2012 DRW Answers Please

[lawdog]

I have been reading all day regarding axles and options and such. I am seriously considering selling my 2006 Mega (DRW converted) 5. 9 auto w/ 3. 73 for a new Mega DRW. Maybe a crew but I thinkl I would miss the extra interior space.



For what I am planning to use the truck for. Mydaighter races in the Pro Women national Snocross circuit,so we run about 10,000 miles a year towing about 11,000 lbs (40' Featherlite G'neck race trailer. )



I dont need the long bed at this time for our trailer due to its configuration. It works perfect with the B&W Gooseneck hitch and extenda ball.



Now I see the arguments here about 3. 73 and 4. 10 gears, but most are talking ov towing in the 13000+ range According to ramtruck.com the say a Mega DRW with 3. 73 auto can pull 12,500. But the 4. 10 can tow more. I run about half my miles a year towing the other half empty. I know the Max Tow gives you some extra goodies. Should I opt up for the 4. 10 for my weight range? Admitedly we do get into some windy conditions in the winter. We usually run 70ish with the 5. 9 because that is where the engine likes to be power wise. I have a 5" exhaust( I know wasnt needed but its what was available when mine broke off) other than that truck is stock.



I am leaning 4. 10 based on a chart I saw by klenger it shows rpm/mph the same with 48re and 3. 73 to 68RFE and 4. 10. Suggestions and reasoning please. Oh My daily commute to work is a whopping 5 miles each way.



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[RonD]

I have a 2012 Max Tow 4. 10 gears Crew, wouldn't trade it for anything, a fantastic tow vehicle for sure, I say 4. 10 gears

 

[Schumacher]

My 2011 HO only came with 3. 73 at the time. At 70 it will pull most hills with a 8k load but if I slow to 65 sometimes I need to shift to 5th. Im looking into switching to 4. 11's.

 

[RustyJC]

4. 10s with the 68RFE is a great combo. 1612 RPM @ 60 MPH, 1880 RPM @ 70 MPH. I love it towing our 16K GVWR 5th wheel or running empty.



Rusty

 

[Slow Six]

I say go with the 4:10s. I really like my new truck for towing and running empty. Get the Max Tow, it is probably the biggest bang for the buck of any option.

 

[lawdog]

Sounds good. Need to get the 06 cleaned up good and put it on the block..... The war department is almost convinced I should get a new one. As long as I get her a new car too. Would be nice 2 new cars with a factory warranty instead of my own warranty station.

 

[NIsaacs]

I think the "Max Tow" only offers the 4. 10. I have no clue if a non max tow is offered in the dually with auto.



Nick

 

[Slow Six]

The dually with the automatic is the "only" way you can get Max Tow.

 

[JHumphries]

I would be really concerned about the 5 mile commute.
My commute is 15 miles and the truck never seemed to get out of regen. My milage was horrible. 13 was the highest i ever saw.

Anyone one else here have a similar commute that has been driving a 6. 7 for a while?

 

[AH64ID]

Like JHumphries said the 5 mile commute is not good for any diesel, but really bad on a 6. 7 with emissions in tact.

Otherwise with the double overdrives of the 68RFE there is not 1 good reason to get any gearset but 4. 10's.

The Mega's still offer a much lower GVWR than the other DRW's, but if your good on your 06 you should be good on a 12.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

LawDog,



I have 2500 DRW with a NV5600. My next truck will have the auto and 4:10's.

 

[HBarlow]

My '08 has 4. 10 gears and I would not consider anything else with the six speed automatic.

Take a very close look at the engine rpm v. road speed numbers provided by Rusty above.

4. 10 gears will allow a truck with the new six speed automatics with top two gears being overdrive ratios to reach the engine's peak torque rpm at 60 mph. At 70 mph a 4. 10 geared truck will still be at under 2000 rpm. With 3. 73 gears the engine will be lugging at 60 mph in top gear.

4. 10 gears also offer more torque multiplication for heavy load starting on steep grades.

 

[Okie-Go]

I ordered mine with the max-tow. The 4. 10 and the auto should get real close to the same fuel milage as the g56 with the 3. 73. Lookin for it to get here on the 7th of feb.

 

[lawdog]

Dodges GVWR is rediculous. My truck is rated at 9000 lbs before conversion. Soooooo Lets see. . truck just under 8000 lbs with me, the wife and 3 kids and the wifes battle bag. . er I mean purse, there is another 700 lbs or so. . So that leaves maybe 500 lbs of cargo... Idiotic...



I want to stay under the 26,001 threshold so dont need a CDL, and the trailer is 14,000 gvwr