We did it!!

We finally did it – we bought the truck! After over a year of research, a dozen test-drives, and many, many hours of conversation, we purchased the truck.

We decided to purchase a Ford F350 DRW (dual rear wheels; “dually”). We first set out for a used truck, then contemplated new, and finally ended up with a used 2019 vehicle.

So why the Ford? And why the F350?

After intensely comparing the “Big 4” truck manufacturers (Ford, Ram, Chevy, GMC) some differences emerged. From these differences, we chose the vehicle that fits the most “needs” with the least number of “minuses.”

Here is a brief list of some of the positives by brand. This is not an all-inclusive list by any means, but this is what we identified as important.

Ram

GMC/Chevy

Ford

The truck we selected

For many reasons we ended up in the Ford. However, in short, here is how we arrived at our decision:

• We eliminated the GMC/Chevy very quickly as no adaptive cruise control was available. On a side note, GM has introduced adaptive cruise control to the 1/2 ton line of trucks, but no mention of it’s introduction to the heavy duty line.
• Additionally, the GMC/Chevy does not offer a panoramic sunroof (allowing rear seats to have a sunroof overhead). This was also a feature that we felt was important as it would give interest to the kids in the backseat as well as allow a more “open” feeling to the truck.
• We test drove the Ram 3500 DRW with the high-output engine and Allison transmission; this is the only way to achieve the 1,050 lb.-ft of torque on the Ram and not very many Ram trucks are built with this option. The ride was very rough (making any descent amount of time spent in the truck, empty, almost unbearable). Additionally, the engine and transmission did not feel very refined. We could feel a number of the shifts, and a continuous “buzzy” vibration transferred through the floorboard.

Our truck

We were looking for a Lariat, King Ranch or Platinum trim level. These all gave us the options (standard or as selected) that we wanted the most. In the end, we found a King Ranch that gave us all of the options we wanted however, purchasing the truck roughly a year old and with 30,000 miles helped to save on the purchase price. For those of you who are looking at a new (or new to you) truck for an adventure like ours, here are the top features and why we chose them:

• Leather seats – these are a must when traveling with children and pets! They wipe clean of almost any of the messes that are thrown at them.
• All weather floor mats – after nearly 4 years with Weathertech in our “family” car, I will never own a car without these. They catch and keep mud, chewing gum, melted crayons, spilled chick-fil-a ice cream left for days (all from personal experience) and rinse or powerwash clean without a trace of what was before!
• Dual-zone climate control
• B&O Sound system – this is Ford’s current “premium” sound system. As a family that enjoys music while on the road, we wanted a sound system that was enjoyable and fun while on the road for as many miles as we plan!
• Apple Car Play – makes music selection and map navigation a breeze when your passenger falls asleep and stay asleep well past your planned exit…again, personal experience here!
• 4.10 axle ratio – I like the 3.55 best for highway engine RPMs as well as gas milage (especially when empty). However, when planning on towing a 20k+, 45′ long, high profile fifth wheel through steep mountain grades and at highway speeds, I did not want to “wish” I had more available power. If I were purchasing the truck for a 5-6 times a year camping trips, I would have chose the 3.55 axle for noise and economy.
• Fifth wheel / gooseneck prep kit – DO NOT buy a heavy duty truck without these. These “power pucks,” as they are called, make quick work when installing and removing hitches or gooseneck chain hooks.
• Adaptive cruise control with collision warning – knowing we would be driving as many miles as we will, and often in long stretches, at highway speeds, this was a must. You set a distance you are “comfortable” with and when you encroach on that distance, the cruise control begins to decelerate as needed to keep that distance. When towing a large, heavy trailer, often the difference between a collision and not is how quick you begin the deceleration. With adaptive cruise control, if you are momentarily distracted, the vehicle has already begun the deceleration which gives the driver time to see and avoid the collision.
• Twin panel moonroof
• “Tow technology bundle” including “ultimate trailer tow camera” – this system used many different cameras stitched together to display a “360 view” from overhead the truck on the center console screen. Ford does a wonderful job with this system and it is VERY helpful when parking such as wide truck (as a dually) and with the long 8′ bed. Additionally, with our three kids running around, and the many children at campgrounds, this will give my wife and I peace of mind that we have a better chance of “seeing” someone before they are in harm’s way.
• White! – as duallys are wider and do not fit in standard car wash tracks, keeping them clean can often be a greater hassle (think handwash!). From what I have found, the dirt roads we travel around our current home (and our future homes!) do not make the truck look as dirty as our black Ford flex will look in a similar time.

This was a big step for us, as it signals the beginning of the shift in our lives. My old Ram 1500 is now sold, and we are now focused on the remaining money needed for the downpayment on our trailer as well as readying the house to sell. On to the next step of the adventure!

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