Test drove 2013 Ram 3500 today
It was a 3500 SRW 4x4, laramie, crew cab, and it was equipped with 3.42 rear axle, the 850tq Cummins, and the Aisin 6 speed auto. Payload was just under 4000#, gvwr was 11, 700#. I took it for a 30...
Forum Discussion
I just bring this up because my truck runs 1600 RPM at 65 mph in top OD gear. Has 20" wheels/3.55 RAR. And .67 sixth gear OD. According to the torque specs it's peak (850 ft lbs according to the window sticker) is at 1600 RPM. I don't find it hunting gears when towing heavy on minor grades. In my mind I think this is pretty good gearing for heavy towing. Makes cruise control very useable when towing.
If the Ram really does run Rpm @ 72 mph was ~1500, I would like to see a lower RAR gear choice. The Aisin trans is a great unit. The Cummins runs all kinds of torque. But I wonder if the gearing makes best use of the engine trans combination in real world towing situations. I just don't like to hear any tranny hunt. And if using Cruise control, it needs to run at peak torque to be really effective when heavy towing.
Certainly not badmouthing the new Ram. Sound like a really fine truck. I just have this one question is all.
If the Ram really does run Rpm @ 72 mph was ~1500, I would like to see a lower RAR gear choice. The Aisin trans is a great unit. The Cummins runs all kinds of torque. But I wonder if the gearing makes best use of the engine trans combination in real world towing situations. I just don't like to hear any tranny hunt. And if using Cruise control, it needs to run at peak torque to be really effective when heavy towing.
Certainly not badmouthing the new Ram. Sound like a really fine truck. I just have this one question is all.
