[MtnHerd]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the newer class 4 &5 trucks with the gas motors (f450, f550, Ram 4500, Ram 5500)? I know it seems like there are more and more on the road. I test drove a 6.4 hemi Ram 4500 crew cab 4x4 with the Aisin 6 speed automatic a few days ago and it impressed me more than I was expecting, but it also was not pulling a load. I was wondering how these would compare to the v10 in the F450 and F550's with the 5 speed automatic? I know a gentleman that has the Ram 4500 and loves it hauling cattle, hay, and equipment. He says it doesn't pull quite like the 6.7 Cummins he had before that, but it is close. And cost several thousand less and is getting better fuel mileage on average with cheaper fuel. Not really in the market for another truck right now, but getting several miles on my 2003 Duramax and just like to keep options open if it looks like it might become repair prone. Those trucks with the gas engines look to have higher towing (and much higher payload due to higher class truck) than my 3500 flatbed dally.

 

[MtnHerd]

Have they changed to the 6 speed in the v10? The ones we have at work are the 5 speed and they are 2015 models. I have not understood why Ford has not changed to the 6 speed in the 450/550 with the v10. You would think it would be cheaper to have one transmission on the assembly line. That would probably help them out, as I know the ones at work seem like they could use tighter ratios to keep a full head of steam. They are crew cab 4x4 with 11' tool beds loaded down and some times pull a mini hoe or skid steer. They do not pull as well as the 6.4's (no 6.7's at work due to all the issues with 6.4's and 6.0's) but get comparable mileage, maybe 1-2 less. With price of diesel they would actually be cheaper on fuel.

I think the big advantage Diesel engines still have is the exhaust/engine brake. I know those seem to work great from the few I have seen. Thought about getting one for mine, but $1,200 is hard for me to put on that truck just now. Although the brakes are so good on class 4 & 5 that maybe those don't come into effect as much.

 

[MtnHerd]

That is one of the reasons I started this post, to see if the gas engines had improved enough to be viable in an average farming operation. If you are hauling heavy loads constantly, the torque of the diesel, especially on the low end, is a no brainier. But with the new gas engines making more torque and horsepower than my older diesel and with the lower gears of the class 4 and 5's, could they be as effective as the older Diesel engines. With new diesels being around $10,000 above the gas engines, it starts making you think. I was really wondering if anyone on here had even tried these, especially the Ram 6.4 (although I'm not a fan of the cylinder deactivation). With the loss of fuel economy in the newer diesels and the lower cost of gas per gallon, it just made me wonder if anyone had any real world experience in this matter. I could see the gas motors coming into play in a 60% or less total towing in a year. Just getting others thoughts.

 

[MtnHerd]

I have heard that the trucks using the def fluid get a lot better milage than the regular egr in the previous generation of diesels. I have a friend that that went from 6.4 powerstroke to 6.7 and is much happier with his fuel mileage. But it also cost him a higher premium. I know he was upset that his brother had a v10 getting the same mileage as his 6.4. Anyone with any knowledge on if def is helping?