Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > TRAVEL TRAILER, 5th WHEEL & TRUCK CAMPER FORUMS > Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Reply
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-29-2017, 08:47 PM   #29
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,228
Quote:
Originally Posted by C-PHartley View Post
I think I have decided on a 1 ton either Ford or Ram diesel. One more question. What rear end gear ratio is best. I am reading that the 4.10 gear is very low and results on poor mileage. Can a higher ratio be compensated for by selecting a lower transmission gear when driving when necessary? How would I verify what gearing is in the truck? Is it coded in the VIN number? My mind is not made up regarding Short or Long bed, or single or dual rear wheel and I would appreciate any and all thoughts. Thanks for all your help.


Sent from my iPad using iRV2 - RV Forum
For just a 15k trailer you won't need 4.10 gears especially with the 375-400 hp and 9xx lbs torque from the 6.7 Ram or Ford diesel engine.
With the gasser go with the 4.xx option.

Shifting to a lower tranny gear while towing won't hurt a thing.

The trucks gears ratio is on the new trucks window sticker or if its a used truck the dealer can tell you what it is from the vin number.

Long bed vs short bed or crew cab vs extended cab or 2wd vs 4wd ??
Your call there. Everyone has a opinion......just their preferences.

SRW vs DRW is all about payload in the bed.
Ford and Ram SRW has a 7000 rawr and can be good for around 3500-3800 lbs in the bed depending on cab selections and junk you carry in the bed or in the back seat area. The more "junk" we carry the less pin weight we can carry.

The DRW trucks have those big 9700-9900 rawr and can be good for up to around 6500 lbs in the bed.

Which one is more stable is simply a opinion. However you overload rawr on either one they become less stable when towing/braking issues/tire or wheel failure and broken springs come to mind.

Ford vs Ram ??
I like the white one.
__________________
'03 Dodge 2500 Cummins HO 3.73 NV5600 Jacobs
'98 3500 DRW 454 4x4 4.10 crew cab
'97 Park Avanue RK 28' 2 slides
JIMNLIN is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 01-30-2017, 08:25 AM   #30
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: SLC, UT
Posts: 1,172
Like I said - the DRW guys always come in .

If its within Spec of SRW F-350 - I'd swap leaf spring packs or put in bags and call it good as its the same truck. Save you the $60k new truck. If you don't like how it runs, then go spend the $60k on the new truck.

I don't understand buying excess capability for "peace of mind". If the truck is rated for it, its going to do it safely and comfortably, otherwise Ford couldn't sell it.

Towing guide is here -
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...e_r3_Nov12.pdf

It agrees with your 15100lbs capacity. One thing to note - it does look like the F-250 can come with a 3.31 or 3.55 axle... Now that 6.7 does have a ton of power, but you may be stretching it with the 3.31 just from a gearing standpoint. Tall gearing can be overcome by the transmission, but it works it harder (more shifting) and acceleration from a standstill will be a little slower. Axle code is on the door jam sticker.
__________________
2017 F-350 6.7 Diesel, CCSB SRW - 2005 F350 6.0
2018 Alpine 3660FL - 2005 Alfa SYF30RLIK
--Full time 2016 to 2019-- Seasonal now
mrgrayaz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2017, 12:26 PM   #31
Senior Member
 
Gordon Dewald's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
Quote:
Originally Posted by mrgrayaz View Post
Like I said - the DRW guys always come in .

If its within Spec of SRW F-350 - I'd swap leaf spring packs or put in bags and call it good as its the same truck. Save you the $60k new truck. If you don't like how it runs, then go spend the $60k on the new truck.

I don't understand buying excess capability for "peace of mind". If the truck is rated for it, its going to do it safely and comfortably, otherwise Ford couldn't sell it.

Towing guide is here -
http://www.fleet.ford.com/resources/...e_r3_Nov12.pdf

It agrees with your 15100lbs capacity. One thing to note - it does look like the F-250 can come with a 3.31 or 3.55 axle... Now that 6.7 does have a ton of power, but you may be stretching it with the 3.31 just from a gearing standpoint. Tall gearing can be overcome by the transmission, but it works it harder (more shifting) and acceleration from a standstill will be a little slower. Axle code is on the door jam sticker.
Bottom left had corner of page 30 has the disclaimer that contains the information that may limit towing capacity or GCWR numbers.
__________________
Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
Gordon Dewald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2017, 09:28 PM   #32
Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 61
The ram will most likely come with a 373 gear with the rfe-68 transmission and if you get the high-output engine then you will have the aisan transmission with the 410 gears. I've never seen anything but 410's in the aisan but you might get the 373's. I have the rfe-68 with the 373's and i pull 16,200 pounds with no problem in the ozarks,smokies and rockies.
shelbytexan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2017, 02:23 PM   #33
Senior Member
 
C-PHartley's Avatar
 
Newmar Owners Club
Florida Cooters Club
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Venice, Fla.
Posts: 507
I went to talk with a local dodge dealer. Took the obligatory test drive in the wrong truck, and then the fun began. The MSRP of $77,000 was bad enough, but only offering To go 10% lower without any trade, plus tag, title and taxes left me cold. Am I wrong, or did I do the right thing by walking out?
__________________
--Chuck
95 Newmar Kountry Star, Spartan Chassis, Venice, Fla
C-PHartley is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2017, 04:43 PM   #34
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 691
I built and ordered mine in 2014 and got about 11-12k off if I recall...and I had a 1 year old trade (got a bit over full payoff value on that). Would think you could do better than 7700 off
gtsum2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-01-2017, 10:09 AM   #35
Senior Member
 
Gordon Dewald's Avatar
 
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 14,885
With the high price of trucks I would consider a used MDT. Lots of truck and some pretty reasonable prices. Really good bargains can be found.
__________________
Gordon and Janet
Tour 42QD/InTech Stacker
Gordon Dewald is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-02-2017, 04:08 AM   #36
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Salfordville
Posts: 16
When shopping for a dually recently, I've seen the same response from Dodge. Here in the northeast, there just weren't many around in dealer inventory so they were holding the line on pricing. I did find a great deal on new 2016 F350...and what a deal. There's used duallys out there far higher than what I paid brand new for a loaded Lariat. Dodge has a big head over the Cummins, but the 6.7 power stroke has been good engine and wasn't paying 12k more for a dodge.
engineer78 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2017, 02:00 PM   #37
Senior Member
 
jacknife's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,500
RAM has changed you can now get different gear ratios. If you go with RAM get 370 and the Aisin Tranny. I have342 and 68rfe tow 14000 no problem 22000 fo towing it. 6 SPD Tranny makes a huge difference in what gear ratio you need to tow the same weight .
jacknife is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2017, 05:34 PM   #38
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 691
That's good news on the gear options. In 2014 a srw meant 3.42's. I tow 16500 and wish I had the aisin and 3.73's.

There have been two instances where I could of used more oomph while starting from a dead stop on a very, very steep hill.
gtsum2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-09-2017, 05:52 PM   #39
Senior Member
 
rampowerwago's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Benton City, WA
Posts: 231
Quote:
Originally Posted by jacknife View Post
RAM has changed you can now get different gear ratios. If you go with RAM get 370 and the Aisin Tranny. I have342 and 68rfe tow 14000 no problem 22000 fo towing it. 6 SPD Tranny makes a huge difference in what gear ratio you need to tow the same weight .
This is not correct.

All SRW Cummins powered pickups, whether 2500 or 3500, have 3.42 gears. To get anything else, you either need to buy a gasser or a 3500 dually.
rampowerwago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2017, 09:30 AM   #40
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,346
You guys "THINKING" you would want 3.73's should rethink.

The SRW trucks ALL come with 3.42's whether it has the 68RFE or AISIN. If towing in the upper weight limits of the SRW I would highly advise the AISIN (only available in the 3500's). The reason is the AISIN has lower starting gears and will take off even on grade with ease.

With a Dually you can order a 68RFE or AISIN and your choice of 3.42, 3.73 or 4.10. Towing anything heaver than a SRW can handle up to 28K or so I would go Aisin and 3.42's. The reason the AISIN gets the load rolling EASILY and towing at 60 you are around 1,750 RPM in 5th. Then when running solo you will get the best mileage.

Now if you are towing over the 28K the 4.10's are golden with the AISIN. Same RPM in 6th at 60 of 1,750. I tow 33K combined with AISIN 4.10 Combo with great results towing up or down grades.

I owned a 11 HO Dually with 3.42's it towed my 28-29K combo VERY well in 5th but the ONLY issue was the 3.42's getting rolling on grade. That's where the AISIN comes in.

By being in the 1,700 range the truck will pull better and also slow better.

The 3.73's had their place with the 4 speed autos but with the 6 speeds they are the bastard child.
Cummins12V98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2017, 09:56 AM   #41
Senior Member
 
rampowerwago's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Benton City, WA
Posts: 231
I have to agree with CumminsV98 completely. I've owned all three gear sets and 68rfe transmissions, while towing from 14,000 to 17,500. With the 3.42 towing in 5th at 65 mph, the engine is in it's happy spot at around 1800 rpm. Similarly, the 4.10 gears and 6th gear put the engine in the same range. The 3.73 seemed to put the engine rpm either too high or too low depending on which gear was selected.

I have not towed as heavy as he does, so the taller 1st gear in the 68rfe has not been an issue for me. I have noticed no issue with starting on a grade.

I will say this...common internet knowledge says the Aisin is built heavier, is a more robust transmission , and will last longer if worked hard. The 68rfe is a good transmission if you pull within the factory limits and don't abuse it behind a tuned engine. They both should do the job and last a long time. If I was going pull anything really heavy, I would buy the Aisin.
rampowerwago is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 02-11-2017, 11:59 AM   #42
Registered User
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,346
My son has a 15 RAM 3500 SRW with AISIN. I have towed his 14K dump trailer with a weight of close to 18K and 27K combined. Even with the 3.42's the truck just took right off with zero issues on a grade. I was very impressed.

I agree the 68 is a good trans but with the additional HP/TQ with the AISIN and the fact it's a true Medium Duty trans it's hard to beat. IMHO it acts like a BUILT trans.
Cummins12V98 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
5th wheel, tow



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Best truck wheel size to tow fifth wheel? FTAP 5th Wheel Discussion 14 03-13-2017 01:17 PM
Best truck wheel size to tow fifth wheel? FTAP Trailer Towing and Tow Vehicles Discussion 9 01-28-2017 10:25 PM
Tow truck for Tow Vehicle and 5th wheel tinkerreknit 5th Wheel Discussion 5 06-25-2016 10:40 AM
Travel Trailer vs. 5th Wheel - Old Truck/New Truck jmlnarik iRV2.com General Discussion 11 12-13-2015 11:36 AM
What size truck can pull this 5th wheel Camper? Wildbob52 5th Wheel Discussion 29 12-09-2012 04:26 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:52 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.