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rvshrinker's avatar
rvshrinker
Explorer III
Jan 28, 2017

RAM 3500 DRW 4x4 crewcab diesel

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).
Tow Vehicles

60 Replies

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  • minnow's avatar
    minnow
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2017
    Stay with the diesel. I've got a '16 SLT single rear wheel, diesel 3.42 towing a 11,000 lb fifth wheel. No issues at all.
    Will second the recommendation to give Dennis Dillon a call. I got quotes from both Smith and a Dillion and Dillon beat Smith by two thousand dollars.
  • billyray50's avatar
    billyray50
    Explorer
    Jan 29, 2017
    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?



    My Stock Ram DRW has a 5565 lb. payload capacity Got to love it!!!
  • rvshrinker's avatar
    rvshrinker
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2017
    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?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jan 28, 2017
    IdaD wrote:
    Since you're in the northwest I'd recommend shopping Dennis Dillon in Caldwell too. You won't get their "as low as" price but they'll give you the "sale price" on their website with no negotiation. I found they were a lot cheaper, like around $4000 on a Tradesman when I purchased.

    As far as the truck goes I think 3.42 would be just fine for a TC. I have that ratio in my truck and it pulls my fifth wheel great and it's a fantastic freeway cruiser. Not towing at 82ish on the freeway it just hums along around 1750 RPM.

    Trim is totally up to you. I went with a Tradesman because I don't really value the extra fluff given the amount of up-charge.

    And THATS why I need a new Ram!
    Just ran across eastern wa yesterday. 82-84 mph on the gps is almost 2500rpms in my old buggy, even with taller tires.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator II
    Jan 28, 2017
    3.42s and diesel are fine unless you're towing heavy. Like 15-20klbs heavy.

    Ram doesn't even offer deeper gears on the srw trucks, so that says something about the power and transmission gearing.
    I wouldn't worry about the 4300lb payload rating either. I haul that much on my 10 year old 2500 Dodge.
    Dually will haul much more than that with ease and still be well within the rear axle and tire rating. With big campers like you're looking at, doesn't matter what the options on the truck are, you'll need some minor suspension mods anyway.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2017
    IdaD wrote:
    Since you're in the northwest I'd recommend shopping Dennis Dillon in Caldwell too. You won't get their "as low as" price but they'll give you the "sale price" on their website with no negotiation. I found they were a lot cheaper, like around $4000 on a Tradesman when I purchased.

    As far as the truck goes I think 3.42 would be just fine for a TC. I have that ratio in my truck and it pulls my fifth wheel great and it's a fantastic freeway cruiser. Not towing at 82ish on the freeway it just hums along around 1750 RPM.

    Trim is totally up to you. I went with a Tradesman because I don't really value the extra fluff given the amount of up-charge.


    It will cruise 103mph in 6th at 2,300 rpm. ;)
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 28, 2017
    donn0128 wrote:
    Most folks will say the 3.42 is fine for general use. I have a Cummins dually pulling 13.500 pounds with a 4.10 rear end. And I have to say I LOVE it. I can run all day with the cruise control on in 6th gear with no problems.


    With that weight you could run 6th all day also. I towed 18-19k with my 11 HO Dually in 6th on flat to hilly terrain but at that weight I got slightly better mpg in 5th.

    Op I would highly recommend a DRW with 3.42's with combined load to 28k. For a 5k plus camper the DRW with 3.42's would tow great and with the best mileage.

    3.42's in 5th run same RPM's as 4.10's in 6th. I have owned both ratios.
  • IdaD's avatar
    IdaD
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Since you're in the northwest I'd recommend shopping Dennis Dillon in Caldwell too. You won't get their "as low as" price but they'll give you the "sale price" on their website with no negotiation. I found they were a lot cheaper, like around $4000 on a Tradesman when I purchased.

    As far as the truck goes I think 3.42 would be just fine for a TC. I have that ratio in my truck and it pulls my fifth wheel great and it's a fantastic freeway cruiser. Not towing at 82ish on the freeway it just hums along around 1750 RPM.

    Trim is totally up to you. I went with a Tradesman because I don't really value the extra fluff given the amount of up-charge.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 28, 2017
    Most folks will say the 3.42 is fine for general use. I have a Cummins dually pulling 13.500 pounds with a 4.10 rear end. And I have to say I LOVE it. I can run all day with the cruise control on in 6th gear with no problems.
  • Chuck_thehammer's avatar
    Chuck_thehammer
    Explorer
    Jan 28, 2017
    Gas or Diesel engine??.. 4.xx final gearing is more for Gas.

    High end trim ... reduces what you can carry on truck
    4x4 reduces what you can carry.

    towing AND camper package is a Must.. if you want a slide in camper.
    otherwise you will be adding parts to make it so.

    others will be along with more valuable advice.

    RAM makes a very Fine looking truck,
    the Dually fenders are the Best ...

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