Community Forums

ccrewstx · 08-18-2017, 09:41 AM

Looking at a new RAM 3500 HD rated at 17,000 tow with the 3.42 and asin transmission. Wondering if it will have plenty of power/get up and in mountainous roads. Presently have a 16,500 pound Jayco and a 14 RAM DRW but want a truck that is more driveable around town so looking at SB which only comes with a 3.42 ratio. Anybody towing with this and what is your experience.

nukerj · 08-18-2017, 09:49 AM

I had a 2012 GMC duramax with a 3.73 and no issues towing 12k through Colorado grades, - up to 8%
However I would drop down to about 50mph on the heavy climbs at full throttle.
My personal experience is that the added fuel savings is more beneficial than being able to blast up a grade at 65mph+. If you plan on driving heavy grades all the time, then a 4.10 might be a better option.

chertz · 08-18-2017, 10:30 AM

My 2014 Ram 3500 DRW is the 68RFE with the 3.42 axle. Plenty of power, pulls our 14k 5er fine in the hills of Tennessee. We lock it in 5th gear unless running 75+. Otherwise the RPMs are too low. The Aisin trans with 3.42 gears would be better though die to lower ratios

shelbytexan · 08-18-2017, 02:03 PM

I have a 13 ram drw with the 68 rfe and 373's and it pulls very good in the smokies,rockies, and ozarks with 16,200 pounds. That being said i would feel quite confortable with the 3.42 gears with the aisin as the aisin is a much stronger transmission. The 68rfe is the weakest transmission of the big 3. Ram still thinks it needs two transmissions to choose from.

mrgrayaz · 08-18-2017, 03:42 PM

no comment on gears, but make sure your within the rear payload specs on the SRW...I'm very very close on my 16.2K gvwr trailer...and your heavier.

wildcatter · 08-18-2017, 07:41 PM

I have a 2014 Ram CC 6.7 Cummin/Aisin with long bed, I believe I have the 3.73 gears, Motor and transmission wise you will be good, my Ram has a 4400lbs CCC, but you would be pushing the towing capacity. I will say this, my 5er is 12K (13K when pulling the MC trailer), my truck barely squats.

jacknife · 08-18-2017, 09:19 PM

Don't worry about the ratio. With a 6 speed tranny no problem. I tow about 24 K with a 3500 SRW with a 68 RFE. A ASIN HAS A LOWER FIRST GEAR NO SWEAT.

Searching_Ut · 08-18-2017, 09:48 PM

My Bighorn is a little lighter 15500 gvwr. It's generally sitting just shy of 15k loaded.

My 2015 CTD Asin combination handles the weight pretty well in the mountains. Virtually any freeway grade you can pull at posted speed limit, or 65mph which is the speed I generally tow at. Engine brake works good, until you get a subaru in front of you in going over the pass in Rocky Mountain National Park. He was going so slow the truck would downshift to first, at which time the engine brake kicks out.

FloraBama · 08-21-2017, 06:08 PM

Just spent 30 days in the Rockies pulling a Cedar Creek 34RL2 with trailer axel weight of 11,800 and pin weight of 3200 with a similar truck and zero problems. All of the Interstates on cruse control un and down the various grades.

raineman · 08-21-2017, 06:30 PM

To each their own but I would not tow a 16,500 pound trailer with an SRW. Towing up to max or over is just gonna kill your truck. Not trying to start another SRW vs DRW debate. I just wouldn't consider doing it. Best of luck.

ccrewstx · 08-22-2017, 07:37 AM

Thanks for the information. We have decided to stay with our present tow vehicle for now. It is a 2014 ram DRW with ASIN and HO engine and 3.73

raineman · 08-22-2017, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccrewstx

Thanks for the information. We have decided to stay with our present tow vehicle for now. It is a 2014 ram DRW with ASIN and HO engine and 3.73

bddadles · 08-22-2017, 05:01 PM

Sounds like a good cheap solution to the problem.

rjxj · 08-22-2017, 05:23 PM

2014 CC SRW sb srw 1 ton 3:42 Pulling 12,500 FW plus 2800 pound utility trailer. I usually run in 5th gear. Even when empty around home I often run in 5th so it's not kicking down from 6th a lot. I did a trip empty on freeway at 60 mph and just touched 24 mpg. I haven't tracked mpg closely but doing 70 mph it would probably be close to the same.

I dont know about the bigger rigs but often seemed to hear that people would go with a dually when over 15k or so??? I didn't plan on double towing but this works well for me. I do notice the difference of having a full water tank and extra water and fuel in back of the truck. It doesn't seem annoying or anything but I do start noticing it.

I cut the holes and installed the puck system.