Need some advice, gearing/fuel mileage.
Hey I know we have a big thread on fuel mileage going. I’m considering a 2020 Ram 3500 Crew Cab with the HO Cummins/Aisin and it has the 4.10 gears and it’s a dually. On a test drive it appeared to...
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Our '16 Ram Cummins' overall gearing in 5th gear with a 3.42 rear end is more or less equivalent to a 4.10 in 6th gear. After numerous cross-country trips with various 10k-12k 5th wheels and TT's we've noticed no difference in fuel economy driving at 65 mph in 5th or 6th gear. We always tow in 5th to reduce downshifting (and wear and tear to the tranny) and to keep the Cummins more responsive (at 65 in 5th it's at 1,700 - 1,800 rpm, operating at peak torque). Another added plus, the exhaust brake is also much more responsive.
IMO, the only situation where the 3.42 or 3.73 gears *may* have an mpg advantage is driving at 80 mph EMPTY in 6th. I could see a possible 1 mpg increase in fuel economy vs. a 4.10 in 6th at 80 mph.
Me, I can't see the logic in purchasing a $70k-$80k truck that's main purpose in life is towing/hauling heavy, then reduce its tow capacity via higher driveline stress with a 3.42 rear end . . . over a possible or, at most, a negligible increase in fuel economy. IMO, it's a no-brainer to go 4.10---unless your main goal is a slight increase in fuel economy driving at 80 mph EMPTY.
YMMV.
IMO, the only situation where the 3.42 or 3.73 gears *may* have an mpg advantage is driving at 80 mph EMPTY in 6th. I could see a possible 1 mpg increase in fuel economy vs. a 4.10 in 6th at 80 mph.
Me, I can't see the logic in purchasing a $70k-$80k truck that's main purpose in life is towing/hauling heavy, then reduce its tow capacity via higher driveline stress with a 3.42 rear end . . . over a possible or, at most, a negligible increase in fuel economy. IMO, it's a no-brainer to go 4.10---unless your main goal is a slight increase in fuel economy driving at 80 mph EMPTY.
YMMV.
