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Random Quote: There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.
I am thinking about a GMC or Ford 3/4 ton diesel option as well. I had a Duramax diesel reg cab and had a child so I needed the back seat. He is not 31/2 and I want more towing capacity than my 1500 has. The GMC is my first choice, but I like the current deals on Ford trucks.
I do not think you can go wrong with either Ford or GMC.
Location: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands / Sammamish, WA
Posts: 532
Fords in general have the highest towing capacities. As I understand it they can tow more because of their beefier suspension design (about 900 lbs heavier on average from what I read) but the consequence is lower fuel economy because of the weight. I think GMC has a better daily ride quality when you're not towing and the Ford drives better with an extreme load than the GMC.
ford sucks? that must be why their 2010's are coming out now and GM is waiting for the Gov to give them the OK! ford is the only big 3 not to get the Obama loan!
Gm duramax was to be a new engine 6.9l but it did not meet the Obama EPS standards so it sounds like they are having to go back with what they had. I have a new Ford only complaint is fuel milage. Not sure GM gets that much better.
Man, so much bogus info! Guess my 2800 shares of Ford stock are worthless since it's a "private" company?
Reality: Both Ford & GM build excellent trucks. Pick whichever you like the best, and buy it. The current models of diesels are particularly nice, in both brands.
Oh, and to answer your actual question: tow capacities, for an extended, cab two wheel drive diesel: Ford 12,500
Dodge 13,200
GM 15,400
I know your question is about which is better but ultimately the answer lies in how the truck is equipped. Having owned a '95 F250 before I bought my 2002 Chevy 2500HD I can honestly say that the few hundred pounds don't make a difference when you are talking about pulling 10,000lbs on a ball. Wheelbase, gas or diesel, manual or auto, 2wd or 4wd, etc. All of these things affect the overall capacity. The problem with having better capacity is how stiff the suspension is when you aren't towing. Pick out a vehicle that you like, is comfortable to drive unloaded, and most importantly that you can afford seeing as how they don't give these "haulers" away.
Personally I drive my trucks until the wheels fall off because the mileage that you can put on a diesel basically means that you have no trade in value when you actually wear them out. The truck actually starts falling apart before the motor wears out. My boat weighs in at 6,000lbs so I am going to buy a 1ton for the next truck even though my boat is no where the limit of a 3/4ton or 1ton's capacity.
Unless I am driving a tractor-trailer I prefer for my truck to be heavier than the load I am hauling because of how surge brakes function. I don't like the way the trailer can push on the truck's rear end rather than allowing the trailer slow then entire combo like electrics and air brakes do.
Man, so much bogus info! Guess my 2800 shares of Ford stock are worthless since it's a "private" company?
Reality: Both Ford & GM build excellent trucks. Pick whichever you like the best, and buy it. The current models of diesels are particularly nice, in both brands.
Oh, and to answer your actual question: tow capacities, for an extended, cab two wheel drive diesel: Ford 12,500
Dodge 13,200
GM 15,400
Reference: Trailer Life magazine towing guide
Dude, by private I meant not owned by the Government. You need to chill!
Man, so much bogus info! Guess my 2800 shares of Ford stock are worthless since it's a "private" company?
Reality: Both Ford & GM build excellent trucks. Pick whichever you like the best, and buy it. The current models of diesels are particularly nice, in both brands.
Oh, and to answer your actual question: tow capacities, for an extended, cab two wheel drive diesel: Ford 12,500
Dodge 13,200
GM 15,400
Reference: Trailer Life magazine towing guide
That didnt sound right so I looked. Your data is for 5th wheel GM and regular hitch Ford. With a regular hitch, Chevy is 13,000.
i currently tow a 34 venture with twin 300, glass top and hold 350 gal of fuel, when fully loaded at 10k my o6 2500 duramax/allison trans kicks butt!!!!! and it is alot quieter than any other diesel out there
I am a Chevy guy, own an '05 Duramax with over 100k on it, been a great truck with tons of power, but the whole Obama government bailout of GM and Mopar has really left a bad taste in my mouth, gonna have to ride this truck out til 2012 when hopefully GM will be out of the hands of the fed government...
Between the 2, if you have to go diesel, get the GMC, Fords diesel are the worst, also check out the Dodge with the cummins, the best puller out of the big 3.
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GMC 2500 or F250... 
