RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 crewcab diesel

rvshrinker wrote:
Hello,

I'm going to buy a truck camper, and planning to buy a new truck to carry it.

I was looking at the above line of vehicles for their payload and frankly I like the way they look.

Originally I was going to get a Tradesman or SLT because they are cheaper, but Dave Smith has some deals on the higher trims.

However I don't know enough about trucks yet, even though I'm trying to learn. Dave Smith pointed me to one, a Laramie, which seemed good, good price I think, in a Laramie trim. However, in reading the details I'm not sure it's really right for what I want.

First payload is only 43xx (can't remember exactly). Some of the larger Arctic Fox TCs that I want are over 5000 wet.

Second, the axle ratio is 3.42. I thought I wanted something over 4 to max towing and pulling ability?

Finally, what options do I need to have on this vehicle to do what I Want? Is there a 'towing package' or some such? This one has a 180 A alternator and the cold weather group which Dave Smith says is the engine block heater. Someone on another one of the boards suggested I make sure to get an Auxiliary switch which has some kind of power to various outboard options, I don't know if that's listed as a separate option but it's not listed in the spec sheet on this vehicle.

I guess the 4x4, the crew cab, and the diesel each eat into payload. Is this what I'm going to be stuck at?

Thanks guys (and gals).

tinner12002 wrote:

rvshrinker wrote:
I just want to make sure this truck can do all, be all for all our needs. Someday that could include a TT or even a 5th wheel, but that would be years from now and isn't in the plans now. We wouldn't go with some huge monstrosity, so as long as that gearing could handle a standard size trailer.

Now I need some education about GVWR. With the referenced 'modifications', if an Arctic Fox is, say 5000 wet, and the payload on the RAM is 4350, is there a way to be both safe and legal?

To get the payload up I would be fine going back down to Tradesman or SLT, but can't give up 4x4 or crew cab and don't think going gas is the best option (right? right?). What else can I do?

Just my opinion, but if you had thoughts of getting an RV down the road I'd get a Ram with at least 3.73 gears. Make sure your getting the Aisin tranny if your going automatic, trim is just whatever bells and whistles you like. Trim levels have a little to do with payload, some but not enough to be too concerned with, 20 lbs diff between Tradesman and a Laramie with Laramie having the higher payload. With the Limited trim however, payload drops to 5440lbs. I just looked up the payload for a 2016 3500 Ram dually crew cab 4X4 and its rated at 5440-5680 lb payload. Single rear wheel 3500 is listed with over 4400 lb payload.

Grit dog wrote:
^ you both tow with 4.10s so you know how well they do. No need to argue over it.
Rvshrinker, yes if you're preparing for ANY possible combo of truck and rv then I'd go with deeper gears....just because you can and it will provide you more towing power (let's don't start the gearing theory wars, ok gents).

Since you're looking at duallys, many on the lots have deeper gearing than the standard 3.42s.
Aisin is a nice option too, but the 68rfe is holding up well or it wouldn't be around now for 10 years running.
If I was to order a new ram right now, even though I could afford it, I wouldn't spring the extra $$ for the Aisin unless I was using the truck commercially, towing really heavy most all the time.

rvshrinker wrote:

Grit dog wrote:
^ you both tow with 4.10s so you know how well they do. No need to argue over it.
Rvshrinker, yes if you're preparing for ANY possible combo of truck and rv then I'd go with deeper gears....just because you can and it will provide you more towing power (let's don't start the gearing theory wars, ok gents).

Since you're looking at duallys, many on the lots have deeper gearing than the standard 3.42s.
Aisin is a nice option too, but the 68rfe is holding up well or it wouldn't be around now for 10 years running.
If I was to order a new ram right now, even though I could afford it, I wouldn't spring the extra $$ for the Aisin unless I was using the truck commercially, towing really heavy most all the time.

this truck has the 68rfe. I was going to ask about that, as well. I will not be towing heavy most of the time. The most i could see us doing is a TC and then towing a toadie, OR getting a small fifth wheel. That's it. So if I can save some money on the 68rfe, great.

I'm hoping this guy will send me a photo of the GVWR sticker. I just can't figure out why he says it's in the 4000s.

On this truck though, I found out it has the extended middle console which makes it a five seater. I want a six seater so I want to get a different one.

Two more questions.

someone mentioned an option for an "aux switch" - can someone confirm what that is?

Also, this truck has a 'trailering package." Someone else mentioned a 'camper package' but the salesman does not know what that means.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

tinner12002 wrote:

rvshrinker wrote:
I just want to make sure this truck can do all, be all for all our needs. Someday that could include a TT or even a 5th wheel, but that would be years from now and isn't in the plans now. We wouldn't go with some huge monstrosity, so as long as that gearing could handle a standard size trailer.

Now I need some education about GVWR. With the referenced 'modifications', if an Arctic Fox is, say 5000 wet, and the payload on the RAM is 4350, is there a way to be both safe and legal?

To get the payload up I would be fine going back down to Tradesman or SLT, but can't give up 4x4 or crew cab and don't think going gas is the best option (right? right?). What else can I do?

Just my opinion, but if you had thoughts of getting an RV down the road I'd get a Ram with at least 3.73 gears. Make sure your getting the Aisin tranny if your going automatic, trim is just whatever bells and whistles you like. Trim levels have a little to do with payload, some but not enough to be too concerned with, 20 lbs diff between Tradesman and a Laramie with Laramie having the higher payload. With the Limited trim however, payload drops to 5440lbs. I just looked up the payload for a 2016 3500 Ram dually crew cab 4X4 and its rated at 5440-5680 lb payload. Single rear wheel 3500 is listed with over 4400 lb payload.

Why 3.73's???

You have 4.10's so you know how well they tow. The 3.42 is the same toeing in 5th. With the AISIN the load gets rolling easily even at 26-28k. So in reality 3.42's are the way to go with the AISIN unless over 28k.

tinner12002 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

tinner12002 wrote:

rvshrinker wrote:
I just want to make sure this truck can do all, be all for all our needs. Someday that could include a TT or even a 5th wheel, but that would be years from now and isn't in the plans now. We wouldn't go with some huge monstrosity, so as long as that gearing could handle a standard size trailer.

Now I need some education about GVWR. With the referenced 'modifications', if an Arctic Fox is, say 5000 wet, and the payload on the RAM is 4350, is there a way to be both safe and legal?

To get the payload up I would be fine going back down to Tradesman or SLT, but can't give up 4x4 or crew cab and don't think going gas is the best option (right? right?). What else can I do?

Just my opinion, but if you had thoughts of getting an RV down the road I'd get a Ram with at least 3.73 gears. Make sure your getting the Aisin tranny if your going automatic, trim is just whatever bells and whistles you like. Trim levels have a little to do with payload, some but not enough to be too concerned with, 20 lbs diff between Tradesman and a Laramie with Laramie having the higher payload. With the Limited trim however, payload drops to 5440lbs. I just looked up the payload for a 2016 3500 Ram dually crew cab 4X4 and its rated at 5440-5680 lb payload. Single rear wheel 3500 is listed with over 4400 lb payload.

Why 3.73's???

You have 4.10's so you know how well they tow. The 3.42 is the same toeing in 5th. With the AISIN the load gets rolling easily even at 26-28k. So in reality 3.42's are the way to go with the AISIN unless over 28k.

Well with that being said, why not get the 3.73s and pull in 6th?? Not going to make squat in fuel mileage difference but will be a easier on equip in my opinion.