Not trying to start a war… just need some advice on a good 1-ton diesel

Advice Needed
1

I’ve got a 2005 Silverado 1500 that’s on its last legs. I’m not the type to trade trucks often, so whatever I get needs to last 10-15 years. I’ve owned all the Big 3, and if I had to rank them, it’d be GM > Dodge > Ford, but I like them all for different reasons.

I need something reliable that can handle a heavier workload since I’ve upgraded to a bigger tractor, a 4-horse trailer, and plan to get a 16’ dump trailer. Looking at 2015-2019 1-ton diesels. I’m not planning any crazy mods—maybe slightly bigger tires, a cold air intake, and an exhaust upgrade.

So, which truck is the best for towing straight out of the box?

2

Ram is solid, but that 68RFE (or even the Aisin) is my biggest concern. I have a ‘19 Duramax, and I love it. If you’re interested, here’s a breakdown on the L5P vs LML Duramax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHmWOHqbyW4

3

@Ellery
I wouldn’t recommend the LML to anyone. GM really dropped the ball by not putting a lift pump in those trucks, which led to way more CP4 failures than the Fords running the same pump.

4

Milan said:
@Ellery
I wouldn’t recommend the LML to anyone. GM really dropped the ball by not putting a lift pump in those trucks, which led to way more CP4 failures than the Fords running the same pump.

I own an LML… absolute garbage. And that’s before we even get to the CP4.

5

@Hart
If you like that body style, look into an LMM instead. It’s basically an LBZ with a DPF slapped on. Do a little ‘weight reduction’ and you’ve got an LBZ in a newer truck.

6

@Hart
The build quality on my ‘15 Suburban is awful. And I’ve owned some real junk before.

7

Milan said:
@Ellery
I wouldn’t recommend the LML to anyone. GM really dropped the ball by not putting a lift pump in those trucks, which led to way more CP4 failures than the Fords running the same pump.

What’s the actual failure rate?

8

@Ellery
Only GM knows for sure, but just based on forum posts, it seems like LMLs have way more CP4 failures than Fords. There are even full CP3 conversion kits out there for the LML.

9

@Ellery
I know two guys with LMLs, both had their CP4s fail around 100k miles. At least it’s easier to replace than on a Ford.

10

@Ellery
I’ve seen estimates of about 5% failure rate. Small, but still something to worry about.

11

Fox said:
@Ellery
I’ve seen estimates of about 5% failure rate. Small, but still something to worry about.

If you go by forum posts, it’s more like 99% lol.

12

@Ellery
I’d rather drop $3K rebuilding a transmission than dealing with a CP4 failure or tearing into a Ford’s cab for repairs. If you go Ram, just avoid the ‘19-‘20 models with the CP4.

13

Phoenix said:
@Ellery
I’d rather drop $3K rebuilding a transmission than dealing with a CP4 failure or tearing into a Ford’s cab for repairs. If you go Ram, just avoid the ‘19-‘20 models with the CP4.

You don’t need to pull the cab to replace a CP4 on a Powerstroke. Not sure where that rumor started, but it’s just not true.

14

@Tavi
I had to do it on a 6.4. And it’s not just the pump—you usually have to replace the whole fuel system.

15

Phoenix said:
@Tavi
I had to do it on a 6.4. And it’s not just the pump—you usually have to replace the whole fuel system.

Still doesn’t require pulling the cab, though.

16

I run a Ford 6.7 and it’s been great for towing—about 8 tons regularly. I’ve had GM, Ford, and Chrysler stores, and in my experience, 2013+ Fords have been the most reliable.

If you can hold off, I’d wait. The used truck market is insane right now, and you’re looking at paying new truck prices for 2018-2019 models. Might as well just buy new.

17

@Yule
I used to always buy trucks that were 2-3 years old with 50k miles, but with prices right now, I had to go new too.

18

Rowan said:
@Yule
I used to always buy trucks that were 2-3 years old with 50k miles, but with prices right now, I had to go new too.

Yeah, it’s crazy. I only upgraded to a new 350 because a dealer buddy offered me way more than I paid for my F-250.

19

@Yule
Sold my ‘08 F-250 Powerstroke with a bad up-pipe for $12k. Also sold my ‘17 Challenger Scat Pack for what I paid for it. This market is nuts.

20

I’ve owned Rams and Chevys, never had a Ford. My ‘14 Ram pulls great, but doesn’t quite compare to my old ‘04 Ram 3500 with a manual. My dad has an ‘08 Chevy dually with under 100k, and it’s solid.

All trucks have their issues—just stay on top of maintenance and avoid a lemon. Also, don’t waste money on a cold air intake. That money is better spent elsewhere.