2011 Ford F250 vs 2006 Dodge 2500

I figured that I should start writing reviews about some of the equipment that I use. Last fall I got a new truck (the Blue Oval "Waylon") and I think that I have spent enough time and miles to compare the two. I have blocked out the emblems and other identifying features to ensure that it is clear that my opinion is not official and does not represent my employer's.


First the Billy Goat ("willie"): 345hp Hemi V-8, 4 speed automatic transmission, 4wd, quad cab 3/4 ton. When I got "willie" in 2009 he had 40000 miles.

For the most part he ran well. I had 33" tall firestone mud terrain tires and overall I was satisfied with the truck. The tie rod did come apart while I was driving and nearly caused me to lose control.

One of the biggest dowsides was that the bed was not long enough to carry a 2008 Honda Rancher ATV. Initially the bed was about 2" too short. After some hard use the headboard bent and the 4 wheeler fit. I did knock out a couple of rear windows because the front of the ATV was too close to the window.

Willie had a ton of torque. It seemed that he was quicker than the other 2500 trucks and his top speed was governed at 117mph, he was capable of this speed even with the wheeler riding in back.

There was enough space in the back seat to carry all of my equipment efficiently. Willie offroaded well and with the right tires would go most anywhere, but the limited slip rearend didn't offer enough traction at times and speed was necessary to get through some tough spots.

Willie had over 100k miles when I turned him in and was definately showing his age.
P.S. be carefule when you buy surplus trucks, they might have been driven by me!

"Waylon" is a 2011 Blue Oval F-250 extended cab, 4wd, 390+ hp V-8, 6 speed automatic 3/4 ton . Initially Wayon had some problems that included the transmission, and the traction control system, the computer and the battery. After a few trips to the dealer and 25k miles, the problems seem to be worked out.

I immediately set out and replaced the 31" street tires with some 33" BF Goodrich KM2 mud tires. The suspension components are built very well. Even with some of the places that I go I don't expect any premature failures.

The ATV fits well in the bed with a couple of inches to spare. My dad had some metal left over and he constructed a headache rack that protects the rear window from incidental ATV contact. The rack works very well.

Waylon has a lot of horsepower, but not as much low end torque. Off the line he just doesn't have the pep. The other downside is that his governer kicks in at 97mph. Acceleration is very brisk from 40 through 97 but it hits the governor and loses its hp advantage.

There is no room in the back seat. I have some new equipment and along with the cage there is no possibility of having any passengers besides the front passenger seat and the special seat. Consequently the special seat is reserved for my favoritest friends. Waylon does have an electric locker. The advantage off-road is amazing and I have yet been denied on any road/trail.

I can't get the dealer to eliminate the governor, turn off the running lights or reset the tire pressure sensor from 80psi to 40psi. If I could get these things fixed my only complaint would be the lack of interior space.