Question about axle Ratios
Looking at two, 2017 RAM 1500 Laramie Trucks. One has a axle ratio of 3.21 and has a lot of options I like. The second one has a ratio of 3.92 but with less options, prices on both are very similar. ...
Forum Discussion
ulvik wrote:
No! First things first that is way too heavy to pull with a 1/2 ton truck not to mention stopping it safely. As far as gear ratio goes I personally would never by a tow vehicle with a gear ratio less than 3.73. Any lower and you just bought you a slug.
That blanket statement cannot be applied to all 1/2 tons. Ram, Ford, GM, Nissan, and Toyota all of 1/2 tons fully capable of towing the trailer the OP is looking at. The OP just needs to match the trailer with the truck.
When it comes to gears there's quite a few situations where less than 3.73 would be perfectly fine. TFL just tested the 2017 F-150 with 3.55 gears in their Ike Gauntlet. The truck was hooked up to a 9,000 lbs trailer and they were impressed by its performance. While going up the grade, the truck never dropped below 60 mph. The truck could have done more, but they were limited by the speed limit. A 3.42 behind a Cummins would have no problem with the trailer the OP is looking at either and it's no slug.
Also, if you're depending on the truck to stop the trailer then you either have a problem or you're just doing it wrong. Trailer's come with brakes for a reason.
