Just found this posted on pickuptrucks.com. Interesting reading and thorough testing as always.


PickupTrucks.com Presents the 2010 Heavy-Duty Shootout - PickupTrucks.com News

 

Interesting reading.
JL

 

It was a good read, although most of the test was about racing which isn't too appealing to me as a truck owner. There was a lot of talk about Ford's poor traction control; is this feature that important? I don't have it on any of the vehicles I own for just that reason- I find it more of nuisance in everyday driving in sand or gravel.

One cool feature I read that the Ram has is the ability to adjust the tire pressure sensitivity. If Ford trusts me to know when to wear my seat belt and allows me to disable the chime, perhaps they can allow me know adjust my tire pressure for the situation, too.

It was kind of neat to see how close these trucks are to one another. I suppose nothing much has changed in the last few years when it comes to buying a truck. It all comes down to preference. And I prefer a Ford with solid axles, roomy fenders, and a roomy cab that doesn't make me feel like I'm riding in a car.

 

Yep, I agree.

A second here or there really doesn't matter to me. Price, Reliability, Company, and reputation matter more. (Then north american parts content percentage after those.)

(although, stopping shorter loaded with 2k in the bed than unloaded is rather impressive with the 3500 denali.)

 

Yeah- the Denali looks like it is set up to grab a share of the market Ford has with the King Ranch trucks.

Was the braking victory that the GM won by something like 3 inches? LoL

As I was trying to say earlier, the heavy duty truck market is so competitive and that it gets to the point of splitting hairs! Even the Ford 6.2L gas engine's "impressive" 5 second victory up that steep grade is not that much in my eyes. You just spent more time than that reading my worthless opinion haha!

 

Subscribed

 

Interesting that they use GM's test track, and GM wins 2/3. If you want to at least appear unbiased, you don't borrow a competitors resources.

At least we spanked Dodge.

 

wasn't last one done on the Ford proving grounds?

sam

 

It's Government Motors taking control! Ha Ha

 

Subscribing.

 

Do we have a newly appointed Truck Czar?

 

We did the HD Shootout in 2007 at Ford's Proving Grounds and the Ford F-250 and GM 3500 came out on top there too. In 2003, the Super Duty won at Ford's Proving Grounds. Were those Shootouts also biased?

 

Oh, hey, howdy Mike.

Ah heck, you know this is a Ford enthusiasts site. We're going to be biased. I don't doubt your ethics. Just your methods and priorities.

Ever think of taking these trucks off-road? If you did, you couldn't seriously choose GM.

 

Hey Mike! Thanks for posting and thanks for the great evaluation. Have you all thought about using 5th wheel campers, gooseneck horse trailers (or equivalent), and travel trailers to introduce some drag into the equation?

Also, any thoughts about re-testing with the Fords since Ford has changed the power ratings for the 6.7? I was also wondering why the F-450 wasn't included in this testing. I know the overall package is basically the same but the 450 does have the 4.30 gearing.

 

Yes, we did think about using 5th wheel trailers but it would have made the logistics much more complicated. I think next time we do this we're going to have to increase the testing duration from 1 to 2 weeks and include 5th wheel tests, payload ride and drive tests and a 1,000 mile fuel economy loop.

Already thinking about re-testing with the 400/800 Fords. Stay tuned. I'll reiterate I asked for those trucks for the Shootout based on word I had from our sources that the upgrade was imminent.

I also asked for a F-450 (we tested it in 2007) but Ford declined to provide one. I wish they had.