came away with the following:

1- Ford F350: Great style and the multi-vane turbo was sweet. The thing reminded me more of a muscle car and less like a truck with the lack of turbo lag and it's giddy-up. I really wanted to love the truck, but; as with most Fords, for whatever reason the pretty interior doesn't work for me ergonomically. I couldn't sit comfortably, knobs/buttons were in the wrong spot, and it just didn't "work". Personal decision, to others this may be the best truck on the planet.

2- Chevy/GMC 3500HD: The Dirtymax is now whisper quiet, the truck cabin and suspension tuning is literally like they stuck a Cadillac on a 1-ton frame. It has the best ride, no question. Ergonomics were great for me (chevy usually is, despite it's historically plastic-clad ugly interiors). I loved the dash gauges on the Silverado, but honestly, the overall look and layout of the previous design (I own a GMC 2011 gasser) is more utilitarian and "timeless". Once you get seat time, you'd think the older style is built of more "quality" materials. That's my take, plus I think the stacked headlights and square wheel wells don't work as good in the new style compared to the much more subtle look of the previous. Personal again, as for the truck itself, solid. Drivetrain. Awesome. Step bumper? Sweet. LED rope lights around the bed? Even better. But the GVWR kind of sucks for a 1-ton (which is why you get one). It's the best ride, but also the lowest rated payload (towing is equal pretty much between all three).

3- Ram 3500: Good crap. I wanted to hate this truck because of Dodge reliability "history". Ride is the roughest. Engine is the noisiest. Most turbo lag. But it is the "truck-iest" The interior ROCKS. Built in coolers under the foot wells? Pockets and shelves everywhere? A "cargo-cam" which shows your payload (or your 5th-wheel hitch?) Priceless. Lowest cost by nearly $10k? Yes, I could get a Cummins (great motor) for the price of a 6.0L gasser Chevy. Not only that, but the GVWR of the Ram is class leading, so it has the best ratings of all 3. And if you wanted, a 6-speed manual is still available.

Sure it doesn't have the best ride, but it checks off every category that a trucker would want and dream of, including upfitter switches in a great location. Awesome truck. I went into my test with the Ram at a distant #3 and it came out an unquestionable #1.

But at the end of the day, it's a good time to be a fan of any of the American diesel trucks. They are all excellent, their only negative (besides price) is the EPA mandated DEF fluid and filters. Something you've gotta live with I guess if you want an oil burner.