Comparing Three Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks

The history of the heavy duty truck traces all the way back to 1973 with the Chevrolet C30, a square-bodied dually that is widely considered to be the first modern heavy duty pickup. In the years since, there have been several other contenders to enter the segment, but over the last decade, there are really three heavy duty pickups that continue to rake in the awards and stand out from the crowd.

The Ford F-350, Chevy Silverado 3500HD and Ram 3500 are undoubtedly the top contenders, capable of jaw-dropping torque ratings and the ability to towing a ridiculous amount without breaking a sweat.

Here at Glenn Polk, we’re fortunate enough to have all three of these heavy hitters in our dugout, and for close to 30 years, we have helped many buyers to settle on the one that is best for them. Now, to help you, we’re taking a closer look at the tale of the tape to see how these three trucks stack up.

While there is more to these three trucks that power, it’s often the sheer strength that most buyers in the segment are after. That said, something these three trucks share is their similar engine lineup. The trio of heavy dutys all offer at least one gas engine and one diesel engine. If you know a bit about diesel engines, it’s likely no surprise that the maximum torque ratings in the table above – nearly all of which are capable of breaching the 1,000 lb-ft threshold– are all thanks to the diesel engine options.

You’ll notice that the F-350 and Ram 3500 have an extra tick in the engine option department. Beyond the highly-capable turbodiesel, the Ford variety gives two gas-powered V8 engine options to those who prefer petrol. While technically considered a separate option, there are really two engines available in the Ram 3500. The difference is that the turbodiesel can be purchased as standard or “high output.”

Similarities in torque ratings and engine options are just the start. Across the board, there really aren’t any significant differences between the maximum performance numbers. The payloads, which come from the V8 engines, rather than the towing-friendly diesels, are all within a few hundred pounds of each other. The same can be said for gooseneck towing, which has all three of the heavy duty pickups well over 35,000 pounds. When it comes to capability, you cannot go wrong with any of these trucks.

Whether you work in agriculture, construction, or simply have a need to tow a serious amount of weight, there’s no doubt that the 2022 Ford F-350, Chevy Silverado 3500HD and Ram 3500 are up to the task. And with so many similarities in terms of performance, the final decision really comes down to your personal preference. But we’re here to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

With Ford, Chevy and Ram locations under the Glenn Polk umbrella, we make it easy for you to test drive all of these vehicles to make the final decision of the heavy duty pickup truck that’s best for you. To get the process started, give us a call, schedule a test drive or simply stop by one of our locations.