Best gearing on DRW for carrying camper

[dward]

I was reading another post about 3:42 gears in a DRW but forgot where I read it.
I was surprised how many thought the higher ratio would be Ok or even better for towing.
I'm contemplating putting more $ into my 02 3500 or maybe going new with a 17 for carrying a large Lance camper. (5-6k lbs)
I'm sure the 4:10s are needed for max towing but I would only be carrying the Lance and flat towing a Jeep or a trailer (5-7k lbs max)
I would also tow a FW toy hauler with max weight around 13k lbs on occasion.
I liked the lower rpm in my SRW while on the road and think 4:10 is more than I need and may be overkill.
I can get a 17 3500 Tradesman CC 4x4 with Aisin and 3:42 for $43,500. ($14k off sticker)
It has just the options I want and I think it a great deal, but not sure about the 3:42s?

 

[BILLUA]

2 threads on the same subject?

 

[Cummins12V98]

28-29K with 3.42's mostly towed 5th same rpm as 4.10 in 6th. Over that get the 4.10's. Pic of my 11HO.

#ad

 

[EGroeneveld]

Duplicate posting.....

But anyways you'll be happy with 3.42 specially if you like to travel the highways at highway speeds.
I have 4.10s on my 2016 and its overkill for my Truck Camper and Enclosed trailer combo or our 14k toyhauler....
The MPG when empty at anything higher than 70 just stinks.......and we run to ID, MT and UT often.

 

[Mingoglia]

I guess my expectations for MPG is lower than most. I pull my Jeep trailer with 4.10 gears at a relatively light 18k combined from GA to AZ a few times a year with the cruise on 85 the whole way. 10.5mpg. Last two trips I went across TX at night and filled up, put the cruise as high as it would go. Once the fuel light came on I'd find the next truck stop, fill up with the truck still running, hit the entrance ramp and hit resume on the cruise. Did that the entire way through the state. As long as I'm above 10, I'm happy. Tires are speed rated for 87....but of course I burned out a trailer hub on this last trip. LOL I keep a spare though so it was a 60 min inconvenience.

 

[CUMMINZ]

I've got 2007.5 dually with 245x19.5s now with 3.73 gears. I purchased the truck new with 4.10s and at the time really enjoyed the 4.10s. Now that I have 3.73s I would not go back to 4.10s. We plan 12,000 miles from NC to Portland and all over this summer with our new Cedar Creek 38' Champagne @ 18k GVW. Not sure how the 3.73s will do in the Rockies vs. the 4.10s. Back to OPer... If all you are toting just a over-cab camper @ 5k you will be totally OK with 3.42s. Don't let anyone tell you running in 5th with 3.73 is LIKE 6th with 4.10s. Engine windup is just different.

 

[Cummins12V98]

" Don't let anyone tell you running in 5th with 3.73 is LIKE 6th with 4.10s. Engine windup is just different."

I would never say that! 3.42's in 5th are about the same as 4.10's in 6th. At 60 they are turning about 1,750rpm. IMHO that is da ****! I have towed HEAVY with both.

 

[GBBrown]

" Don't let anyone tell you running in 5th with 3.73 is LIKE 6th with 4.10s. Engine windup is just different."

I would never say that! 3.42's in 5th are about the same as 4.10's in 6th. At 60 they are turning about 1,750rpm. IMHO that is da ****! I have towed HEAVY with both.

Still comparing apples and oranges, there's more involved than just RPM.

 

[kthaxton]

Still comparing apples and oranges, there's more involved than just RPM.

Agreed! In fact I would hazard a guess that the torque multiplication is the bigger contributor to the equation than just engine RPM.

 

[Cummins12V98]

My 11 at 29K out pulled my 15 at 33K on many passes but others the 15 has done better.

 

[zb39]

I have 4.10 in my 2016. * Works great

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

I have 4.10 in my 2016. * Works great

Sweet Rig. I see it has at least 1 slide out, is there another? Anyway looks good.

 

[zb39]

Yes it does. *3 actually. *we love it. *

 

[zb39]

1 more.............

 

[GBBrown]

Man, you need a 4500 or even a 5500 to tote around that Host.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Man, you need a 4500 or even a 5500 to tote around that Host.

Not really. *My pin is knocking on 6K with no issues.

 

[Dasmoeturhead]

Man, you need a 4500 or even a 5500 to tote around that Host.

Looks like to me his 1 Ton pickup is doing just fine.

 

[Cummins12V98]

The newer 3500 DRV's are in reality 4500's with 3500 badges.

 

[CUMMINZ]

The newer 3500 DRV's are in reality 4500's with 3500 badges.

As long as they have 17" 10 ply tires they are a long way from a 4500. My opinion the new 3500s needed 19.5" tires.

 

[zb39]

My 2016 stock tires are rated for 6172 in the front and 11,332 in the back. Thats 17,504 lbs. I don't think I would ever need more than that. I believe that is higher than the GVW on the 4500's. I am aware of what 19.5's can do for you. I had them on my number 2 coach. Numbers 3 and 4 used 22.5 tires. Now there is some weight carring capacity.