Gassers: Ram 3500 6.4L vs Ford's F350's 6.2 and 7.3 Godzilla for overlanding

[Trixxx]

The 6.2L is a very well proven engine, so is the 6 spd transmission. IMO - one of the most reliable gas 3/4 or 1/ton gas combo’s you can buy right now.

The 7.3L has a classic pushrod design and while new, it uses basic, proven technology.

The 6 spd transmission is also long proven as it’s been in the super duty’s from 2011-2019.

The 10 spd transmission is amazing (I have it in my 6.7 and can get 18-19mpg at 70+ mph with 37’s). That being said, it’s also new to the super duty’s and not proven. Overall people seem very happy with it (I love mine) but there have been some rare issues and it isn’t yet long term proven. However, I do not find the rare issues to abnormal even for well proven components. I have 18k bullet proof miles (knock on wood) and I have zero regrets.

 

[mk216v]

Well... Not many folks chiming in regarding the international travel factor..

I have and love my Ram, but i will be staying within the US and Canada, so not super worried about parts or service issue

If i was traveling more remotely/deeper internationally (yes i know Canada technically counts) I would of opted for a Ford.

I travel often and Ford outnumbers Ram probably 10:1 in most areas, so the dealer networks and part availability is a lot better on the Fords. If not dealers then fellow travelers possibly carrying spares.

Just through Canada, i can count the number of Rams Ive seen on 2 hands, meanwhile, i saw hundreds, if not thousands of Fords.

That @mk216v fella obviously hasn't actually used Rotopax much while on the road, in cold or crappy conditions. They 100% absolutely suck and are a nightmare. That poor guys brain is still stuck in "Overlanding for the gram" mode!

So when making your decision, also look at what aftermarket aux tanks are available for what models from Transferflow or Titan. Can probably get upwards of around 65-80 gallons of onboard fuel. Fuel capacity was huge deciding factor for me on how i ordered/built my truck.
My .02

Haha, azz!

I've had these 4gal Rotopax's (in black vs red mind you--special edition biznatch) longer than you've been driving off-pavement. But you are correct--not much extreme cold weather use yet. But, being petrol, I'm limited in aftermarket choices. Especially since you didn't like my dog oven and factory 40gal tank, so now I'm at factory 34gal. Regarding aftermarket aux tanks, for petrol it appears that you have to have something custom made. Not much if anything available. If you go diesel then yes, look at Titan poly IMHO.

And I'm glad to have your blessing on my Ford. When we travel, we'll test reliability. I think you might owe me lots of tacos and Tecate!

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

Regarding aftermarket aux tanks, for petrol it appears that you have to have something custom made. Not much if anything available. If you go diesel then yes, look at Titan poly IMHO.

Not completely true...

If you’re lazy and stick to IG for your research like @mk216v then you likely won’t find much.

If you read between the lines and do some OEM part # comparability checking between petrol tanks and Diesel tanks, you may be surprised...

Example: 2019+ Rams use the EXACT SAME PART # fuel tanks for their diesels as they do their petrols

In the aftermarket world, liability rules all

Transferflow and Titan mainly only list diesel for most of their tanks because emissions, smog laws, that little angry Greta girl, etc...

But in fact, they are often the exact same tank. I’ve confirmed this with them via phone.

Easy way to check.. find whatever make and model you have. Look up the OEM part # for the fuel tanks for both diesel and petrol.

Not sure about Ford, but Ram used the same for both.

 

[skrypj]

Not completely true...

If you’re lazy and stick to IG for your research like @mk216v then you likely won’t find much.

If you read between the lines and do some OEM part # comparability checking between petrol tanks and Diesel tanks, you may be surprised...

Example: 2019+ Rams use the EXACT SAME PART # fuel tanks for their diesels as they do their petrols

In the aftermarket world, liability rules all

Transferflow and Titan mainly only list diesel for most of their tanks because emissions, smog laws, that little angry Greta girl, etc...

But in fact, they are often the exact same tank. I’ve confirmed this with them via phone.

Easy way to check.. find whatever make and model you have. Look up the OEM part # for the fuel tanks for both diesel and petrol.

Not sure about Ford, but Ram used the same for both.

I was gunna ask about this. I can't see why there would be a physical difference in the gas vs diesel tanks. I bet the difference is in the required crash and fire testing that they are put through. I have been to SWRI Fire Tech lab for my work and that is one of the things they do there. They actually had one of the new(at the time) 2020 Silverado HD's there under a blanket waiting to be tested last time I went.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I was gunna ask about this. I can't see why there would be a physical difference in the gas vs diesel tanks. I bet the difference is in the required crash and fire testing that they are put through. I have been to SWRI Fire Tech lab for my work and that is one of the things they do there. They actually had one of the new(at the time) 2020 Silverado HD's there under a blanket waiting to be tested last time I went.

I know for a fact, and have verified the Ram tanks are 100% identical and are literally the same OEM part #

 

[deserteagle56]

I was gunna ask about this. I can't see why there would be a physical difference in the gas vs diesel tanks. I bet the difference is in the required crash and fire testing that they are put through. I have been to SWRI Fire Tech lab for my work and that is one of the things they do there. They actually had one of the new(at the time) 2020 Silverado HD's there under a blanket waiting to be tested last time I went.

Size difference is due to needing a DEF tank...that separate tank is placed adjacent to the fuel tank. So the diesel fuel tank is smaller because it had to make room for the DEF tank. Manufacturers do it that way so that fills for both DEF and fuel are in the same access door. GM does it differently - the GM DEF tank is hanging down right behind the passenger side front tire and to fill it you have to open the hood. For instance, if you buy a diesel Jeep Wrangler, the diesel tank is only 18.5 gallons versus a gas powered Wrangler which has a 21 gallon tank. The DEF tank takes up the extra room.

 

[skrypj]

Size difference is due to needing a DEF tank...that separate tank is placed adjacent to the fuel tank. So the diesel fuel tank is smaller because it had to make room for the DEF tank. Manufacturers do it that way so that fills for both DEF and fuel are in the same access door. GM does it differently - the GM DEF tank is hanging down right behind the passenger side front tire and to fill it you have to open the hood. For instance, if you buy a diesel Jeep Wrangler, the diesel tank is only 18.5 gallons versus a gas powered Wrangler which has a 21 gallon tank. The DEF tank takes up the extra room.

I get that. But what I am saying is that there is no reason to think that gasoline cannot be put in a diesel tank. The tanks are likely the same exact material and construction.

IE, put gasoline in a Titan tank that claims to only be for diesel.

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I get that. But what I am saying is that there is no reason to think that gasoline cannot be put in a diesel tank. The tanks are likely the same exact material and construction.

IE, put gasoline in a Titan tank that claims to only be for diesel.

Correct

That’s exactly my point. RAM literally uses identical part #s for both of them. Sooo

 

[Buddha.]

I get that. But what I am saying is that there is no reason to think that gasoline cannot be put in a diesel tank. The tanks are likely the same exact material and construction.

IE, put gasoline in a Titan tank that claims to only be for diesel.

I was considering that but titan doesn’t make a tank, diesel or gasoline for the super cab (extended cab) super duty’s.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I get that. But what I am saying is that there is no reason to think that gasoline cannot be put in a diesel tank. The tanks are likely the same exact material and construction.

IE, put gasoline in a Titan tank that claims to only be for diesel.

Pumps can vary though, gas fuel pumps and diesel fuel pumps are generally not the same.

I love the concept of a 7.3 but a Ram is appealing for the fact that I don't have to buy a brand stinkin new truck to get a bigger pushrod V8. And I like the styling better too.

 

[sg1]

When thinking about extending your range keep in mind that you won't need the extra range very often. As long as you stay in populated areas or on the major roads you will find enough gas stations. I only needed a a range of about 700 miles when I was exploring remote areas in the Atacama dessert and the desert in the Argentinian Andes. Any solutions which allows you to temporarily carry extra fuel is fine. I used Jerry cans. The best solution to extend your range is to have a fuel efficient rig. This safes a lot of money (gas is very expensive outside the US) and weight. Weight is your worst enemy on soft ground or very bad roads. Have you thought about using a light weight camper? I did my trips with a camper weighing less than 8000lbs fully loaded and equipped and I had a comfortable composite box with a good sized wet bath (I am 6.2). The light weight solution made tire choice, wear and tear and fuel consumption a lot easier.

 

[Porkchopexpress]

And I like the styling better too.

First rule of an overlanding vehicle is to look cool, (at the shopping mall).

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

First rule of an overlanding vehicle is to look cool, (at the shopping mall).

Yup.

Until I find a truck I deem somewhat easy to DIY repair, I like the looks of and can afford I plan on keeping my 2002 F-150. It only has 190k and rust all over... but those mall shots on the 'gram are good for a solid 3 likes every time!

 

[jadmt]

TITAN SIDEKICK - 15 gal. Portable Liquid Tank (5040015)

15 gallons of handy storage and transport of flammable, combustible or nonflammable liquids.

titanfueltanks.com

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

When thinking about extending your range keep in mind that you won't need the extra range very often. As long as you stay in populated areas or on the major roads you will find enough gas stations. I only needed a a range of about 700 miles when I was exploring remote areas in the Atacama dessert and the desert in the Argentinian Andes. Any solutions which allows you to temporarily carry extra fuel is fine.

Its not always about range persay

If planned right, you can save a decent amount of $ over time. I did the math and my money savings actually paid for my transferflow tank on my tundra fairly quickly.

meaning... gas prices vary a TON here in the SW USA

If going to Death Valley for example, the fuel is usually $2+ more a gallon in or close the park. I’ve done several trips in the backcountry there close to 200+ miles off pavement. So filling up way beforehand and not needing to buy any $4 fuel there is key.

Also; Arizona is usually $1-1.50 cheaper a gallon just over the border. Now with 74 gallon capacity, I fill up every time before crossing back to CA.

But yeah, if I doing local trips where prices are somewhat similar, I don’t drive around topped off with both tanks full.

But knowing I can top everything off substantially cheaper when given the option, I always do