2011 Ram 3500 to a 2016 Ram 3500??

[2BLAZERS]

So looking into trading in the truck for a new model and looking for experience, advice, does and don't....for those that have made the upgrades and haul heavy AND tow heavy....

We have:
Camper: Arctic Fox 1150
Also pulling: Loaded at 8.5K enclosed trailer with quads/RZR....
Full torklift system and weight distribution hitch.

Needed mods on newer Rams?
14K GVW on the newer trucks that much better?

2011 has been ''okay'' after all the mods but the new ones have higher GVW, and axle ratings, more power, plus a warranty. 🙂

Have looked into a Ram 5500 flatbed too but I daily drive my current truck and really don't want two huge trucks. I would not daily drive a Ram 5500 flatbed.

Go and thanks in advance....

[usmcshepherd]

That's a 10-4 on the trans tuning on the 2011 RAM CTD...I did the download too!

[-Kevin]

2nd the EFI live, I think 2011 you can do trans tuning too. it makes a HUGE difference, like a whole new truck.

[usmcshepherd]

I have an '11 and had the EGR and DPF deleted and run a H&S tuner and it has plenty of power! I also added Mag-Hytech rear diff and transmission pans to increase fluid and disipate heat. I also downloaded the transmission tuner which I believe made the shift points perfect for the 4.10 gearing. I used to pull a 40' 5th wheel and now carry a 2016 1172 and it runs down the road like nothing is on the rear of the truck. No kidding I'm often passing folks on the hills in CO and my temps are good...it just runs great. As someone else pointed out the '11 CTD was the last year that the Rams came without DEF...Ford and Chev/GMC had already made the switch.

I only have 53k miles on my Ram 3500 CTD but it runs better everyday. I've talked with some guys that have 2015-16s and they seem to be in for some code error or something about every 3 months. I'd look long and hard at your current rig and possible some modifications to add some power if that's what you are looking for!

[Vinsil]

Power is easy to upgrade. If THAT is your main concern, I wouldn't trade. Not a deal breaker but you will be dealing with def too.

For $650, you can have custom EFI Live tuning and not only increase power, but reduce heat and improve mileage.

IF power is the main concern. Another FYI the asin trans is not playing nice with the tuners. I don't have a new truck but if mods are in the future....you might wait and see now the tuners deal with the programming.

[portscanner]

My 2011 has a feature that you cant get on any new truck.


It is paid for.

[2BLAZERS]

AH64ID wrote:

2BLAZERS wrote:
I believe the torque rating is 650 for all 2011.

2012 is when it was upped to 800. 😞

Also the ''Max Tow'' package came out 6 months after I received my truck.

The Max Tow was introduced in 11.5, but it sounds like you are early 11 with the 650.

You will probably really enjoy the power and driveability of the Aisin 385/900 for '16, or 385/865 for '15.

I would definitely go with 4.10's.

Yes earlier 2011. I ordered it Friday after Thanksgiving in 2010, was delivered per my factory order on January 4th of 2011.

[AH64ID]

2BLAZERS wrote:
I believe the torque rating is 650 for all 2011.

2012 is when it was upped to 800. 😞

Also the ''Max Tow'' package came out 6 months after I received my truck.

The Max Tow was introduced in 11.5, but it sounds like you are early 11 with the 650.

You will probably really enjoy the power and driveability of the Aisin 385/900 for '16, or 385/865 for '15.

I would definitely go with 4.10's.

[Bedlam]

You might get a better balance by side loading a quad, putting the RZR in the middle and side loading the second quad. With two buggies, tools and spare parts in my trailer, it is around 7250 lbs. Once I add 84 gallons of fresh water, it weighs 8000 lbs.

My TC is lighter than yours but my truck makes up for it. We total out about same when I haul water with me.

We missed that part of I-70 in CO since we veered down on US-50 to Gunnison before heading to Colorado Springs via CO-115. This road was slower and twistier but slightly higher. There were some gasser MH's having trouble keeping 25 mph on some of the grades. Most of the time I was not going faster than you on those climbs, but I still had more pedal available if the road was straighter. Since my 2015 CTD tune is backed off from the pickup version, I only have 325 hp and 750 ft lbs mated to my 4.44 gearing.

[2BLAZERS]

I believe the torque rating is 650 for all 2011.

2012 is when it was upped to 800. 😞

Also the ''Max Tow'' package came out 6 months after I received my truck.

[AH64ID]

What torque rating is your 11?

[2BLAZERS]

So my current truck is 4.10 geared. Does okay, but at 23k hills were certainly slowing me down. In CO I-70 and the Eisenhower tunnel i did 40mph all the way up to it. Many hills I was slowed to 55.

On our latest trip from Oregon to ID, CO, UT I basically went 65mph all the time even if the speed zone was 80. Cause we were heavy at 23K.

Empty with just me the truck weighs
5100 + 3700 = 8,800.

With the camper, family, dog, bicycles on bike rack on:
5100 + 9450 = 14,550

So camper plus family plus extended hitch and bike rack adds 5,750.

Then we add the 20' enclosed trailer with 2 quads and a RZR
4850+10650+7450 = 22,950 or 23K

This 23K was the first and last time I will haul 2 quads and a RZR in the trailer. We've always done 1 quad and the RZR and the adding the second quad just goes right to the tongue weight of the trailer. And I could certainly feel it. This is because I had to turn the 2 quads sideways at the front of the trailer to fit. Solution is to go triple axle 28' trailer or just take 1 quad and the RZR.

[Bedlam]

At 22k lbs GCWR, I am glad to have my 4.44 gearing since most of my driving is around 60 mph. If I was not towing or drove fast, I would get the lowest ratio available.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

I would also "second" the 4:10 gears.

I've got 2014 Ram 3500 dually/Cummins/Aisin w/3:73 gears.

From talking on here, appears the shift points (in Tow/Haul mode) for sixth gear are at different speeds, depending on rear axle ratio.

3:42's shift at about 65 MPH

3:73's shift at about 58 MPH

4:10's shift at about 54 MPH.

Or really close to those speeds for each vehicle.

I find mine will sometimes gear hunt when running in the low 60-62 MPH speed range, as it seems it is just not far enough into sixth gear to hold it there. So back and forth between 5th and 6th it goes, until I get tired of it and lock 6th gear out.

I do prefer to drive somewhat slowly, and the 62-64 MPH speed range is favorite to me. I am thinking that perhaps the 4:10's would have been better for that speed range, and others here with that axle ratio have been getting similar fuel mileage compared to what I get with the 3:73"s.

So something worth considering.

[Nautique200]

Come and drive mine with my 1150 on it.

You might also consider getting the 4.10 gears, I only wish I would have when I have my horse trailer in tow but I think your enclosed trailer loaded down will warrant the 4.10s too.