Rear end ratios

mt-ed wrote:
I've read where some truck campers specify the ratio of gearing in the differential of their trucks used for truck camping. Would anyone out there be so kind so as to explain to me what the advantages/disadvantages are to these different configurations?
Thanks in advance!

IMO, it's a win-win to get the lowest (highest numerical) rear end ratio possible with any HD truck--unless you have no plans to tow or haul. It results in less driveline stress and more times than not, a higher tow capacity---basically a more capable truck. Any concerns about reduced fuel economy with a lower rear end ratio (on a HD truck) are unfounded IMO. We've driven our 68RFE Ram Cummins in 5th gear (with a 3.42 rear end) for years and never experienced any noticeable drop in fuel economy (vs. 6th gear). To put this in perspective, our 68RFE/3.42 equipped truck in 5th gear has a ~12% lower overall gear ratio than the same truck in 6th gear with a 4.10 rearend.

Should mention that the 3.42 was the only rear end ratio available for our '16 Ram 3500 SRW. Would have gladly gone with a 4.10, if it had been available. I believe the new '19-'20 Ram Cummins SRW's now come standard with a 3.73.