... to high-strength C-rails for its commercial grade cab-chassis. Ford has a new, high-strength, boxed frame up front to withstand its high axle loads.

Ford has the stiffest ride and is the most likely to endure a constant beating in the dirt. Its improved steering gear has less play than the Chevy’s, but the power assist is overkill there is little resistance on the turn, which is better off road than on. Dodge’s rack-and-pinion steering raises concerns over durability, but it proved the most precise and effortless. Both Dodge and Ford come with stabilizer bars. All can be had with off-road shocks and underbody skid plates and come standard with four-wheel disc brakes. Ford’s under-the-blinker headlamp design keeps beams low to the ground to prevent blinding, a nice safety touch.

Cab and Cargo

Bed dimensions vary slightly, with plus-size 6-ft or 8-ft beds. Only Dodge sells a third, “short” 6-ft bed for its Mega Cab, which allows nearly enough room behind the rear seat to store an extra transmission or two. The Rolls Royce of crew cabs also gives broad shoulders room to relax and recline after a long day.

Chevy’s new cargo rack is a nice $175 option for those who carry toolboxes in the bed, even though it looks cheap. The F-250 is the only truck that comes with a locking tailgate as standard equipment. For $375 more, it has a new 1,000-lb-capacity step and handrail that fold out to ease ingress and egress into the bed. ENR...