Best gearing on DRW for carrying camper

[Cummins12V98]

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.

Same tire capacity here. 5,780# front and 9,860# rear on Cat scales I still have capacity.

 

[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.

Just ran across this post. I am now into my trip @ 6k miles with new Suncoast towing transmission. Now having experienced many grades in the west I will certainly go back to 4.10s when I get home.

 

[dfb]

LOVE THAT SETUP,! Truck and the HOST,....great stuff!

 

[AH64ID]

That load doesn't warrant the 4.10's, unless you spend a LOT of time below 20 mph while loaded.

 

[zb39]

I also tow a 5th wheel. It is only 14k GVW. But i might go bigger later. We just got back from 3 weeks out west. Zero issues. I tend to buy more than I need so it doen't have to work that hard. I could prob tow my fiver with a 3/4 ton. But I need the 3500 for the Host. I do have another 1 ton but it is my dump truck.