Ike Gauntlet Challenge: Ford F-250 Versus Chevy Silverado 2500HD and Ram 2500

The Fast Lane Truck (TFLtruck) analyses trucks on its famous Ike Gauntlet test loop to reveal strengths and weaknesses. In one of its most recent tests, the editors pitted the 2025 Ford F-250 Tremor with the Power Stroke turbodiesel against an updated 2025 Ram 2500 Rebel with the Cummins turbodiesel and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Trail Boss with the Duramax turbodiesel. This was stiff competition, but the Ford held its ground and got plenty of points in this test.  

Meet the 2025 Ford F-250 

The 2025 Ford F-250 is available with four different engines, including a pair of gas and a pair of diesel engines. The standard engines are a 6.8-liter gas V8 that produces 405 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque and a 7.3-liter gas V8 that puts out 430 horses and 485 lb-ft of torque. Both diesel variants are 6.7-liter Power Stroke V8 turbodiesels. The Standard Output produces 475 horsepower and 1,050 lb-ft of torque, while the High Output version features 500 horsepower and 1,200 lb-ft of torque. All engines are mated to tens-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. The Tremor that was used for this specific test had the 6.7-liter High Output engine under the hood.  

What Is the Ike Gauntlet? 

The Ike Gauntlet is a stretch of highway on I-70 in the Rocky Mountains that is eight miles long with a 7% grade. It is 11,158 feet above sea level at its highest point. Towing anything at that elevation proves more challenging. 

Ford Against Chevy and Ram 

The F-250 had a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 11,100 pounds, was able to tow 22,000 pounds, and featured a max payload of 3,684 pounds. TFLtruck’s Tremor tester had a payload of 2,769 pounds. The Ram had an as-tested payload of 1,849 pounds and could tow 19,980 pounds. The Chevy could tow 20,000 pounds and had an as-tested payload of 3,129 pounds.  

How the Test Is Conducted 

First, the editors start by filling each truck with fuel. After they get fueled, they attach the trailer. In this case, they’re all towing the same 11,000-pound trailer. After turning on the exhaust brake and getting the truck up to about 60 mph, they drive it down the 7% grade to see how well it holds the speed and how many times the truck needs to brake. After that, they do a 35 to 50 mph test to see which one is the fastest getting up to speed while towing a heavy load. They also check how loud the interior is before finally filling up the truck at the end to test the fuel economy.  

What Were the Results? 

Each truck only needed one brake application, which is great; zero or one is ideal. In the 35 to 50 mph test, the F-250 clearly had the upper hand by performing that test in just 11.5 seconds. The Chevy and Ram accomplished the same 35 to 50 mph test in slower 12.9 and 13.9 seconds, respectively. It took the Ford a total of 8 minutes and 19 seconds to get through the highway, whereas the other two only took 8 minutes and 2 seconds. However, TFLtruck noted that the Ford got caught up in traffic, which resulted in the slightly slower time. The Ford was the quietest at speed at only 60 decibels, while the other two recorded 61 decibels.  

How Efficient Were these Trucks? 

Once the driving was over, the editors filled up all three trucks to get an average of how much diesel was used. The Ram 2500 had a slight lead at 4.9 mpg compared to 4.8 mpg for the Ford. The Chevy was the least efficient at 4.6 mpg.  

So, Who Won? 

The results indicated the Ford was the clear winner for a few reasons. When towing, the F-250 had the easiest time thanks to its massive amount of torque and great driving abilities. The towing technology is second-to-none when it comes to backing up the trailer, towing, and ensuring you aren’t towing more than the truck can handle. The Fast Lane Truck explained, “In the end, we vote for the 2025 Ford F-250 Tremor by the slightest of margins. The Ford Power Stroke is simply the easiest to drive with this type of trailer load. It has the towing technology and the needed visibility.” 

Dick Smith Ford of Columbia Has Tow Rig for You 

When it’s time to choose your next tow vehicle, there’s no place like Dick Smith Ford of Columbia. They have all of the right trucks and SUVs that will take care of your towing needs. The expert salespeople will make sure to get you the right model at the right price, whether new or used.  

Why Choose Dick Smith Ford of Columbia  

At Dick Smith Ford of Columbia, we value our customers and offer some of the best prices and services. With more than 100 new and used vehicles to choose from, our outstanding sales team and finance department will work hard to make sure you drive away happy. Our fantastic service department will take care of your new-to-you vehicle as if it were their own.