Jones Ram - Which full-size truck is the smarter tow partner for weekend boats in Glen Burnie, MD?
When you are planning a weekend on the water with a boat in tow, it is natural to cross-shop two icons: the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. Both nameplates have built loyal followings, but their strengths show up differently when you zero in on towing control, ride comfort, and the in-cabin tech that makes long hauls feel shorter. Below, we break down the key questions boat owners ask most often, so you can decide which spec fits your ramp routine and highway miles.
Start with the fundamentals. The Ram powertrain roster includes two available 3.0L Hurricane engines, the returning 5.7L HEMI® V8, and the 3.6L Pentastar® V6. Properly equipped, Ram posts up to 11,610 pounds of max available towing and up to 2,360 pounds of max available payload, supported by chassis tuning that’s unusually calm when the trailer is attached. The Ford F-150 counters with a broad engine lineup, including a full hybrid option and high-output configurations. On paper, Ford’s top-end tow rating is higher, but numbers only tell part of the story. What you feel most often is stability over broken pavement, steering confidence through crosswinds, and how intuitively the truck helps you place the trailer at the ramp.
The Ram 1500’s rear five-link coil-spring suspension is a difference-maker in those moments. Compared with traditional leaf springs, the coil-spring setup helps the truck stay composed over expansion joints and rough surfaces, translating into fewer corrections from the driver. Add in available Trailer Steering Assist and robust camera views, and it feels more natural to back down a crowded ramp or thread into a narrow driveway. Ford brings compelling tools of its own, including Pro Trailer Backup Assist and the Pro Access Tailgate, but Ram’s ride and towing tech pairing is the ace many weekend boaters appreciate after a single test drive.
City driving matters, too. Traffic, lane changes, and tight parking lots drain energy before you ever reach the ramp. The Ram 1500 is available with Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (ADA), which can reduce highway fatigue in specific conditions, and the cabin wraps you in 50+ inches of combined available display area. The passenger can actively help manage routes and camera views with the available front passenger interactive screen—another stress reducer when you are navigating to a new marina. Ford answers with BlueCruise hands-free driving and a thoughtfully executed interior, yet Ram’s clear graphics, intuitive menus, and calming ride quality add up to a lower-stress day behind the wheel.
- Towing confidence: Up to 11,610 pounds max available towing plus a coil-spring rear suspension for steady control on ramps and highways.
- Trailer tech: Available Trailer Steering Assist and expansive camera coverage streamline hitching and backing maneuvers.
- Highway ease: Available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (ADA) to help reduce fatigue on compatible roads.
- Cabin clarity: 50+ inches of combined available digital displays, including an available front passenger interactive screen.
- Power choices: Available 5.7L HEMI® V8, two 3.0L Hurricane engines, and the proven 3.6L Pentastar® V6.
Beyond specs, think through your routine. Do you tow several shorter trips or a few longer ones? Is your boat light enough that stability and braking feel more important than outright tow rating? Are your ramps smooth or chewed up by tides and traffic? In our experience, Ram’s suspension tuning and towing tech reduce the mental load of the day, which can be even more valuable than a few hundred extra pounds of tow capacity on a page.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do the trucks differ at the ramp when it is crowded?
Ram’s available Trailer Steering Assist and broad camera perspectives make it easier to see angles and adjust in small increments. The coil-spring rear suspension also helps limit bounce as you inch down toward the water.
Does hands-free driving really help on tow days?
Hands-free systems are not a substitute for attention, but the available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist (ADA) in Ram and BlueCruise in Ford can reduce fatigue on compatible highways. Arriving fresher can make the launch and recovery portion smoother.
What about bed and tailgate solutions for boat gear?
Ram’s Multifunction Tailgate makes loading coolers and tackle boxes quick and flexible. Ford’s Pro Access Tailgate also shines for frequent access. Both are helpful when you need repeated in-and-out access without dropping the entire tailgate.
For a more nuanced recommendation based on your boat weight, typical passenger count, and the ramps you frequent, stop by for a tailored walk-through and towing demo. Jones Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is serving Owings Mills, Glen Burnie, and Jarrettsville with knowledgeable staff who can help you configure hitch hardware, mirrors, brake controllers, and trailering features that suit your weekends on the water.
Bring your questions and your real-world scenarios. We will help you translate specifications into confident, repeatable routines that make your time at the helm start earlier and end happier.
One visit is often all it takes to feel the difference that matters most on tow days.