blt2ski wrote:
Not sure what size tires you have, but if you can find some that are about 2" in diam smaller, that equates to lowering your current 3.08 to and effective 3.42! borrow those for a week or so and see how the truck performs etc.
I have 20" P-rated tires that came with the truck so that is factored into the current tow rating. So far I got 42k off them and they have maybe 10k more of life, so I am very pleased since factory issue tires are not known for longevity. When time comes to replace I will likely stay with the same size, maybe a little wider, but go with an XL tire. I know that the higher aspect ratio is better for additional load but with a half ton there is no real need for that or an LT tire, especially on a daily driver.
I hear you regarding the smaller wheels but with the truck's large wheel arches, it will look absurd .... Like some low rider .... :p
blt2ski wrote:
The other reality, I can not remember if it has been mentioned, you may need to figure out what speed you will normally tow on a freeway at, then figure out if that gear rpm is going to meet max speed per the amount of HP you have.
No it was not mentioned. The contemplated RV has ST tires made you-know-where, so I expect to continue towing at 65 mph - a speed I have gotten accustomed to while towing, in tow-haul mode with cruise control on and nothing locked out. On the flat with the current gearing and 3800# RV I see about 1900 rpm at that speed, although IIRC 2200 rpm is probably more frequent. The truck just lopes along all day. Hit some hills and the revs may touch 3500 with a rare 4000, then back down to 2200 or so. My truck has no redline and has never seen 5000 rpm - towing or not.
Dropping to 3.42 I would expect revs would be a bit higher at that same desired cruising speed, and that can of course be calculated.
