AISIN on New RAM Question

[Ontheroad]

I am about to purchase a 2016 RAM 3500, Longhorn, 6.7L diesel, long bed, crew cab. This truck has an AISIN Transmission with a 3.42 rear end. I will be towing a 13,500 lb 5th wheel for 40% of the miles. The other 60% will be light loads in the truck bed. Technically I do not need the AISIN to pull the RV, but it is on the truck.

Question: When running empty, will this truck sihift the same as and as smoothly as a similar RAM with the 68RFE transmission (with the 3.42)? i really like this truck and can't find another quite like it, but am I really gaining any advantage with the AISIN and perhaps sacrificing some smoothness of shifting (at a MSRP OF $2600)?

I am a new member to the group and I hope you all can set me on the right track. Thanks much!
Jerry

 

[CSeugling]

Mine shifts just as smooth as my old 04 dually. 2016 3500 srw crew cab, short bed ram box

 

[MJWenrich]

Mine also shifts well. The only hick up I have is the turbo lag that seems to affect the Aison trans models more than the 68RFE. These lags vary from vehicle to vehicle. My nephew just bought a 16 with the Aison and he has the lag but not as severe as mine. So be sure to drive it, using 6th gear, and try full throttle as if passing, before signing the papers. If you have more than a couple second lag, you might want to reconsider. Very annoying condition and RAM won't do anything about it. You can put an after market mod on it to mitigate the problem somewhat but your warranty might be in jeopardy. Great trans but the 68RFE seems to be working out well too.

 

[Larry Willard]

My Aisin shifts much smoother than the 68RFE I had.

 

[RVTRKN]

I drove a 2014 68rfe and didn't like it, I'd chose the Aisin if I were to buy a new truck.

 

[SnoKing]

The lower 1st transmission gear with the 3.42 rear end is a real plus to get a load moving. Love my Aisin!

SNOKING

 

[Deleted member 995608]

What Snoking said

 

[donnandon]

With the Aisin you are gaining a true truck transmission. We have had both transmissions. The 68RFE did perfectly fine, but the Aisin just moved the load more easily due to its gearing as previously said. I think they both shifted equally well, but maybe the Aisin is a little firmer.

 

[Cummins12V98]

If that truck were a dually I would have ZERO issues towing up to 27-28K combined. The AISIN acts like a quality "BUILT" trans. very decisive shifts. Get it and don't look back.

 

[Bug Out]

just bought a 2016 with the Aisin. Its a whole different truck with the Aisin. The last (3) 68 RFE's I owned, 2012, 2013, 2013 now this one, could not hold a candle to just the difference if feel and gearing. If you can, buy it.

This is the truck I should have bought in 2013.

 

[Stab]

The Aisin is truly a "truck" trans and does it's job amazingly well. Then you have the Tow/Haul Mode....which has more "spirited" shift points when empty but, almost perfect shift points when loaded.

 

[moparnut72]

Depending on where you live and the type of terrain you will be driving in and speeds you will be going a 4:11 or 3.73 might be better. The 4:11's are perfect for me. I am limited to 60 towing and live in the mountains.
kk

 

[Stab]

Depending on where you live and the type of terrain you will be driving in and speeds you will be going a 4:11 or 3.73 might be better. The 4:11's are perfect for me. I am limited to 60 towing and live in the mountains.
kk

Good point! I drive about drive 50% mountain (hills) and 50% highway, and am not limited to 60 mph....(lol)!
3.73s work great for us moving 26.5k gross. We're just now getting 10 mpg @ 13k miles.

 

[Kirwin]

Pulling my travel trailer, (approximately 12,500 lbs) I get 11-12 MPG. Empty, on a 3500 mile trip I was about 15 MPG overall.

 

[Ontheroad]

Thanks for all your replies. They helped me make the decision to go with the AISIN. I am now waiting for tomorrow, Sept 1, to see if there are any additional rebates on 2016 RAM's..Has anyone heard anything on this?

Jerry

 

[rynosback]

Thanks for all your replies. They helped me make the decision to go with the AISIN. I am now waiting for tomorrow, Sept 1, to see if there are any additional rebates on 2016 RAM's..Has anyone heard anything on this?

Jerry

There is a thread just out about rebates.
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/2013-general-discussion/2103145-17-rebates-out.html

 

[tp0d]

Got 22k on my '16 3500 with the aisin, had a 68rfe in my old '10, this transmission is a beast compared to the 68. The exhaust brake performance is at least double.

-j

 

[kthaxton]

Curious why you attribute exhaust brake performance to the transmission? It would make sense in the lower gears (1-3) since the Aisin is geared lower there, but otherwise????

 

[schmeg]

Probably less loss of deceleration performance due to torque converter being locked up better. This is one reason why I went with a G56. The exhaust brake experiences zero loss through the direct link the clutch and transmission provide.

 

[SnoKing]

Mostly likely is programming of the EB and transmission, as the torque converters are both locked for EB use. I know that the Aisin down shifts augressively in T/H with EB on, not sure on the 68RFE. SNOKING