brandman Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Long time reader, first time poster - so take it easy on the new old guy. 😊 We just bought our 5th wheel (2012 Bighorn) and am now looking for my truck. It may be overkill, but I have decided to buy a 3500 dually (GVW of 5th wheel is 14,000). I have never owned a diesel truck and am looking for recommendations as to which rear end to get. I was thinking 3.73, but found a good deal on a new one with a 4.10. How bad will this hurt me on mileage when just driving the truck around town? How about when towing? I know there will be differing opinions, but that's OK. We're hitting the road in mid June and I am just trying to get my ducks all in a row. Thanks in advance for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidMOTraveler Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 We have 4.30 in our F450 around town we get 13-14 mpg Towing loaded 39’ 5’er weight of truck and trailer 25,700 we averaged 10.4 on our first 4,000 mile trip. All the Ram owners I’ve talked to seen to get better mpg by 1-3 mpg most seem to have 3.73 and do fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lance A Lott Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 In 100,000 miles 1 mpg comes to about 1000 gallons difference if your getting 10 to 12 mpg so about $3000. That's probably more than the difference you will see between the two referenced ratios. A lot will depend on how you drive. Slow down 1 mile per hour and you probably won't see any difference. You will see a difference climbing hills and on long grades. Tires seem to have gotten taller over the last few years and as such you need lower gears to compensate. My 3500 has 4:10 and I have seen times I wish it had 5:10. Using my 8k trailer I average 14 (8000 mile trip) pulling my 14k trailer I get 10mpg. My truck is a 03 so it has a lot less power than the new ones. 14 is about the best I ever get even empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Never had a camper the weight you have. Mine was 18k and 21k. My dually did get 12-14 normal driving. Long trips I have not idea as only towed long mileage. Now I never got over 7 with either camper and the Teton was 5-6. Both were Chevys and 3.73 gearing. HDT actually get 7-8 which I have now. 2003 Teton Grand Freedom towed with 2006 Freightliner Century 120 across the beautiful USA welding pipe.https://photos.app.goo.gl/O32ZjgzSzgK7LAyt1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 My Ram 3500 DRW has 3:73, pull an RV around 13k. Depending on terrain, I get around 12-13mpg towing (mostly flatland), see a lot of unloaded 18-20. Tows like a dream and still handles great without camper. It's a good ratio to obtain the best of both worlds, driving loaded or unloaded. Ppl complain about the transmission more. The 69XXX model mine has works just fine but I would not chip it, that's where the problem starts. There's a H.O. model with a stonger tranny and I think (don't quote me) 4:10 rear but unless you plan to haul real heavy, its wasted $$, IMHO. Saying that about mine, I have not hauled in mountainous regions, might change my mind after this coming summer in the rockies. 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rover Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Our 2015 with 4.10 rear end we can get 14-16 highway non-towing and maybe 12-14 other times. Towing an 18k 5W is around 8-9 on average. We wanted the 4.10 due to the size of our 5W. Vicki, Mark and Sadie Fulltime and having fun! 2016 Newmar Ventana LE 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaH Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 It's been a few years since I've looked at the specs, but when we bought our 2007 Ram dually diesel, the 4.10 had a higher towing capacity than the 3.73 did. You may want to look to see what the current specs are. LindaH 2014 Winnebago Aspect 27K 2011 Kia Soul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 Lots of info here, tons of reading on drive-train set-ups. Worth reading if your serious about a Ram. Just another forum 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobsallyh Posted January 27, 2019 Report Share Posted January 27, 2019 With our 2003 Ram dually Cummins, 242,000 on the clock, we have pulled our 38' fiver with no problem. Now I do have a six speed NV 5600 standard tranny. Never have had a problem towing including Alaska. You should ask your self approximately how much towing versus running empty you might do. We tow quite frequently being full-timers since 2003 but since this truck is our daily driver also, we run empty much more. I might ad, just thought about it, this is still the 5.9 diesel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted January 28, 2019 Report Share Posted January 28, 2019 I went with the 410 gears. You also have to think that it is just not about pulling power but with the 410 rears the exhaust brake is stronger also. Are you going with the Aisin transmission option? 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckman Posted February 14, 2019 Report Share Posted February 14, 2019 I am running 4:10's and Aisin transmission, I highly recommend the Aisin trans,it works great. Best mileage empty is 18.5. 3:73's would work good, but I wouldn't buy anything with the 3:23's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dapperdan Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 We have 3:73's in our '15 RAM, gets around 18 mpg around town and about 9 mpg on the highway towing our Suites. We weigh in at 27k to 28k depending on the amount of "stuff" we have with us. The '15 has the HO Cummins and Aisin, it does a fantastic job towing up as well as down grades! LOVE that EB! Our '06 RAM had 3:73's in it and when we still had the Montana which was significantly less than the Suites, it pulled great! The newer pick ups are awesome and rated for a whole lot more than the older models. IMHO you'll do great with either choice, 3:73's or 4:10's, 4:10's do give you more towing capacity. Dan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billr Posted February 16, 2019 Report Share Posted February 16, 2019 Higher towing capacity and ability to upgrade trailer down the line with Heavier unit without issues with truck makes the choice an easy one. Fuel mileage over the long term is not that great. IMO. Bill and Joan and 3 Collie pups 2001 Volvo VNL 770 "The Doghouse" Singled short, "ET" hItch VED12 465HP Gen 1 Autoshift 3.58 ratio 2005 Mobile Suite 38RL3 2011 Smart Passion loaded piggybacK Weigh-It Portable RV Scales http://www.weighitrv.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 17, 2019 Report Share Posted February 17, 2019 I had the 3:73 gears on the old 1992 Ram1 ton diesel dually and despite it being gutless compared to my other Ram diesels, all with 3:73 gears - which were my 2002 Ram 2500 long bed, 2006 short bed Ram quiet diesel 2500, and my current 2004.5 with the 2005 quiet diesel Cummins 5.9. We traveled the Rockies over and over and did have to add an exhaust brake. Mileage was not as good as my later models. But I'd go 3:73 not just for the mileage, but for the lower RPMs at cruising speed. I had 12k even without filling my64 gallon Transfer Flow diesel tank. Ram/Cummins power and performance was quite different from 1992 t5o my newer Rams. This is one of those six of one, half dozen of the other decisions.. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 18, 2019 Report Share Posted February 18, 2019 Sorry - I edited as my answer as I did not make clear that all my Ram diesels with the 5.9 Cummins were 3:73 or equivalent highway gearing, not just my first one. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds1 Posted February 19, 2019 Report Share Posted February 19, 2019 I can't tell you the difference in MPG other than I came to the conclusion, based on what other's told me, that between the 3.73 and 4.10 it will average out if used as a daily driver as well. One is better for running around town unloaded and one is better when towing. I just bought our 2018 Ram dually with 3.73, and the high output engine came with the Aisin transmission. Friends have the same truck with a 4.10 and 3.73. I would have been fine with either 3.73 or 4.10 but we are using it for a daily driver as well. We will be towing a trailer with a GVWR of 16,000. Or course you have to check the towing charts to make sure you are okay with whatever engine, transmission, gear setup you go with. I would have definitely gotten the 4.10 gears if I had not purchased the Aisin transmission for a 16,000 trailer based off the towing charts. Also leaves room for a heavier trailer upgrade and add a margin of safety. Mark from Missouri Our Future in an RV 2018 Ram 3500 Laramie Dually LB 6.7L HO Diesel Aisin Transmission 4x4 3.73 Gears 2019 Vanleigh Vilano 320GK 35’ fifth wheel 16,000-pound GVWR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandman Posted March 27, 2019 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2019 Thanks for your input everyone. Tomorrow morning I pick up my new 2018 RAM with Aisin transmission and 4:10 rear end. Pretty excited, but somewhat concerned with how high the bed rails and tailgate set from the ground. Anybody have problems with this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Did you get the air ride? I added 2 inch risers to my DRV and some even added 3. Because I did this, I tow level and have good bed rail clearence. Towing nose high puts more load on the rear wheels. shocked the RV manufactures have not caught on that the truck manufactures are making taller beds. Having the air right will give you a little leeway as you can lower the rear suspension. You still might be nose high but it will be a little better. 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Mine has decent clearance but if not on a level road, or if backing and not level site, I get a little nervous as I think it's a little close. My pin box put a slight bend in the bed cover rails one time, I had to be within a 1/2 inch of hitting the bed side. I raised the Anderson hitch's ball up a notch (gave me lots of clearance) but that made the RV nose too high. I lowered the ball back down and just use a lot of caution when I back/turn very tight. I plan on replacing the camper in a year or so, so I'm not going to raise the camper, I just use a second set of eyes for now. 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 18 hours ago, brandman said: Tomorrow morning I pick up my new 2018 RAM with Aisin transmission and 4:10 rear end. Congrats on the new truck!! Post up pics of your new truck, I like truck porn! 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Congrats! You'll love it! RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rynosback Posted March 28, 2019 Report Share Posted March 28, 2019 Congratulation on the new Ram. 2015 Ram 3500 RC DRW CTD AISIN 410 rear 2016 Mobile Suites 38RSB3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted March 29, 2019 Report Share Posted March 29, 2019 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brandman Posted April 1, 2019 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 Sorry about not posting a picture. I'm new at this forum thing. Here is a picture of the truck with my fifth wheel attached. Actually it seems to be towing pretty level. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NDBirdman Posted April 1, 2019 Report Share Posted April 1, 2019 Sweeet rig! You'll have many years of enjoyment out of that set-up. Next up, fill out your signature. 2002 Fifth Avenue RV (RIP) 2015 Ram 3500 Mega-cab DRW(38k miles), 6.7L Cummins Diesel, A668RFE, 3.73, 14,000 GVWR, 5,630 Payload, 27,300 GCWR, 18,460 Max Trailer Weight Rating(For Sale) , living in the frigid north, ND. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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