifting you need when you need to get more work done.

The Work Where it Matters

While it’s great to talk about power numbers, the fact is these numbers need to translate into towing, payload, and cargo capacity in order to make sense for those of us looking at a heavy-duty truck as the right one to put to work. The gasoline models are let with the Ram that has a towing capacity of 17,810 pounds. The Ford comes in second with nearly 3,000 pounds less than the Ram and the Chevrolet model follows the Ford and comes in third in this list. Ram also tops the list of diesel models when it comes to towing with 35,100 pounds of potential.
The payload question allows for a simpler answer and this is where Ford quotes a payload max of 7,630 pounds which is more than the Ram, which is next, and the Chevrolet models, which fill out the bottom of the list. Currently, the Ford Super Duty trucks also have the highest cargo volume with the Chevrolet Silverado HD models coming in second and the new Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models bringing up the rear with the smallest box on the rear of the truck.

Choose the Right Truck for You

Do you need more power to tow or to carry? Are you looking for the most comfortable cabin (which we didn’t get into) or do you need the most tools for the work you need to get done? The right heavy duty truck is waiting for you and as you can see, there are some ways that the new Ram 2500 and 3500 HD models offer advantages over the Chevrolet and Ford models, but that might change when the other brands offer their new trucks. If you’re looking for the right truck to drive, you’ll want to consider all three before you make your final decision, unless you have a deep-rooted brand affiliation to follow.