Towing with my 2011, 3500, High Output

[CGordon]

I'm sure this question has been asked and answered but can't find the latter!



I have a 2011 3500 Laramie 4 X 4 with the 6. 7, auto, SWB and SRW. Somewhere on the web I found the towing capacity for this truck (which is different from the previous 6. 7 version) but I've lost the link. Can anyone point me in the right direction?



Thanks!!

 

[Cummins12V98]

I am looking for the same info. Mine is same but 3500 dually 3:42 auto 4X4

 

[dlmetzger]

This is for the 2011 Models. http://www.ramtrucks.com/shared/pdf/2011_RAM_Full_Line_Tow_Chart.pdf

This is for the 2012 Models.

http://www.ramtrucks.com/shared/pdf/2012_RAM_Full_Line_Tow_Chart.pdf

 

[Jim W]

I use this site also. http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/year.pdf The site provides other information for our trucks and including the towing charts.

Click on the model year and than the truck icon you are looking, for such as C&C model or pick-up and or vans. This site also list what is new on the truck for that model year.

Jim W.

 

[CGordon]

Thanks guys!

 

[AH64ID]

I use this site also. http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/year.pdf The site provides other information for our trucks and including the towing charts.

Click on the model year and than the truck icon you are looking, for such as C&C model or pick-up and or vans. This site also list what is new on the truck for that model year.

Jim W.

I like the bodybuilder site the best, the specs seem to be updated as often as they change.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Thanks!

Anyone know other than the 800tq did any of the Max Tow make it into my truck?

 

[Wertles]

Anyone know other than the 800tq did any of the Max Tow make it into my truck?[/QUOTE]



No. The Max Tow comes only with 4:10 gears. Out of curiosity, is your rear differential cover aluminum and finned or does it look like the older stock ones?

 

[Cummins12V98]

The cover looks like all the others. My question was, besides the 800tq did any of the things that are for the Max Tow make it on my truck? Like trans upgrade etc? I would assume the trans would be upgraded to handle the extra tq. Is the rear end stronger to handle the extra tq? I am adding the Mag Hytec diff cover to nearly double the capacity.

 

[AH64ID]

All the 800 ft/lb trucks got the trans upgrade, but only the Max Tow got the rear end (from my understanding).

If your truck isn't 800 ft/lbs you have all 650 ft/lb parts.

 

[RustyJC]

Cummins12V98, I hesitate to say this, but I guess you know from looking at the other discussions that, insofar as towing and max GCWR is concerned, the 3. 42 axle ratio is the worst possible choice. It looks like you have a 17K GCWR (at least that's the 2WD rating in 2011, which is what I'm familiar with) with the 3. 42, which is probably close to the GVWR of your RV alone.....



Just sayin'.....



Rusty

 

[AEdelheit]

Im supprised 3. 42 was even an option for Duallys, seems kinda pointless?

 

[AH64ID]

Im supprised 3. 42 was even an option for Duallys, seems kinda pointless?

Agree... but it goes along the lines of no 4. 10's with a manual. . Public perception about rpms and mileage are more important than facts.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I got a great deal at Dave Smith in Kellog Idaho. Great salesman Ryan Buck that has been there for two years. The same truck on the lot with 3:73 gears did not have a sun roof and a couple other things. I figured it was less expensive to replace the ring and pinion than add the sun roof aftermarket and risk the chance of leaks. I have to tell you that the rv unloaded the combined weight is 24,300 and I pulled a 5 percent grade at 70 in 5th with no problem. We are heading south in Nov from nw Wa to so Cal along I-5 so that will tell if I want to change gears. I think they ordered the truck with the 3:42 for people that drive the 75 mph roads in Idaho. I will let you know how it handled the load once I hit so Cal.

 

[Jim W]

I do not like to offer any opinions if a truck is capable of towing such a such trailer. But from what you have stated as your truck and what you claim you are towing, you may have an issue with this truck. See this page from the Dodge Body Builders PDF, that I provided to the poster. http://www.dodge.com/bodybuilder/2011/docs/ram/rammlup3500.pdf

For a truck that is a 3500HD, Crew Cab long bed dually, Auto with 4. 32 gear set and a 4X4, the GCWR is 17,000 LBS with a max trailer weight of 9,250 LBS.

I believe the reason that the allowable tow weight that you safely can tow with is based on the torque input to the gear set of the axle. Since the 3. 42 gear set will not take the same amount of torque input as a 4. 10 gear set to get this heavier load moving. Your truck will pull and stop this load for now. You may not notice any issues at first but as miles are put on and and as the fatigue loading increase on this gear set, something will fail.

Jim W

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the 3. 42 would have been a good choice in the early G-56 with it's short overdrive. I remember a lot of complaints of high RPM even with the 3. 73's.



With the two over's in the 6spd autos, 4. 10's are a good choice. As a daily driver and sometimes tow truck, the 3. 42 will probably work fine, especially with the new HO, however I like to run on the low side, RPM wise and live 100 miles from nowhere and 75 MPH freeways



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Those mysterious numbers like 3. 42, 3. 73, 4. 10, 4. 44, and 4. 88 are not just abstract concepts for discussion by engineers and accountants in windowless rooms in auto factories. The numbers provide clear descriptions of towing ability, load starting, grade climbing and descending, and durability.



I'm surprised that someone would choose a sunroof over proper gear ratos.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Harvey,
I said it was less expensive to replace the ring and pinion than to do the aftermarket factory sun roof. I was aware of the gearing and if I change I will probably go with the 4:10. So the other one with out the sun roof was a 3:73 and not rated to tow my load either. So I got the truck I wanted minus the gears. I will see how it does. More than likely most of the time I will be in 5th. I bet that is about the same rpm as a 4:10 in 6th?
My 98 12 v with 360k has been overloaded when towing all it's life 20,500 and it still runs strong. I noticed the truck still has the same gvwr as all the other gear ratios.

 

[HBarlow]

Changing ring gears and pinions in two differentials will be pretty expensive in a four wheel drive truck. I think a truck with a 68RFE and 3. 42 gears will effectively lose the use of both 5th and 6th gears while towing.

 

[AEdelheit]

Changing ring gears and pinions in two differentials will be pretty expensive in a four wheel drive truck. I think a truck with a 68RFE and 3. 42 gears will effectively lose the use of both 5th and 6th gears while towing.

I know for a 3rd gen is $1400-$1700. Thats an AAM ring & pinion, master install kit and labor. been pricing it out. Another thing to note though is a 3. 73 will be putting more stress on the driveline and differential compared to a 4. 10 since the gearing advantage is at the differential it affects everything else infront of it. FYI