Just joined the forums after reading them for the past year or so. I fully realize this is a Ford/Super Duty forum, but figured many have contemplated between different trucks before actually pulling the trigger...

2023 Trail Boss Custom, 5.3/10spd w/ 6.5’ bed or 2023 F250 XL STX, 6.8/10spd gas w/6.75’ bed?

I’ve been going back and forth between these two trucks. I’ve always loved the Super duty and was eager to order a new ’23 when the order books opened, but the current supply and quality issue of Ford had me hesitant to pull the trigger on a new model year truck/new engine without the opportunity to see one in the flesh, and MY22 orders still not yet filled. The Chevy Trail Boss has also always been one on the top of my list and seems to be much more readily available. In fact, I have one on order at the local dealership with a projected 3-11 month wait time(no financial commitment)…but, I keep finding myself getting pulled back to the new Super Duty.

From a use and practicality standpoint, either truck will do more than I’ll ever need from it. I do minimal towing, minimal commuting/travel, and honestly have zero need for a ¾ ton truck, but I like the size and durability aspects. I also tend to hold onto vehicles for 10+ years, so I want something that will last.

My last Chevy was a 1984 K10, and my last Ford a 2004 F150, so I’m sure I’d be happy with either one, but with today’s prices, I don’t want to regret my decision. My common sense is telling me to just wait another year until I can see the new Super Duty in person, but the excitement of a new truck, and current wait times, has me wanting to get the ball rolling.

From a longevity/durability perspective, or any other reason, is there a strong argument one way or the other? Help me overcome my paralysis.

 

I know an owner of a 2021 Tahoe who had to have the lifters replaced with less than 15k miles which has been a known problem for too many years. The Ford 7.3 has lifters issues as well so it's a crap shoot on quality with either brand. Flip a coin and hope for the best.

If it were me I would go with the Super Duty

 

GM doesn't have quality issues? GM and Ford both screw up often and then just deny they ever F'd up. GM's 5.3 was a good engine until they put Active Fuel Management in place that caused engines to self destruct after 100k miles (often much sooner than that). The 6.8 is a brand new engine but derived from the 7.3 so it is assumed it should be good.

I would go with the Ford to get the aluminum body, more power, heavier frame and suspension, bigger cab, bigger bed, better looks, and nicer interior but that's me.

 

Get a halfton unless you just want to try out the HD.

I would lean towards a 23 Tundra if I didn’t need the HD truck.

 

The Chevy will have auto start/stop

 

"do minimal towing, minimal commuting/travel..."

I can't tell if this thread is a satire...

Assuming it is not, get the GM so the folks who need the Ford Super Duty for work can get theirs quicker.

 

The Tundra has been hugely unreliable.

 

I think the Ford will hold up better long term if you live in the salt belt and the suspension and drivetrain are a little simpler on the Super Duty.

I would go with the XLT trim though because Ford really messed with the pricing/options on the STX and took away most of the value when compared to the XLT. I would also get the 7.3 since it's been out a few years, the 6.8 is new and I think it even has its own transmission that's all new.

 

I like the Trail Boss...almost bought one in 2020. However, I'd recommend going with the SD. I think the SD is a nicer truck, you're getting a better value and better resale value if you decide to go in another direction down the road.

Mike

 

Lol. That 5.3 can't tow a commercial lawn mower up a steep grade.

 

Ford has 7.3 lifter issues? When are my lifters going?

Oh, he did ask about the 6.8....focus.

 

I did not NEED a Super-Duty, but after pricing F150s in similar trim levels, they were nearly the same as my SD and I figured my F250 King Ranch would be worth more down the road towards trade or resale.

That's hit or miss depending on which demons may or may not infest your truck regardless of manufacturer. On the other hand, I see very little Ford inventory sitting on the dealer lots whereas the GM and Fiat dealers seem to have an abundance of vehicles available for sale.

 

Back off the Blue Oval Koolaid my friend. Here's a list a members on this forum who reported lifter failures. Also pretty sure the 6.8 will have the exact same lifters as the 7.3.

munson
grumblin
Pamcakes
Louisville Joe
Robin
Dig4it - also reported 8 more were at repair shop
springhook
And some of these people reported there's failures occurring in the motorhome application.

Not saying every engine will fail but there's no denying that Ford has a black eye on these lifter failures. We need to order a new 1 ton very soon and will probably order a F350/7.3 but at least I know I'm rolling the dice to some extent, but hopefully these failures go away.

 

If you want a truck get the Ford, if you want something close to a truck get a Tundra. The Ford won't ride as nice as the close to a truck category.

 

Agreed.... The V8 Tundras were really good, but the new ones with the twin turbo V6 have been problematic.