IdaD wrote:
Hiking Hunter wrote:
Transmission: the 68RFE will do fine for you, save your money. Another note on the transmission - I have the Aisin transmission, and love it dearly, but it has a "4WD LOCK" mode instead of the "4WD AUTO" mode like the 68RFE. The LOCK mode forces all wheels into a hard 4WD and should not be used when the wheels cannot slip some. The AUTO mode can be used when there is only intermittent slippery conditions. In your part of the country, like mine, snow and ice might cover the road, but it would be intermittent. I'm a little apprehensive about using my 4WD "full time" in those conditions if there is ANY dry pavement because of this. Check me on this - I don't think you can get the Aisin with the AUTO mode - I think they are all LOCK mode transmissions. If you can't find a spec sheet showing the available modes on each - look at the 4WD selector knob - it will show either "LOCK" or AUTO" as well as 4WD LOW.
Now, all that being said, the 3500 is a good pick, but consider this: unless you think you might ever get a fifth wheel, why not go with the same engine and transmission in a 2500?. The reasons I suggest this are:
1) the 3500 has a bigger payload rating than the 2500, but if you have a travel trailer that doesn't matter. The tow rating of the 2500 is plenty for your load.
2) The 2500 would ride better for your non-trailer trips because of the stiffer suspension of the 3500.
2500 towing specs
3500 towing specs
Bottom line - 3500 or 2500, 6.7L Diesel, 68RFE tranny
You can't get 4wd Auto in any 2500 or 3500 Ram. All of them with all three transmissions are old fashioned 4wd systems with a locking center transfer case. The only choice in the 4wd systems is whether you want to pull a lever or twist a knob. And based on a lot of years and miles of traveling winter roads, you can run in 4H on intermittent snow and ice on the highway just fine. Just disengage it if you're pulling into a dry paved parking lot or gas station.
I do agree that the coils ride quite a bit nicer, and on a practical level I like that you have separate suspension components that control up and down versus side to side. If a heavy FW is likely in your future a 3500 is the better choice, but if it isn't, the 2500 is a great choice too. Great daily commuter and heavy tow vehicle, with pretty impressive fuel economy to boot.
True. The 4wd auto is not available in anything above a 1500.
I have some "squat" tests comparing the 3500 SRW leaf springs to a 2500 with coils using a 41' 5er if you're interested.
