3500 towing... What do you think?

[RJOL]

Went to the local Dodge dealer today and looked at a 2003 3500 HO QC 4X4 Long Bed SRW (I'm not interested in DRW) with the auto (48RE) and 3. 73 gear ratio. I need the answer to a few questions, from someone who has towed a 9-12K 5th wheel, with this setup.



1. Is the auto 3. 73 up to the task, with the HO engine? I'm not a full timer, and don't regularly tow over mountains (at least not yet), so I'm wondering if the 3. 73 will do. The dealer can locate a 4:10 but he says they sell very few 2500 or 3500 with the 4:10 now that the 3. 73 has come out.



2. I measured the height of the tailgate and it's the same as my 2001 2500 QC LB 4X4, with the camper package (load springs).



3. The 3500 I'm looking at has the electronic transfer switch versus the shift lever. Any pros or cons to this?



Any experience you guys have will be appreciated.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Towing capacity for the 3:73 is 13,700 so at least it would seem to do ok on paper. I havent heard of any problems with the electronics xfer case. Is the electronic version only available on the Laramie?



Scotty

 

[Barry]

The FINAL drive ratio of the Manual/3:73 is 2:72

Auto /4:10 IS 2:82





As you can see, the two are almost identical. But, the Auto/3:73 is

2:57. Thats TAll.



If you live out west and/or going to a larger tire on a 4X I think in the long run you would be more happy with the 4:10s.



Be kind to your trannie... ... ... ... .

 

[dmurdock]

I tow around 12500 with auto/3. 73 in Texas area... does great (i tow around 72 mph)

 

[Fred Swanson]

The 4. 10's will perform better. It at first you think it's revving too high, the first grade will make you glad you got the 4. 10's.

Plus, a taller tire is cheaper than a gear swap, especially if you do a 4wd.

 

[Dean Upson]

1. You didn't say how much you are going to be towing, but if you are pulling heavy load, I think the 4. 10 ratio is the ticket especially with the auto transmission. The 4. 10 should have been ordered with LS differential .



3. I have not had, nor have heard of anyone having any problems with the electronic transfer case switch. I love it .



Dean

 

[HEYBOSS]

I have the 4. 10 auto towing 12k 5er and you can't beat it almost got the 3. 55 (I believe that was the other ratio in 2001) that would've been a big mistake. 4. 10's can keep you in OD most the times and at 70mph it's tacking at 2100-2200 rpm which is the sweet spot. On the other hand 4. 10's on the stick will rev much higher. You wont' regret going 4. 10's specially towing that much weight.