F250 Tremor 7.3L Godzilla versus 2500 Laramie/Rebel/Power Wagon 6.4L HEMI

[securityguy]

OK guys, I hope this goes without saying, but I need to say it anyway. I fully realize this is a RAM forum and I have owned two 1500 Limiteds and loved them both. Not looking for FORD haters as we're all aware that each of the BIG 3 and Toyota are having issues with their trucks so it's a matter of picking your poison. I am interested in buying either a 2026 FORD F250 Platinum Tremor with the Godzilla gasser (MSRP is around $88K) or a fairly loaded RAM 2500 with the 6.4L HEMI (based on what trim I get, the MSRP is between $79K - $88K). Both the 7.3L and 6.4L motors are very solid so can't go wrong with either IMPO. The ZF 8-speed tranny, I believe, is a better tranny than the FORD 10-speed. Electronically, the FORD may be more solid as the RAMs, I've read, are having software issues with the new electronic architecture. Both the FORD and RAM are super comfy and I think the RAM has the edge on interior design and quality but the massaging seats in the FORD are awesome. Most likely, can't go wrong with either and I plan on buying an OEM warranty regardless.

Without being a "FORD HATER", please help me with my decision as both FORD and RAM dealers are willing to give significant discounts, but money is not the issue for me. I don't currently tow and will be buying a 32-35' travel trailer (maybe 5th wheel) in the next few years. It's going to be a BIG @$$ TOY that goes to Church, Home Depot, and the grocery store and really nothing more for now . Just looking for honest assessments before I move forward and pull the trigger on one or the other.

Thanks, in advance, everyone for polite and valuable insights and replies to my post. I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything in my decision making that I'll regret down the road.

 

[stickshifter]

I think you have the basics of the comparison down:

Ford 7.3 is more powerful
Ram ZF 8-speed is a better transmission
Interior features are a matter of personal preference

If you idle your truck a lot, the Ford might be a better choice. There are concerns about idling the 6.4 (not enough oil flow to the engine when at idle, resulting in lifter and camshaft failure - called the "Hemi Tick"). Many people believe that changing the oil regularly, and maybe every 3,000 miles, will prevent such issues.

I don't know what the quirks are with the 7.3

The one thing you didn't mention was bed length, and second row seating:
- The Ram is a 6' 4" bed, the Ford is 6' 9"
- The Ford has more leg-room in the second row, and a flat floor (the Ram has a transmission hump)
- As a consequence of more room in bed and second row, the Ford is 11" longer overall. Both are "big trucks" but the Ford will feel even less-agile off-road than the Ram (if that matters)

 

[Units]

I think you’re overthinking this. Just buy the one that catches your eye and be happy with it.

 

[Crusty old shellback]

When I went looking in '21, the Power Wagon came with more features that were standard. Tremor you had to pay extra for them.
Things like lockers front and rear.
12K lb winch
Disconnect sway bar.
4.10 gears with torsion limited slip.

So make sure you are doing apples to apples.

As for towing, I towed a 35 ft bumper pull TT from 4500 ft up to 7K ft with no issues.

Got 107K miles on it and no issues. Put 35s on it at 200 miles

 

[securityguy]

I think you’re overthinking this. Just buy the one that catches your eye and be happy with it.

You may be right and not a surprise. As an engineer, I overthink everything Just trying to do my due diligence and research the best I can. No truck will ever be the "perfect" truck. You would think, in 2026, that everyone could, at a minimum, build a quality, trouble free truck!

 

[securityguy]

I think you have the basics of the comparison down:

Ford 7.3 is more powerful
Ram ZF 8-speed is a better transmission
Interior features are a matter of personal preference

If you idle your truck a lot, the Ford might be a better choice. There are concerns about idling the 6.4 (not enough oil flow to the engine when at idle, resulting in lifter and camshaft failure - called the "Hemi Tick"). Many people believe that changing the oil regularly, and maybe every 3,000 miles, will prevent such issues.

I don't know what the quirks are with the 7.3

The one thing you didn't mention was bed length, and second row seating:
- The Ram is a 6' 4" bed, the Ford is 6' 9"
- The Ford has more leg-room in the second row, and a flat floor (the Ram has a transmission hump)
- As a consequence of more room in bed and second row, the Ford is 11" longer overall. Both are "big trucks" but the Ford will feel even less-agile off-road than the Ram (if that matters)

Thanks! 2nd row not a concern as it's just me and the wife. Driving a 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD High Country Duramax Midnight edition now so used to the bigger 6'9" bed. Don't idle much at all either. Regardless, I change my oil every 3K miles as oil changes are cheap and easy.

 

[whitexc]

Drive both and play with the buttons. I own a Ram and daily a Super Duty. Both have their goods and bads.

Going away from the diesel? Why?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[securityguy]

Drive both and play with the buttons. I own a Ram and daily a Super Duty. Both have their goods and bads.

Going away from the diesel? Why?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did drive them both and liked them both in different ways. Bought the diesel because I never had one before and wanted to try it. My buddy is the GM at a Chevy dealer and I bought the truck for triple net and couldn't turn it down. Love the power and torque, but don't need a diesel and can now cross that off my bucket list.

 

[jsalbre]

You’ll likely be happy with either truck, but if you’re getting a 5th wheel you’ll be much happier with a diesel every time you try to pull in to fuel up. Getting a gas truck with a big trailer into most pumps is a major pain.

 

[securityguy]

You’ll likely be happy with either truck, but if you’re getting a 5th wheel you’ll be much happier with a diesel every time you try to pull in to fuel up. Getting a gas truck with a big trailer into most pumps is a major pain.

Thanks! Just looking for a reliable gasser that's cheap to maintain. Both the 6.4 and 7.3 seem to be a solid choice.