Forum Discussion

Mello_Mike's avatar
Mello_Mike
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013

Upgrading to a 2013 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4

Yep, this long-time Ford guy is considering a Dodge Ram. It's time for an upgrade to a 4x4 one-ton and I can simply get more truck for the money by going with a Dodge. For the same price, I can get a 6.7L Cummins diesel not to mention many other extras. Now, Ford's 6.2L gasser is a fine engine, but I sure miss having a diesel and the Cummins is a proven workhorse.

Anyhow, I was hoping I could get some quick feedback on the Ram 3500's. General impressions from current owners would be great. Anything to avoid or get as far as options? Is the AISIN transmission worth the extra $2,500? Is the 3.42 axle good for hauling a TC?

Now I just have to decide between a SRW vs a DRW. :C
Truck Campers
  • Ramblin_Recks's avatar
    Ramblin_Recks
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    I couldn't be more satisfied with the performance of our DRW. The only thing I would change is to get the automatic climate control.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Dec 22, 2013
    Mello Mike wrote:
    Yep, this long-time Ford guy is considering a Dodge Ram. ....
    Now I just have to decide between a SRW vs a DRW. :C


    Oh oh... :)
  • prairie_camper's avatar
    prairie_camper
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    Yep I was a long time GM guy. Back in 2008 I bought a new Ram CTD 2500 Mega cab and have never looked back! My problem is the payload for my truck, pathetic, now in 2013 the payload difference is incredible for the 2500 and 3500. I don't know what they did to the frames but they must have sure improved them!! Check them out on this website.rambodybuilder.com
    Good luck and safe travels.
  • Capt_Eddie's avatar
    Capt_Eddie
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    4.10 gearing is the best compromise. DRW are the way to go. The Dodge brakes are not the best in the world. But the engine brake is. The day that I bought my Lance 1040 the tire pressure was for normal driving. I thought the truck would tip over leaving the parking lot. 60LB was not enough for the extra weight. Max tire pressure cured that problem.
  • Mello_Mike's avatar
    Mello_Mike
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    Capt Eddie wrote:
    The Dodge brakes are not the best in the world. But the engine brake is.


    How does the Jake Brake do going down steep mountain passes?
  • RamTC's avatar
    RamTC
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    Mello Mike wrote:
    Yep, this long-time Ford guy is considering a Dodge Ram. It's time for an upgrade to a 4x4 one-ton and I can simply get more truck for the money by going with a Dodge. For the same price, I can get a 6.7L Cummins diesel not to mention many other extras. Now, Ford's 6.2L gasser is a fine engine, but I sure miss having a diesel and the Cummins is a proven workhorse.

    Anyhow, I was hoping I could get some quick feedback on the Ram 3500's. General impressions from current owners would be great. Anything to avoid or get as far as options? Is the AISIN transmission worth the extra $2,500? Is the 3.42 axle good for hauling a TC?

    Now I just have to decide between a SRW vs a DRW. :C

    My 2014 Ram arrived last month, still in the process of setting it up for the TC. I chose the Aisin as the $2500ish is not just the transmission. If you stay SRW, the ratio is 3.42 only. The DRW allows for 3.73/4.10 heavier 300MM gear set.
  • prairie_camper's avatar
    prairie_camper
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    Mello Mike wrote:
    Capt Eddie wrote:
    The Dodge brakes are not the best in the world. But the engine brake is.


    How does the Jake Brake do going down steep mountain passes?


    Actually it is not a jake brake but an exhaust brake, a jake slows the vehicle buy controlling the engine exhaust valves. My 2008 ram CTD has an exhaust brake, I think it's still the same in 2013. Oh and the exhaust brake is awesome going down long grades!
  • Mello_Mike's avatar
    Mello_Mike
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    RamTC wrote:

    My 2014 Ram arrived last month, still in the process of setting it up for the TC. I chose the Aisin as the $2500ish is not just the transmission.


    Really? Can you elaborate on that?
  • RamTC's avatar
    RamTC
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    Mello Mike wrote:
    RamTC wrote:

    My 2014 Ram arrived last month, still in the process of setting it up for the TC. I chose the Aisin as the $2500ish is not just the transmission.


    Really? Can you elaborate on that?

    The Aisin option gets you the 385HP/850TQ CTD, with the 68RE transmission, the CTD is 370HP/800TQ.

    Also, for 13'/14's, they changed the exhaust brake to two mode, auto and full.
  • covered_wagon's avatar
    covered_wagon
    Explorer
    Dec 22, 2013
    I recommend getting the taller gearing for the differential(s). I have 3.55's on mine and she just purrs over the highways. It does real good for keeping exhaust temps lower since steeper grades you'll need to downshift out of overdrive.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 20, 2025