2021 Ford F-550 VS. Ram 5500: Super-Duty Dust-up

 

Pickup trucks are known for being versatile, hauling heavy loads, and helping you get ready for any job. But if you need real power that can haul the heaviest loads, you have to talk about super-duty pickups.

Let's take a look at two super-duty trucks, the 2021 Ford F-550 and the 2021 Ram 5500, in a super-duty dust-up.

Price and Power

At a starting price of $40,895, the Ford F-550 base model XL edges out the Ram 5500, which starts at $41,000 for the base model Tradesman. In addition, the F-550 has higher trim options with the XLT and Lariat. The Ram counters with the SLT, Laramie, and Limited trims.

Engine power is close on both models, with the F-550 boasting a 7.3-liter V8 gas-powered engine providing 350 horsepower and 468 lbs/tq. The Ram 5500 has a 6.4 liter V8 gas-powered engine with 370 horsepower.

Both trucks come with a diesel engine option. The F-550 has a 6.7 liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine with 330 horsepower and 825 lbs/tq. The 5500 diesel has a 6.7-liter engine with 800 lbs/tq and 360 horsepower.

For towing capacities, the Ford-F550 can tow as much as 18,500 pounds and a 5th wheel gooseneck towing capacity of 31,300 pounds. The 5500 maxes at 35,220 pounds when paired with its diesel engine. The F-550 has a payload capacity of 12,190 pounds, while the 5500 maxes at 12,510 pounds when equipped with its gas engine.

Features and Tech

Conveniently, the Ford F-550 comes standard with six auxiliary upfitter switches and four 25-amp switches. The switches can be used to connect accessories such as winches, lights, and two-way radios to the vehicle's electrical system, so you don't have cut into the electrical system for installation. The 5500 comes with an integrated switch bank and six auxiliary buttons.

The F-550 also comes with Advance Trac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) and trailer sway control. This feature uses gyroscopic sensors to help maintain control of the vehicle and the trailer being towed. In addition, the 5500 has a tire pressure monitoring system with live pressure readings for the trailer.

The F-550 has available SYNC 3 technology, an easy-to-use voice-activated system that's ready to respond to your voice commands. The F-550 also comes with a Bang & Olufson 3D Premium Sound System with 10 speakers and a subwoofer. In addition, the 5500 has an available 7-inch driver information display and smartphone integration.

Safety options for the F-550 include automatic high beams, lane-keeping alert, and pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking. Similarly, the 5500 has available forward collision warning and lane-keep assist systems.

It's a tight battle, but the Ford F-550 comes out ahead in price and features. For a super-duty truck, the F-550 offers power and versatility in one package.

Contact Ken Ganley Ford Parma today for a test drive if you're in the Cleveland, Jefferson, or Lakewood areas.