Forum Discussion

work2much's avatar
work2much
Explorer
Apr 01, 2017

Considering a new truck

Hi Guys. Going to look at a 2017 Ram 3500 dually tomorrow. We currently have a 2004 dodge 3500 dually. Our camper is an Arctic Fox 1150.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom? I am assuming that the camper should fit fine and Torklift makes frame mount tie downs I can install. I installed the tie downs on our current truck. Anyone have experience installing on newer Dodge?

The new truck has "auto level rear suspension" Anyone have any experience with this? Does this replace spring pack, or is it in addition like adding airbags?

The truck will be used both for our TC and 5th wheel we have yet to purchase.

Is there anything I should be thinking about? It's been 12 years since purchasing a truck. Any advice appreciated.
Truck Campers
  • HMS_Beagle's avatar
    HMS_Beagle
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    The airbags themselves are really no more likely to fail than steel springs. Something like 80 percent of long haul trucks now sit on airbags, no springs. I don't have steel springs in my truck and don't miss them. The control system might be a weak point, if they didn't do it right. One thing you could do for piece of mind is add a valve and schrader filler to each bag. Then if something in the control system goes off, just close the valve and air them up.
  • zb39's avatar
    zb39
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    I used to haul an AF1150 also. Traded it for the Host Mammoth.
  • zb39's avatar
    zb39
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    Truck is stock. I added TL frame mt tie downs and fast guns. It hauls the TC very well. Rock solid even at 70MPH. Get the factory 5th wheel prep also and a B&W hitch for it. 3600 is the number I think.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2017
    Troutguy wrote:


    The 4:10 gears give the highest GVW rating (14,000 lbs.) on the RAM 3500 DRW Cummings/Aisin and highest payload. I test drove one last week and the tach showed approx. 1800 rpm @62-63 mph in 6th gear.....certainly not spinning the engine very hard. My current Duramax/Allison 4 speed OD with 3:73 gears pulls that same rpm at the equivalent speed. Gotta like the new technology. I would go with the 4:10s......


    I took my new F350 dually diesel with 3.55 gears.
    Having CC set at 65mph it keeps 1700 rpm.
    Last week drove it from SF I-80 east where going towards Reno - freeway climbs to 7300 ' with some extreme grades.
    Having 7000 lb loaded cargo trailer, the truck drop from 6th to 5 th gear only about 5 times on the route.
    So even with 3.55 gears, I think I could find good use for 7th gear.
    US manufacturers make trucks gearing with heavy towing in mind, so even with 7k load it is over-geared.
    I used to drive cars that require downshifting with front wind, so turning the engine at high rpm for nothing does not make sense to me.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    zb39 wrote:
    I love the factory air system. I haul a heavy TC and a 5th wheel, just not at the same time.


    Thanks for the input, you have the same truck/camper set-up I am considering. Did you make any mods to the truck or is it stock?
  • zb39's avatar
    zb39
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    I love the factory air system. I haul a heavy TC and a 5th wheel, just not at the same time.
  • Troutguy's avatar
    Troutguy
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    TxGearhead wrote:
    What trim level is it...Tradesman, Laramie, etc? I have a Laramie that I ordered with bucket seats and wish I would have gotten the 40/20/40. Every once in a while I would like to move around and rest my foot on the transmission hump. Other wise the interior is fine. I would pass on the auto level. I have the same concerns as you on the air bags. Been there with a bag failure on a Class C. I have 3.42 rear end as it the only choice with SRW. Given a choice I would go 3.73. The 3.42 works good with my Bigfoot and pulling 12,000# 5th wheel. I have the Aisin as well. It's an expensive option but I'm glad I have it.


    The 4:10 gears give the highest GVW rating (14,000 lbs.) on the RAM 3500 DRW Cummings/Aisin and highest payload. I test drove one last week and the tach showed approx. 1800 rpm @62-63 mph in 6th gear.....certainly not spinning the engine very hard. My current Duramax/Allison 4 speed OD with 3:73 gears pulls that same rpm at the equivalent speed. Gotta like the new technology. I would go with the 4:10s......
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2017
    What trim level is it...Tradesman, Laramie, etc? I have a Laramie that I ordered with bucket seats and wish I would have gotten the 40/20/40. Every once in a while I would like to move around and rest my foot on the transmission hump. Other wise the interior is fine. I would pass on the auto level. I have the same concerns as you on the air bags. Been there with a bag failure on a Class C. I have 3.42 rear end as it the only choice with SRW. Given a choice I would go 3.73. The 3.42 works good with my Bigfoot and pulling 12,000# 5th wheel. I have the Aisin as well. It's an expensive option but I'm glad I have it.
  • billyray50's avatar
    billyray50
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    work2much wrote:
    donn0128 wrote:
    Yourll love it. Be sure it has at least a 3.73 rear end. And hopefully the Aisin transmission.


    The one I'm looking at has Aisin trans and 4:10 gears.


    You will love it. My Laramie Longhorn with Cummins, 68rfe which from what I read is right there with the Allison, and 3:73 is a beast. From what I read Aisin is even better. Fuel mileage is not as good as my 2006 Ram CTD 5.9 Cummins with 3:73. Did not want the air suspension. Def is no big deal but you will go thru DEF faster when hauling TC or towing. Sounds like a nice truck.
  • work2much's avatar
    work2much
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2017
    deserteagle56 wrote:
    Words of wisdom?

    Unless your 2004 is all worn out, stick with it. The guy I bought mine from has asked me twice now if I'd sell it back to him...having too many problems with his 6.7.


    Hardly worn out. 45,000 original miles. The truck is almost new aside from being 13 years old. Great truck and I hope I don't regret selling it. Maybe your buddy might be interested. ;-)

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