THQ Reader Input Needed
Tim Esterdahl | Feb 02, 2015 | Comments 32
Tomorrow, Tim will take delivery of a Ram EcoDiesel for a few days of testing. He is evaluating it for his other outlets, background automotive knowledge and he is a juror and voting member for the Rocky Mountain Truck of the Year. The Ram EcoDiesel is up for the award.
This brings up a question. We have heard from a variety of THQ readers over the past year or so on the direction of the site. Some readers criticize THQ for losing focus and say we should report only on Tundra news. Others appreciate the insight and learning about what competitors are doing that could effect the Tundra.
The question is simply, where do you stand? Do you want to see a Tundra vs. EcoDiesel comparison? Are you interested in learning about other manufactures plans and products?
Let us know below in the comments or email Tim at editor@tundraheadquarters.com.
Filed Under: TundraHeadquarters.com
I like to see all the comparisons across the board. I will stick with the tundra until a more reliable truck comes around or my needs change. I like to see what makes that pickup better than mine. Some things that come out are well outrageous.
Mario,
Thanks for commenting! I agree as well. I want to know what others are doing. Frankly, I find it really interesting.
-Tim
“Are you interested in learning about other manufactures plans and products?”
Yes, even though I will keep my current Tundra for the next 15 years or so, it’s good to stay up on competitors products. Anybody interested in pickup trucks in general will appreciate someone else doing the foot work, including me 🙂
Thanks 🙂
LJC,
Thanks for commenting!
-Tim
I think mixing in content for all the trucks would go a long way to making this site unique in that most of the things you read are pro big 3 with the tundra mixed in. This is naturally going to be pro-tundra with the others mixed in.
That said, I would hope that a non-bias reporting and writing be the objective, but it’s almost impossible to do.
I am tracking all the trucks, first because I like to, second because I will be shopping again and will consider everything.
I am experimenting with Ram right now but have always owned toyota.
BB,
I know you have been a reader for a while and I appreciate it. Do you think we have hit the mark in offering truck news with a Tundra point of view? Do you see areas where we could improve?
-Tim
yes, offering truck news with a tundra point of view is exclusive to this site. The content on this site always takes a fresh angle on things or offers up a different view point. Besides Jason’s hatred for Ram (LOL), your articles are nice in that you dig a little deeper on different perspectives than most automotive journalists do with a better understanding of the overall market. Rather than just a toyota leg-humper site, which gets boring to read real quick. Yes folks, other trucks are nice too and yes they can not break down, LOL while offering other things toyota does not. I think it’s important to look at everything overall.
it’s a hard line to follow to cover all these trucks with a tundra point of view but not let the toyota kool-aid get in the way too much, but when done right, I find it enjoyable to read.
if this is tundra only news, this site would get much less traffic, let’s face it, toyota doesn’t do much often, which is a topic for discussion relative to the other makers in itself.
and take a hard look at all the nice storage and well thought out nice small touches Ram has. Down to a LED under the rear seat to light up the floor when you get in and also the under seat storage when you fold the seat up. Also, tell sweers this is how you get a fold flat floor and storage in the rear without any compromises. Not a fold up seat he calls extra storage and load flat when there is a huge drop from the seat support floor to the floor of the truck.
also, remote start that doesn’t suck and keyless enter n go system I simply love. You never have to take the fob out of your pocket.
The top line alpine surround system is one of the best stock systems I have ever owned. Put on spotify premium, extreme sound quality setting (320 mbs) ripped from lossless, stream over bluetooth, and let er rip.
bass to 5, mid -4, treble 5, speed adjust to 3, surround on.
Tim,
I would love a real apples to apples comparison. Cargo, towing, fuel economy, off-road capabilities…real truck stuff. I don’t think we need 0-60 times. We need a real analysis of living with this truck everyday as compared to the Tundra. What’s better? What’s worse? Any problems you have when driving the truck? Any issues with DPF regen? Any rough cold starts/no starts? Give us your analysis if the premium for diesel is really worth it over gas.
Just a few ideas. Have fun with it!
Brian,
You and I are completely on the same page. I only have three days, but I am going to do everything I can in that time! I’m looking forward to putting it through its paces, towing and doing everything I normally would with my Tundra. I’ve got lots of ideas, I just hope I have the time!
-Tim
Tim,
IMO definitely important to those who care about the direction and the guts of the other products on the market. It should matter to all but again that’s my opinon.
Doing a comparison of the 2 is probably a GREAT idea. Your take on the things they got right and wrong….. Does is drive like a dog? does it tow comparable weight like a dog or does it have guts?
From a cost perspective
1. Ram 1500 4×4 diesel 22mpg combined. 681 gallons a year at 2.65 locally a gallon right now 1806.82 for annual fuel cost.
2. Tundra 4×4 5.7 15 mpg combined. that’s 800 gallons a year at 1.95 locally right now is $1560.00 for annual fuel cost…….
the point I’m making is financially IT DONT MAKE SENSE to buy the way underpowered diesel and a LARGER diesel makes even LESS sense. HOWEVER, I LOVE DIESELS and I would pay the entry fee GLADLY should Toyota decide to build it. but I DONT want a diesel like this lethargic Fiat/VM Motori diesel in the Ram. would love to see the comparison tho.
Hemi,
I hear you. I’ve told Ram the same thing many times. On paper, the EcoDiesel makes zero sense. However, they can’t seem to build enough of them. So, what gives? I plan on finding out!!
-Tim
now now HemiLOL,
in all fairness, I wouldn’t say 420 lbs at 2,000 RPM with the ZF 8 to be “way” underpowered…
different, yes, underpowered no from a towing standpoint.
I guess Tim can tell us if it’s “way” underpowered, I doubt it though
there is something to be said for low rpm torque..
That VM Motori 3.0L diesel is anything but underpowered. It’s a diesel don’t expect it to run the 1/4 mile. If you consider 420 foot/lb of torque low power then I guess you are looking for 6.7 800 foot/lb Cummins or Ford.
Diesels are designed to pull not race on the track.
Look at all the 10,000 pound GVW cab forward trucks on the road. Many are running 3.0L diesels and they get their job done.
I run a Ram with 5.9L Cummins and I wish I could get an in-line 4 cylinder Cummins. The 5.9 has tons more raw power then I need but, it’s not going to accelerate down an onramp in Southern California, but it sure as hell isn’t underpowered. This power quest most people are on just doesn’t add up.
How long before Ford and Ram boast of 1000 ft/lb engines, this is crazy.
A young friend just got a Ram 1500 with the 5.7 V8. He drove the diesel and said he was shocked how slow it was. Well, it’s a diesel and he doesn’t understand diesel, he didn’t do any research before the test drive.
Is a 15L Cummins in a 50,000 pound 18 wheeler under powered because it can’t beat a Corolla in the 1/4 mile? Let’s be reasonable here.
Look at the internals of the 3.0L VM engine. It’s a very strong platform. I don’t like it with all the junk on it required by the FEDs but that has nothing to do with the engine.
If you are trying to compare it to the old Chevy 427 V8 of the 70s, I don’t know what sense that makes.
As for overloaded reporting and pointing to other sources that might be a bit much but, your direct review and testing for comparison should always be welcome.
As for the RAM 1500 diesel, I would love to know what you see feel and think about how it runs.
When you drive it, watch the tach and look for an RPM drop indication torque converter lockup after the shift. With it being a V6 will it have enough RPM range to pass or will it be a slow puller only. Will it shift all the time, like whenever you touch peddle?
There is a lot for all of us to gain since you can test drive them for a few days and we can’t.
I would really like to hear about some simple items which we never hear about. I don’t care what the grill looks like but, is the oil filter easy to replace. How tough will it be to remover the calipers when we need to replace pads. Will it be a nightmare to change spark plugs. Yes, yes, i know this ram will not have spark plugs. Ever look under the hood of Ford 6.2 gas motor. You can’t even see the plugs. How bad will it be to replace ball joints and unit bearings? We never see any of this stuff in Motor Trend or C & D.
I agree completely!!!
There is really nothing built today that is designed to be worked on, but it would be nice to have some idea of how bad it really is. I’m not sure how much of that Tim would be able to do in the limited time though.
Mendonsy,
I have my jack stands, wrenches and work area ready. While I won’t be pulling off too many parts, I plan on pulling some off and taking a look.
-Tim
Tundra focused, market aware. Keep doing what you’re doing.
The variety, and your journalistic tone, are perfect.
Wow! Thanks for the comment!!!
-Tim
I like seeing the comparisons. I’m not sure of the affect that the big three have on the Tundra? Toyota seems a little slow to react to market forces.
I like the Tundra vs Competition comparisons that go on here so on that front, soldier on. However I would like to know how the Ram rides and is the build quality better? That has long been Dodges downfall. ie squeaks and rattles at 5K miles. However I just purchased a 2015 Tundra in hopes of getting a better Highway Ride than my 2011 Tacoma. In all honesty I must say I’m let down as it feels like the Rear of the cab bounces incessantly. Even on pavement that looks fine. I thought Toyota addressed these problems years ago. But it appears no manufacturer is prefect.
Jack,
I’ve said before and will say again, the Tundra has the worst ride quality on the market. However, it isn’t that terrible compared to others. It is just not as good.
One of my plans is to drive down a road around here called Sugar Factory road. This is right outside the sugar factory and is normally sees semis and large trucks going in and out quite often. It is the absolutely worst road in the area thanks to these heavy loads. Frankly, I normally avoid it in most vehicles. However, I will be taking both the Ram and my Tundra down the road to do some video. If that doesn’t demonstrate the ride quality difference, nothing will!
-Tim
as far as ride goes,
the Ram is the best on the market, hands down. Coil springs or air ride.
mine rides better than anything I have ever owned.
THQ is pretty much on target. I like to know what Toyota is doing with trucks and their plans for the future.
I also like the way THQ will make the comparisons to the other trucks.
To my way of thinking most of the other sites as so far off target or so extremely biased it becomes useless information. More than 90% of the time it seems virtually all the other sites do not give Toyota any credibility at all. To me it all becomes highly suspect as merely marketing hype without merit.
Keep doing what you are doing.
And yes I would like to see a comparison of the Eco Diesel vs. Tundra. They are each different in their own ways and bring significantly different elements to the table and yet they are both half tons.
Is the EcoDiesel a flash in the pan? Does it really serve a place in the market? Will the “more capable” Titan Cummins take away sales from Ram?
Without a 50,000 mile test (or more), it’s hard to think of this kind of comparison as much more than the Pepsi/Coke taste test debacle of the 70’s/80’s. Although Pepsi was dominant in the tastes test, people continued to buy Coke in far great numbers. Pepsi won because it was sweeter, primarily, and more immediately pleasing. The fallacy was that no one actually drinks their soda in little sips. They drink whole cans, bottles and Big Gulps and largely, Coke has continued to win that battle for decades.
Just being completely honest, I wonder if RAM’s don’t often win on the same premise with the great ride, quiet passenger compartment, awesome interior layout, etc. Each of us buyer’s buy for different things, of course. I get sick at my stomach just thinking about any kind of repair I can’t do myself. The total-cost-of-ownership metric so far outweighs all others (for me) that I don’t think twice about other metrics that other people may hold dear – ride quality, stereo systems, acceleration, etc.
Also, when it comes to diesels, for many buyers it doesn’t matter if it “makes sense” on paper. Marketing 101 teaches us that buyers buy for all kinds of reasons – social (Rolex’s don’t tell time better than a Timex but sure mean something different on the wrist), functional, cultural, psychological, etc. Diesels, while they can unarguably have certain functional strengths, also have certain intangible benefits of status, sound, etc.
Multi-day comparisons will no doubt give us some perfunctory data but for other major buying factors, it would take a multi-month/multi-year study.
Regardless, I’m jealous that you get to enjoy that RAMPepsi for a while!:-) I bet it’s pretty sweet, so to speak!
Don’t forget, a Rolex doesn’t wind up in the dump in 10 years like a truck and it will keep reasonable time for over 100 year without a battery, they are like the Eco Diesel,,,, the Eco watch and all the rubies and polished gears inside are a work or art and craftsmanship that some still understand and appreciate. AND int 100 years it will be worth 10 time the original cost. My 1950 IWC watch was 300 60 years ago and it’s worth 2000 now. Marketing 101 is for losers who give their pay check to someone else.
When it comes to repairs, just like you I want something I can repair myself. Want anything done right you need to learn and do it your self.
As for ride, coils are not leaf springs. How can a coil be progressive? And I don’t want air bags more junk to go bad and leak air when you need it. Not saying they can’t do the same as a set of leaf springs just haven’t tried them. Tim, I would really hope you can put a 1000 pound box in the back and let us know how the coils handle load. It is my understanding that RAM is even moving the 3/4 ton to coils. I can live with a harsh ride if the truck can do it’s job when loaded. It’s not a car and I don’t expect it to ride like a car.
I would also like to know how difficult it is to change a headlamp bulb. Just had to replace them on my Subaru and I had to remove all kinds of junk which was not attached with threaded fasteners but plastic junk rivets. I hate that crap. I took 10 time longer then it should have. At least the new Subarus have the oil filter right on top. The best thing I have seen in and engine compartment in years.
Keep up the good work. I appreciate the view points presented here. Thanks.
I concur…As a Ford “lifer” who switched to a Tundra in 2010 I do enjoy THQ’s comparisons between Toyota and “The Big Three”. Keep up the outstanding work!
Thanks for the comment!
-Tim
Keep up the good work Tim. I really like the fact that you look at all trucks and brands and provide as much info as possible to the readers. I think the more information the readers have at their disposal helps them to be more educated buyers. Then they can choose which truck is the best fit for their needs.
I think all truck makers produce decent vehicles, not all are perfect, and each has it’s pros and cons. For the last 20 years I have driven either a Toyota or GM truck and have been satisfied with all but one, and yes, it was one of the GM’s. I currently drive an 07 Silverado and it has been a really good truck, but I hope to purchase a new one in the next year or so. I am hoping they make some changes to the Tundra sooner than later. I would really like to see the Tundra have more flexibility with options. I don’t like the fact that I have to buy a truck with a sunroof, that I don’t need, just to get self-dimming mirrors because it comes as a package.
Keep bringing us the great content and news!
Well said, Travis. All great points.
same here, I want the power sliding rear window on the DC tundra but in order to get that in 2012, you had to get the TRD package. Stupid!
Now in 2014 tundra DC, the rear sliding rear window is not even available anymore in the SR5 package, must get the limited which is too expensive just to get a power sliding rear window.
toyota is becoming stupid on their option choices.
As far as ride quality of the tundra, it was addressed just a tad in 2014 new design, is better over chops in road, but not much and if you didn’t drive a prior to 2014 model for say 1 year or more, you would never notice the difference. I noticed the difference, but not much better in terms of ride quality, just a little better is all.
I still think the 2014 tundra has VERY poor quality control issues like mine has been having. Under the glovebox where the knee airbag is rattles the worst EVER in the winter going in 2nd time on Monday to dealer to fix it and NOT standing for it any longer. Next time I am ripping the air bag out it is that nosy and loud cannot stand it any longer but guessing it is the plastic panel in front of the knee airbag making huge rattling noise. Also going in for 3 hairline cracks in the too skinny ribs in the grille they redesigned in 2014 skinnier grille ribs has 3 hairline cracks in each horizontal rib due to winter cold in WI cracking from inside out being replaced under warranty. Picked it up in March 2014 and noticed as well 1 month later the seal between tranny and oil casing was leaking fluids all over my concrete driveway taking 1 week to fix in shop with under 1,000 miles on the darn thing already.
Going to unload it in 2016 for sure has been the worst tundra I’ve owned except my 2007 had horrible paint/rust issues. just don’t know what yet, the dodge ram has peaked my curiousity for sure just have to drive one first.