What gears do I need?

Our 1st rv was a TT. We had a chev van that was very plush with tv etc so that was the tow vehicle 3.42 rear that was not good so changed to 4.10. The tow was much nicer and didn't have to have the pedal to the floor. Maybe the new trucks are different but I agree with ib516.

chevman

Beentherefixedthat wrote:

Further the 4:10 will make what is not great gas mileage much worse.

This is NOT the case.

Here is a quote from a GM powertrain engineer:

"How much of a difference does the choice of axle make? A 2013 Sierra 2500HD with a 6.0L V-8 and four-wheel drive can tow a maximum of 9,900 pounds with a 3.73:1 ratio or 14,400 pounds with a 4.10:1 ratio. Martuch estimates the fuel economy difference at highway speeds would be around 0.2-0.3 mpg between those two ratios, though reduced engine noise is also a benefit of maintaining lower engine speeds with the more-efficient ratio.
LINK

"According to Roger Clark, senior manager of GM's Energy Integration and Fuel Economy Learning Vehicles Program, which handles fuel-economy development of all GM trucks and SUVs, fuel economy may not change much by going to an optional axle ratio. "The typical combined-fuel-economy impact, based on lab test conditions, is a difference of about 0.4 mpg to 0.6 mpg between the standard gear ratio (3.42 or 3.55) and the lowest (4.10) offered. That change is linear, too. Choosing 3.73 or 3.92 gear ratios would have even less of an effect on fuel economy." Clark says that in the real world, choosing a lower gear ratio may not even show up in fuel economy associated with city driving. It's the steady-state, long-distance freeway romps where lower axle ratios have the most effect."

It's about 0.5 mpg or so between a 3.42/3.55 and a 3.92/4.10. Not much.

RCMAN46 wrote:
The 4.10 gearing will not give you more horsepower.

Gearing will not change the horsepower of a vehicle period.

Only modifications to the engine can increase horsepower.

You are correct, but the 4.10s do offer more torque at the wheels than the 3.73s do. That will help get heavy loads moving. There is a reason the manufacturer increases the tow rating and GCWR by 3000# when you opt for the 4.10s.

The 4.10 gearing will not give you more horsepower.

Gearing will not change the horsepower of a vehicle period.

Only modifications to the engine can increase horsepower.

My 6.4 came with the 3:73 gears, if I had ordered the truck I would have got the 4:10's. Imho

4.10! Nothing else. It will be beneficial when towing. And a locker is definitely worth it if available. Wait till the first time you are on wet grass.

When I decided to go with 6.4 Gas over diesel, I specifically looked for the 4.10 rear end with Limited slip (much to the chagrin of the sales guy). Coming from a 2000 Dodge 1500 with the 5.9 & 3.55s, I have no regrets about it, though either ratio would be a quantum leap from what I had.

Mine is a 2014, and am very pleased with how it drives unloaded & tows - my trailer is just over 6K loaded. I think my truck is overkill for this trailer, but there's nothing wrong with that - I just wanted 2K+ payload, and half tons like that are quite rare.


This will be my first winter with it, I'm interested to see how it does in the snow.

CC

At 7K, I don't think that your truck will know the trailer is back there. Gear swaps are expensive, try with what you've got and decide if you need more.

2Rad4U wrote:
How is this thread 3 pages?

Change your preferences to see 20 posts and it is just two pages(so far).

How is this thread 3 pages?