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Compare | Junction City, KS A fair comparison of two full size pickups from the Junction City dealer that sells both. Most truck comparisons try to declare a winner, which isn't very useful when the dealership writing it sells both trucks. At Valor Auto Group in Junction City, you can compare the 2026 Ford F-150 and the 2026 Ram 1500 without a brand loyalty test. Both are serious full size pickups with multiple engines, trims and four wheel drive options. The better question is the job you expect your truck to do, so this guide compares them by use. Quick answer: The 2026 F-150 and Ram 1500 are both strong full size trucks. The F-150 stands out for its engine range, an available PowerBoost hybrid and onboard power, while the Ram 1500 stands out for its Hurricane engines, the returning 5.7 liter HEMI V8 and a polished cabin. Pick by the job. F-150 stands out Engine range, PowerBoost hybrid, onboard power Ram 1500 stands out Hurricane engines, HEMI V8, refined cabin Next step Test drive both on your own roads In this post What is the main difference between the F-150 and the Ram 1500 Which truck has the better engine choices for you Is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid worth considering Which truck is better for towing How do you choose between them What is the main difference between the F-150 and the Ram 1500? Philosophy more than any single spec. Ford gives F-150 shoppers a wide range of powertrain and productivity choices, while Ram leans on interior refinement, engine variety and a trim range that runs from work trucks to premium ones. Ford's F-150 includes EcoBoost engines, an available V8 and the available PowerBoost full hybrid, plus technology built around the bed, the trailer and onboard electrical power. Ram's 2026 Ram 1500 offers the Pentastar V6, the Hurricane inline six and the returning available 5.7 liter HEMI V8. Neither philosophy is better. They give you different ways to build a half ton pickup. Compare current trucks in the new inventory. Which truck has the better engine choices for you? Both give you real options. The F-150 offers 2.7 liter and 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engines, a 5.0 liter V8 and a 3.5 liter PowerBoost full hybrid depending on trim, while the Ram 1500 offers a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 3.0 liter Hurricane inline six and the 5.7 liter HEMI V8. The PowerBoost combines gas and electric power and is rated by Ford at 420 horsepower. Ram's Hurricane gives you turbocharged output without a hybrid system, and the HEMI return matters to traditional V8 fans. Engine availability depends on trim and configuration, so ask the team what's on the lot. Is the F-150 PowerBoost hybrid worth considering? It makes the case for trucks with more than one job. The available Pro Power Onboard feature can provide usable electrical power from the truck, which matters for contractors, campers, tailgaters and anyone doing weekend projects away from an outlet. A Junction City homeowner running tools on a project may see real value. If you never need portable power, it will rank much lower. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have. Junction City tip: List the three jobs your truck does most, including any power you need away from home, then compare which truck fits that list more closely. Which truck is better for towing? Neither wins on a headline number. Towing capacity changes with engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio, equipment, payload and passengers, so the maximum figure doesn't apply to every truck on the lot. A contractor hauling equipment around Geary County, a Fort Riley family towing a camper and someone pulling a boat to Milford Lake each need something different. Check the rating on the exact truck and compare it with your loaded trailer. Check these before you trust a tow number The engine, cab and bed on that exact truck. Axle ratio and tow equipment. Payload, passengers and gear in the truck. Your trailer's loaded weight. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have. A feature is worth it when it solves a problem you have, so write down your trailer before you compare numbers. How do you choose between them? Start with the job, then test drive both on your own roads. Use the Ford Research Hub and the CDJR Research Hub to compare trims, and the payment calculator to set a monthly range. A drive from Junction City to Manhattan tells you about cabin comfort and technology. A loaded run toward Milford Lake tells you about trailer equipment. Bring your own gear and trailer questions. If one truck fits your list clearly, buy it. If they tie, the test drive and the price decide. Ford Pickup and Delivery If you own a Ford, Ford Pickup and Delivery can come to you. Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships: the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back. It may be limited by availability or distance, a vehicle that won't run isn't eligible, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. See Pickup and Delivery details Questions About the F-150 and Ram 1500 Choosing Which is better, the F-150 or the Ram 1500? + Neither wins for everyone. The better fit depends on what you tow, haul and drive, so compare both on your own roads. Can I compare both trucks at Valor? + Yes. Valor Auto Group sells Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, so you can drive both in the same visit. What should I compare first? + Compare the job your truck does most, then the cab, engine, payload and towing equipment on the exact trucks. Engines What engines does the 2026 F-150 offer? + Depending on trim and configuration, the lineup includes 2.7 liter and 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engines, a 5.0 liter V8 and a 3.5 liter PowerBoost full hybrid. What engines does the 2026 Ram 1500 offer? + The lineup includes a 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 3.0 liter Hurricane inline six, a higher output Hurricane on select configurations and the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 with eTorque. Is the HEMI V8 back for 2026? + Yes. Ram brought the available 5.7 liter HEMI V8 back for 2026. Hybrid and power What is the F-150 PowerBoost? + It's an available full hybrid that combines a 3.5 liter V6 with electric power, rated by Ford at 420 horsepower. What is Pro Power Onboard? + It's an available Ford feature that provides usable electrical power from the truck for tools, camping and tailgating. Does the Ram 1500 have a hybrid? + Its engines use eTorque or turbocharged Hurricane setups. Ask the team about current options on specific trucks. Towing and payload How much can each truck tow? + It depends on the engine, cab, bed, drivetrain, axle ratio and equipment. Ask the sales team to confirm the rating for the exact truck. Does payload matter as much as towing? + For many people it matters more. Gear, tools and passengers all count against payload. Should I buy the highest tow rating? + Only if your trailer needs it. Match the truck to your real trailer and payload. Buying and service Can I trade in my current truck? + Trading in is common. The trade tool on the Valor website gives you a starting point, and the sales team confirms the final value in person. Can I start financing online? + You can begin the credit application online before you visit. Does Valor service both brands? + Valor Auto Group has a Ford Service Department and also offers CDJR and Mopar authorized service in Junction City. Apply for financing Start your application online before you shop. Start your application Book your next service Schedule service online at Valor. Schedule service

Towing | Junction City, KS A pre season towing checklist for Milford Lake, from the Junction City team that sells and services Fords. Milford Lake is only a short drive from Junction City, and the first warm weekend of the season fills the ramps. A boat that sat all winter and a tow vehicle that hasn't pulled in months make the first trip the one most likely to go wrong. This checklist walks through your tow rating, hitch and wiring, a pre trip inspection and a few driving habits so launch day goes smoothly. Quick answer: Before your first Milford Lake trip, confirm your vehicle's tow rating in the owner's manual, check the hitch, lights, tires and brakes, and practice backing up before you reach the ramp. Service anything that feels off first. Know your limits Find the tow rating for your exact vehicle Inspect Hitch, wiring, lights, tires and trailer brakes Prepare Practice turning and backing before launch day In this post How do you find your vehicle's tow rating What should you check on the hitch and wiring What belongs on your pre trip inspection How should you drive and launch with a boat in tow Should you service your tow vehicle before the season How do you find your vehicle's tow rating? Check the owner's manual and the labels on your vehicle, since towing ability depends on the engine, axle, cab, bed and hitch setup on that exact truck or SUV. Then compare it with your loaded boat and trailer weight. Don't guess from a brochure or a friend's truck. Two vehicles that look alike can have different ratings, and the number that matters is the one for yours. Your boat's weight on the trailer includes the engine, fuel, gear and the trailer itself. Weigh the loaded setup at a public scale if you aren't sure. What should you check on the hitch and wiring? Make sure the hitch ball matches your trailer coupler, the pin and clip are secure, the safety chains cross under the tongue and the wiring plugs in cleanly with working lights. Have a helper stand behind the trailer while you test the brake lights, turn signals and running lights. Corroded plugs are common after a winter in storage, and a quick clean often fixes a flickering light. Junction City tip: Check your tow vehicle for a factory tow package before you buy a hitch. Ask the sales team what's included on the exact vehicle you drive. What belongs on your pre trip inspection? Check tire pressure and tread on both the vehicle and the trailer, look at the trailer bearings and brakes, strap the boat down and confirm the drain plug is in before you leave. Trailer tires age even when they sit, so check for cracks in the sidewall and look at the date code. A tire that looks fine can still be too old to trust on the highway. Do a quick walk around before every trip Hitch pin, clip and safety chains secured. Lights and turn signals working on the trailer. Tires inflated and free of cracks or bulges. Boat strapped down and the drain plug in place. A tire that looks fine can still be too old to trust on the highway. How should you drive and launch with a boat in tow? Leave extra following distance, take turns wide, use the tow mirrors and slow down on gravel and rough lake roads. Practice backing in an empty lot before you face a busy ramp. Heavier loads take longer to stop, and crosswinds across open Kansas highways can push a trailer around. Smooth steering and early braking keep everything stable. Should you service your tow vehicle before the season? Yes. Brakes, tires, fluids and the cooling system all work harder under load, so a visit before the season catches problems while they're small. Ask the service team to look over everything that matters for towing. If you're thinking about a different vehicle for towing, browse the new Ford inventory or the used inventory, and use the payment calculator to set a monthly range before you visit. Ask the sales team to confirm the tow ratings and equipment on any vehicle you like. The Ford Research Hub also gathers Ford shopping resources in one place. Ford Pickup and Delivery When your vehicle needs service, Ford Pickup and Delivery can come to you. Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships: the dealer picks up your vehicle, services it and delivers it back. It may be limited by availability or distance, a vehicle that won't run isn't eligible, and it doesn't include parts or repair charges. See Pickup and Delivery details Questions About Towing at Milford Lake Tow ratings and setup How do I know if my vehicle can tow my boat? + Compare the tow rating for your exact vehicle with the loaded weight of your boat and trailer. The owner's manual and vehicle labels have the numbers. Do I need a special hitch to tow a boat? + It depends on the weight and trailer. Match the hitch class and ball size to your trailer, and ask the service team to confirm what your vehicle supports. What is tongue weight and why does it matter? + Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch. Too little can cause sway and too much strains the vehicle, so check your owner's manual for guidance. Inspection and maintenance How do I check my trailer lights? + Plug the trailer in and have a helper watch while you test brake lights, turn signals and running lights. Clean corroded plugs before you leave. How often should I check trailer tires? + Check them before every trip for pressure, cracks and wear. Trailer tires age even when parked, so check the date code too. Should I service my vehicle before towing season? + A visit before the season is smart, since brakes, tires and fluids work harder under load. Ask the service team what to look at. Driving and launching How much extra following distance do I need? + Leave more room than you normally would, since a loaded trailer takes longer to stop. Slow down early and brake smoothly. How do I practice backing up a trailer? + Use an empty parking lot, go slowly and make small steering corrections. Place one hand at the bottom of the wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go. What should I do about crosswinds on the highway? + Slow down, keep a firm grip and avoid sudden steering. If the trailer starts to sway, ease off the throttle and keep the wheel steady. Choosing a tow vehicle Is a truck or an SUV better for towing a boat? + Either can work depending on the weight and your needs. Compare the rated towing ability and equipment on the exact vehicles you like. Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a better tow vehicle? + Trading in is common. The trade tool on the Valor website gives you a starting point, and the sales team confirms the final value in person. Where can I start comparing tow vehicles? + The Ford Research Hub and the new and used inventory pages on the Valor website are good starting points. Ask the sales team to confirm tow ratings. Service and scheduling Does Valor Auto Group service trucks that tow? + Valor Auto Group has a dedicated Ford Service Department in Junction City, alongside CDJR and Mopar authorized service. Can I schedule service without calling? + You can book through the service appointment page on the Valor Auto Group website, or call the dealership if you'd rather talk it through. Is Ford Pickup and Delivery available for service? + Ford Pickup and Delivery is complimentary at participating dealerships and may be limited by availability or distance. Ask the service team whether your address qualifies. Apply for financing Start your application online before you shop. Start your application Book your next service Schedule Ford service online at Valor. Schedule service