Is the Ram 3500 better than the Ford F-350?

The Ram 3500 often shines for payload and diesel torque, while the Ford F-350 frequently excels in maximum towing and overall capability. The best choice depends on your specific hauling needs, configuration, and budget.

Both trucks sit at the top end of the heavy-duty pickup segment, offering multiple engine options, cab/bed configurations, and trim levels. This report compares core factors that buyers weigh: powertrain options, towing and payload potential, ride and interior quality, technology and safety features, and ownership costs. The goal is to help readers determine which model aligns with their workload and daily use.

Performance and Capabilities

Power and torque figures, as well as how the trucks behave under load, drive real-world performance. Each brand tunes its heavy-duty platform to handle demanding jobs, with diesel options emphasizing torque for towing and sustained pulling power.

Powertrain options

Ram 3500 offers a 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel in many configurations, paired with a heavy-duty automatic transmission, and a gasoline alternative such as a 6.4L Hemi V8 in certain trims. Ford F-350 combines a 6.7L Power Stroke turbo diesel with a robust 10-speed automatic across most trims, and a 7.3L Godzilla gasoline V8 is available for buyers who prefer gasoline power. Engine choices influence towing capability, torque delivery, and operating costs, especially on long stretches or steep grades.

Towing and payload considerations

Both trucks can tow very heavy trailers when properly equipped, and both offer overweight payload capabilities suitable for work fleets and hobbyists alike. The Ram 3500 is frequently lauded for high payload ratings, aided by its frame and chassis design, making it strong for hauling cargo in the bed. The Ford F-350 typically emphasizes high gooseneck and fifth-wheel towing capacity, with a diesel that complements long-haul towing performance. Exact numbers vary by cab style, bed length, axle ratio, four-wheel drive, and equipment packages.

In practical terms, a Ram 3500 configuration with the diesel and appropriate rear axle setup often leads in payload capacity, while a Ford F-350 configuration optimized for towing can deliver exceptionally high gooseneck/fifth-wheel capabilities. Buyers should compare the specific ratings for the exact trim and configuration they intend to buy.

Ride, Comfort, and Interior

Interior quality, cabin quietness, and available comfort tech play a major role in daily usability and long workdays. Both brands have improved interiors in recent generations, with premium materials and modern infotainment systems offered on higher trims. The Ram tends to emphasize a spacious, comfort-focused cabin with a rugged aesthetic, while Ford tends to deliver a refined, technology-forward environment with strong driver-assistance features.

Interior features and technology

Ram highlights include the Uconnect system, large touchscreen options, and upscale materials in higher trims such as Laramie, Longhorn, and Limited. Ford showcases the SYNC 4 suite, available high-resolution displays, and a range of driver-assistance technologies that are particularly prominent in newer models and trims like King Ranch and Limited. Both deliver a capable, user-friendly experience, but the feel and layout differ by brand language.

Conclusion: If you prioritize a more spacious, comfort-oriented interior, Ram often delivers; if you value a tech-forward cabin and a strong suite of driver aids, Ford may edge ahead in certain trims.

Costs and Ownership

Purchase price, maintenance, fuel costs, and resale value all factor into total cost of ownership. Both brands offer competitive warranties and service networks, with differences in diesel maintenance costs and fuel economy that matter over multi-year ownership. Diesel engines typically deliver better highway efficiency for long trips but can incur higher maintenance costs compared with gasoline engines and routine repairs.

Conclusion: For buyers who plan extensive highway towing and frequent long trips, calculated fuel and maintenance costs matter, and it’s prudent to compare the expected miles, fuel type, and service needs for the exact configurations being considered.

Bottom line

The Ram 3500 and Ford F-350 are both capable, heavy-duty pickups designed to handle demanding jobs. The Ram 3500 tends to appeal to buyers who prioritize higher payload capacity and robust diesel torque for bed-focused work. The Ford F-350 often appeals to buyers who prioritize maximum towing potential, especially with gooseneck or fifth-wheel trailers, along with a tech-rich interior in many trims. The right choice depends on your primary use—payload versus trailer weight—and on the specific configuration you plan to purchase. A side-by-side test drive of your preferred trims and configurations is essential to determine the better fit.

What to consider before you buy

Before you decide, consider these factors that influence which truck is best for you:

• Payload needs: If you routinely haul heavy cargo in the bed, prioritize higher payload ratings.


• Towing requirements: If you regularly tow very heavy trailers with gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitches, assess the gooseneck/fifth-wheel ratings per configuration.


• Cab and bed configurations: The available payload and towing numbers change with the choice of cab size, bed length, and 4x4/2x4.


• Engine choice and efficiency: Diesel vs gasoline power affects torque delivery, fuel economy, and maintenance costs over time.


• Cost of ownership: Initial price, depreciation, insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs should be weighed for the model you’re considering.

Conclusion: Both trucks can meet demanding jobs, but the best choice aligns with your workload, budget, and preferred brand experience. A test drive in the exact configurations you intend to buy is essential.

Summary

In the Ram 3500 vs. Ford F-350 debate, the Ram often leads on payload and diesel torque, making it a strong choice for bed-focused work and heavy cargo. The Ford frequently offers exceptional towing capabilities, especially for gooseneck and fifth-wheel setups, along with a tech-forward interior in many trims. The optimal pick depends on whether your priority is payload or towing, plus the specific configuration, ride preferences, and ownership economics you value most. Conduct thorough comparisons of the exact trims you’re considering and arrange a practical test drive to finalize your decision.

Which is more reliable, Ford or RAM?

Ram generally shows better reliability than Ford, particularly in the Ram 1500 vs. Ford F-150 comparison, with higher ratings from sources like J.D. Power and RepairPal. Ram models are often cited for lower average annual repair costs and less frequent, less severe repairs. However, Ford has strong performance and value, especially with certain engines like the non-hybrid models, and reliability ratings can vary by model year, engine, and specific issues.
 
Ram reliability

• Higher ratings: The Ram 1500 ranks 1st out of 17 full-size trucks on RepairPal, while the F-150 ranks 7th, according to the same source. 
• Lower repair costs: The Ram 1500 has an average annual repair cost of $691, which is lower than the F-150's $788. 
• Fewer major repairs: Ram trucks tend to have a lower frequency of unscheduled repairs and lower severity of repairs, making major repairs uncommon. 

Ford reliability

• Mixed ratings: The Ford F-150's reliability can be mixed depending on the specific model and year, with the non-hybrid models often receiving positive ratings. 
• Higher repair costs: The F-150 has a higher average annual repair cost of $788 compared to the Ram 1500. 
• Potential issues: Some F-150 models have faced specific issues, such as problems with the 10-speed transmission and recalls on some parts, according to sources like this YouTube video. 

Which is right for you?

• If prioritizing long-term reliability and lower ownership costs is your main concern, the Ram 1500 is often considered the more dependable choice based on current data. 
• If you are interested in specific Ford engines, like the non-hybrid models, and don't mind potentially higher repair costs, the F-150 can still be a reliable option. 
• A proper maintenance schedule is crucial for both Ram and Ford trucks to ensure long-term durability and dependability. 

Which truck is better, the Ram 3500 or the Ford F-350?

The choice between an F-350 and a Ram 3500 depends on priorities, as each truck excels in different areas: the F-350 often has a higher max payload, more powerful available diesel engine options, and a smoother 10-speed transmission, while the Ram 3500 generally offers a higher conventional towing capacity and the signature sound and power of its available Cummins diesel. Other factors include interior features, such as the Ram's potentially larger screens and storage, and the F-350's available off-road technologies like Trail Control™. 
This video compares the Ford F-350 and Ram 3500 in detail: 1mJB ReviewsYouTube · Aug 6, 2024
Ford F-350

• Payload: Has a higher maximum payload capacity (up to 7,850 lbs) when properly equipped. 
• Engine: Offers more available engine options, including a high-output 6.7L Power Stroke diesel with up to 1,200 lb-ft of torque. 
• Transmission: Equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission that provides quicker shifts. 
• Off-Road: Features available off-road technology like Trail Control™. 
• Towing: Has less conventional towing capacity than the Ram 3500, but higher gooseneck towing. 

Ram 3500

• Towing: Features a higher maximum conventional towing capacity (up to 37,090 lbs). 
• Engine: Comes with the high-output 6.7L Cummins turbo-diesel, known for its torque and rumble. 
• Interior: Offers a high-end interior with potentially larger screens and more storage space, especially in the Mega Cab configuration. 
• Towing Tech: Includes features like the exhaust brake for better stopping power. 
• Price: Base model configurations can be a better value, especially with the more powerful standard gas engine. 

What Ram 3500 to stay away from?

2007 RAM 3500
One of the main reasons it belongs to this list of RAM 3500 years to avoid is its steering woes. These problems ranged from tie rod ends popping off, resulting in a loss of steering control, to the frightening “death wobble” — a violent shaking after hitting a bump, leading to loss of vehicle control.

What is the best 2500 diesel truck to buy?

The "best" 2500 diesel truck depends on your priorities, but the top contenders are the Ram 2500, Ford F-250 Super Duty, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The Ram 2500 is known for its powerful Cummins engine and reliability, while the Ford F-250 and Silverado 2500HD offer comparable power and capability. For the most recent models, consider the 2025 or 2026 model years. 
This video compares the 2025 models of the Ram 2500, Ford F-250, and Chevy Silverado 2500HD: 1mThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Apr 6, 2025
Ram 2500

• Pros:
  • Excellent reputation for long-term reliability, especially models with the Cummins engine. 
  • The 2026 model features a High-Output 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel with a class-leading 1,075 lb-ft of torque. 
  • Offers a refined driving experience and high-tech options like a large infotainment screen. 
• Cons:
  • May have accessory issues. 

Ford F-250 Super Duty

• Pros:
  • A strong contender in power and refinement. 
  • Often cited as the best overall heavy-duty truck, according to some rankings. 
  • The 2025 model is the most affordable among the heavy-duty options. 
• Cons:
  • Some users report fewer on-road issues with the Silverado compared to the Ford, according to a Facebook discussion. 

Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 

• Pros:
  • Features a powerful Duramax diesel engine paired with a durable Allison heavy-duty transmission. 
  • The 2025 model can tow up to 20,000 pounds, the highest in its class. 
  • Known for its durability and strong performance. 
• Cons:
  • Lower fuel efficiency compared to the Ram 2500. 

You can watch this video to see how these trucks perform in towing tests: 59sCTech-reviewYouTube · Jul 1, 2025
How to choose

• For reliability and value: The Ram 2500 is a great choice, particularly models from 2003-2007 known for long-term durability. 
• For maximum towing capability: The Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD can tow the most. 
• For a balance of power and a lower price point: The Ford F-250 Super Duty is a solid option.