4.10 vs 3.73

[zues]

Is there much difference in fuel economy between the two. Is there much difference in towing a 12000 pound 5th wheel trailer. Not sure what to get

 

[lmills]

Well, I like my 4. 10's but would much rather have the 3. 73's I am not sure of the weight, I just know the trailer is a 32' camper. It honestly doesn't seem to need a 4. 10 gear.

 

[Pug59]

There was an article in one of the magazines recently that had an article on this topic. I think the difference was . 4 mpg at 55 mph. I would opt for (and did) the 4. 10 gears. I tow a 9K trailer through Western Maryland and it will pull all of the hills in 3rd at 70 mph. Has plenty of pedal left, but it is nearing red-line so I don't push it.

 

[Bertram65]

Depends on the trans, for the 6 speed the 3. 73s seem to be the gears to have, for the auto the 4. 10s. They work out to closely the same final ratio.

 

[SSage]

4. 10's increase the tow ratings or GCWR or something.

 

[crobertson1]

I wanted the 4. 10s because I live in the mountains and tow a travel trailer. So, I've got some pretty major hills, either coming or going. I just wanted the maximum towing power.

 

[XcumminsX]

I wish i had 3. 73's... i HATE my 4. 10's

 

[CajunDieselMan]

The only thing I'd change with my truck if I could order over is to get the 3. 73 axle. I'm running empty on the highway more than I figured. Shouldn't complain too much, I get 19-20 mpg at 65-70 mph, but I hate to hear that big Cummins wind up like it does.

 

[psterkowitz]

Thankfull that I have the 4:10 when pulling my 15,000# 5th wheel. Helps to accelerate quicker getting on "on ramps" and pulling uphill. Mileage seems fine, usaul between 10. 5 and 11. 3 at 58-62 mph pulling 5th wheel.

 

[KO_RAM]

Originally posted by SSage

4. 10's increase the tow ratings or GCWR or something.

I got the 4. 10 just for this reason. It added 2000 lbs GCWR to my truck. (3500 SWB, 6 spd, 4X4) My tow capability went from 13,750 lbs with a 3. 73 to 15,750 lbs with the 4. 10. I know the CTD will pull it, with the 3. 73, but now I can legally pull another 2000 lbs.

The only time it really hurts the fuel mileage is when I run on the Interstate empty and go above 70 mph (I don't do this very much). For in town driving, the revs stay down, you just have to shift a little sooner. For towing, I don't want to go any faster than 70 mph anyway.

 

[DPelletier]

I really struggled with this when I bought my truck and I ended up with the 3. 73's but FWIW, I would suggest the following;



- around town driving, difference in mileage will be negligable.



- 4. 10's are needed more with an auto than with a 6 spd due to the difference in OD ratios (as mentioned above).



- If I were towing at a GCWR of 20,000 or more, I would consider getting the 4:10's just to get the GCWR increase as KO_Ram did.



Dave

 

[FDavid]

Test drive both and see what you are comfortable with. I have towed 10k+ with my 3. 73s and the engine felt like it wasn't even trying hard. Of course it was a 6 speed. If you want the absolute fastest, I remember reading an article about the new 600 when it was first introduced. For the 0-60 test and 1/4 mile test Dodge gave the press fleet an automatic with 3. 73's because that was the fastest possible configuration.

 

[AFrisina]

Originally posted by FDavid

Test drive both and see what you are comfortable with. I have towed 10k+ with my 3. 73s and the engine felt like it wasn't even trying hard. Of course it was a 6 speed. If you want the absolute fastest, I remember reading an article about the new 600 when it was first introduced. For the 0-60 test and 1/4 mile test Dodge gave the press fleet an automatic with 3. 73's because that was the fastest possible configuration.

That's odd, it would seem to me a 4. 10 gear would be quicker in the 1/4 and especially the 0-60. Well whatever, I wasn' t there.

 

[CFenton]

Depends on the wind...

Towing my rig via I-80 through Penn. I came out of OD once and was going about 65 the whole lenght of the state going east. I had a 20+ MPH tail wind. On the way west same route I had a 30+ head wind and consistently dropped into 3rd to get up grade, but had plenty of pedal at 65 MPH. The 3. 73 works for me. My trailer runs about 7. 5 to 8K, so I am a little light compared to others. Averaged 11-12 mpg going out, 10-11 going back.



I love this truck.