Hi FTE: Just wondering if anyone who has had an experience with these trucks knows which frame is stronger for General use. (Hauling a max of 2500 lbs OR towing a 9,000 lb camper) I haul stuff a few times a month and tow my camper at least 5,000 miles/yr, basically a few big trips.

I'm looking at the following truck The Ford SD (05+) or GM HD ('01-10). Extended cab, 4x4 Gas Engine (Don't want a diesel, many reasons)

I know the Ford has SFA vs GM IFS on 4x4's, however, I don't plan on any serious off roading, so not a concern. (Just want 4X4 for winter snow, light dirt trails, etc.)

Anyways, my concern with the Ford, is that just by looking at these two trucks, the Ford's frame seems a lot smaller than the GM HD. Has anyone experienced any issues with the Ford Frames when towing and/or hauling?

I've never owned a Ford SD before, but have had a couple GM HD's (Older) and felt they were good trucks for what I asked of them, (never went LESS than 200,000 Mi before having to open up the engine/trans.) Howver, due to rust issues on the '01-06 GM's ('07+ is kinda new to know if it will rust or not), I want to at least take a look at Ford this time around.

Please let me know what you think of the Ford SD frames or if you have had any good/bad experiences with them

EDIT: Forgot to include:- I'm only looking at F250/2500 or F350/3500 SRW trucks. Don't want/need a Dually

 

The frame is not a problem on either of these trucks. It's the drive line, cab, body and power that you should look at. Buy the one you like the best.

 

The Ford will ride stiffer unloaded...designed that way to carry the load. So when loaded it will ride like an unloaded Chevy.

The frames look different because GM uses the IFS and that requires the frame to be Low slug and closer to the ground.

Ford tucks the frame up more. I don't know the PSI strength of either but I suspect they are fairly close.

Ford will probably have the higher payload.

Here is a link to towing guides from 2002 to present.

Towing Guides | fleet.ford.com

I think loaded the Ford will be better handling with a camper on the back or towing one in SRW form.

 

I don't know anything about the newer GM's since I have no desire to own one, but the Super Duty's have rust issues also. It's not uncommon for rust to develop above the rear wheelwells after 5yrs or so and the cab corners and supports under the box are also prone to rust. The weird thing is some truck rust, some don't, even ones that live in the same area. The '11+ body style is new enough yet that the jury is still out on rust, but I know Ford is still putting that crappy foam above the rear wheel wells and that is what is causing the issues on the older trucks. But if you buy new and keep the rust prone areas coated with fluid film or some other rust preventer you shouldn't have any problems. If you go new the 6.2 is a heck of a motor, especially when paired with the 4.30 gears. The 6spd tranny is also pretty good. If you plan on doing a lot of towing/hauling go with the 350 since the 250's are prone to squatting a lot more when loaded.

 

My 2000 F350 will haul/tow more than my buddies 2001 GMC 2500HD. Mine has the camper package rear springs that have an extra leaf and the overload springs on top. The GMC has more leaves but can't come close to the amount of tongue weight. All spring packages can be had on either the 250/350, the only difference is a 2" block on the 250 and a 4" on the 350. The GMC does have the power advantage with the 8.1 L and 4.10's against my 6.8L V10 w/3.73's. The Allison trans does not seem any better than the 4R100 but it has an annoying whine to it. I personally hate GM seats. They kill my back.