Ordering a truck

[Vinsil]

So those that have ordered a truck....especially a Ram...a few questions.

Looking at a '16 Ram Mega 3500 DRW. I know I'd need swing out brackets for my camper but with the drw option only $1200 more....I'm considering one over another srw.

I'm set on an aisin transmission. Reports have been good. Question is....which gear ratio? I don't like the 3.42 option. Now my current truck has 3.73's and true 35" tires, I'm happy with the current gearing. I'm leaning towards the 3.73's again,. Will. I ever regret not going 4.10's? I won't discount a larger 5'er down the road but it is unlikely.I will add an enclosed trailer soon, but it be that heavy in the end...maybe 20-22k combined.


Those with the aisin and 4.10's....happy?

[zcookiemonstar]

Vinsil wrote:
:B

I know...the new superhitch and torklift tie downs.....and more than likely some stableloads....yikes. Plan was to strip my truck and sell everything...recoup some cash.

Honestly, new truck will feel like mine power wise....new paint, new smell and a warranty.

Have a standing offer of 35k on my truck right now. New truck will run 43k or so.....

I currently get 11-12 mpg with my TC and trailer.


Who knows...

New truck will run 43k or so.....???
You must be looking at a Gas truck not Diesel. I think you would have to ad at least 10k to your estimate to get the truck you want.

[805gregg]

Why would you want a truck cab longer than the bed? Get a long bed and have many more camper options, and campers with more room.

[GoinThisAway]

And don't forget the increased cost of insurance with a new truck. Not to say you shouldn't do it ... only you know your funding and needs. My DD has decided it's time for him to get a new truck too, moving from his trouble-free '06 Ram diesel SRW to a '16 Ram diesel DRW. One reason is to change from a manual to an automatic. Will have to get back to you on your original question as I don't recall what gear ratio he decided on.

[Bedlam]

I have 4.44 gearing with my Aisin and CTD. It does great at 65 mph or less, but I would not suggest this ratio for people that drive faster. 4.10 gearing will work well for those towing 65-75 mph. If you drive empty often, the 3.73 ratio would be my choice. Any higher gearing will limit you on take off (stressing the transmission) and most likely require 6th gear be locked out when towing. Ram offers a 4.88 ratio but this is better for local local delivery setups than cross country cruises.

If you choose gearing that is too low, you can go to taller tires later to make some adjustments. I currently run 225/70r19.5 tires and would not hesitate going to 265/70r19.5 if I need more clearance or a wider footprint.

[Vinsil]

Kayteg1 wrote:

Vinsil wrote:
Maybe I'll just keep my truck...haha!!!

Often it comes as good idea.
I am window shopping for new Ford dually and the 440 HP newer trucks sound impressive, but fact is that I am beating Sacramento traffic with my camper and only 325 HP in my present truck.
Would I spend $4000-60000 to make the 6l bulletproof, it would be good truck without spending $70k on new one.
Add another +- $1000 on annual fees in California with new truck.

Good point. My truck needs nothing, has 84k on it and is in pristine shape. Just new truck fever I guess....

[Kayteg1]

Vinsil wrote:
Maybe I'll just keep my truck...haha!!!

Often it comes as good idea.
I am window shopping for new Ford dually and the 440 HP newer trucks sound impressive, but fact is that I am beating Sacramento traffic with my camper and only 325 HP in my present truck.
Would I spend $4000-60000 to make the 6l bulletproof, it would be good truck without spending $70k on new one.
Add another +- $1000 on annual fees in California with new truck.

[Vinsil]

Maybe I'll just keep my truck...haha!!!

[Vinsil]

:B

I know...the new superhitch and torklift tie downs.....and more than likely some stableloads....yikes. Plan was to strip my truck and sell everything...recoup some cash.

Honestly, new truck will feel like mine power wise....new paint, new smell and a warranty.

Have a standing offer of 35k on my truck right now. New truck will run 43k or so.....

I currently get 11-12 mpg with my TC and trailer.


Who knows...

[Reddog1]

Vinsil wrote:
... Really gain a new truck...that is about it. Pricing is pretty good and my truck gained value recently....so It will cost me 8k out of pocket for a brand new truck. Smart...who knows.

Do not forget the additional thousands to bring it up to the standards on your current truck.

As for smart, I was not questioning that. Sometimes we just gotta do something cause we want to and can. Fact is, I recently purchased a '04 Ram 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4, 4:10 gears, with 104,000 miles. It did have stableLoads and TorkLift tie downs. Paid $19500 including taxes. Coming out of a '96 Ram 2500 SRW Extended Cab 4x2. I have spent several thousand on to get it where I want it. It has served me well for just over 150,000 miles and 12 years. My only real gain is creature comforts and a shinier paint job. It also has a bit more HP (not much after my '96 mods), DRW, 4x4, 4 doors. As you said, Smart...who knows. I have no dogs and kids are all gone. I will just deduct the cost from the kids and grand kids inheritance. :B

Wayne

EDIT: So far, having only hand calculated two tanks with no load, I get about 14 MPG. The '96 gets 17.5 MPG. Have not checked it with the TC as yet. The '96 gets 12.5 with a 4200 lb TC.

[Vinsil]

fpoole wrote:
I got my 5500 from Dave smith, very happy with it, I "Believed"? I saved apx $5k

Got the turbo, Asine trans, 410. I chose the middle gearing for an average of pulling. I don't go much over 63 or 67mph so didn't need the higher gearing although mileage runs from a low 8.5 (camper & towing light open trailer) to a high of 12 unloaded., not happy about that, but it is what it is...

Like the truck a lot but having to watch the fuel and Ded, heheh can be a PITA at times...

I'd recommend Dave Smith's they will pick you up at the airport on a signed deal. They do get a little rushed at times, so it's not real high on staying with you... but the savings compensated I feel....

fun.

Thanks Frank. Mileage sucks as you said, but it is what it is.

[Vinsil]

Reddog1 wrote:
I am miffed.

Your signature says:

2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab 4x4, 6.7 Cummins, Anarchy tuned, 495 hp/950 tq, lots of torklift, 285 Michelin XDE's on 19.5's, airbags..stableoads..too much to list.."

You posted:

"Looking at a '16 Ram Mega 3500 DRW. I know I'd need swing out brackets for my camper but with the drw option only $1200 more....I'm considering one over another srw."

I am miffed as to what you are looking to gain for the money spent? If you were to say you were going to a standard bed, I could understand. In your previous posts, you stated more than once you were okay with the truck you have, especially after the mods.

Other than a new smell and deaper in debt, I can't really see a change. Have you forgot how much you have spent upgrading your '07? Do you really want to start over, and if so what do you expect to gain.

I am trying to understand.

Wayne

No I get it Wayne. Really gain a new truck...that is about it. Pricing is pretty good and my truck gained value recently....so It will cost me 8k out of pocket for a brand new truck. Smart...who knows.

[Reddog1]

I am miffed.

Your signature says:

2007 Dodge 2500 Megacab 4x4, 6.7 Cummins, Anarchy tuned, 495 hp/950 tq, lots of torklift, 285 Michelin XDE's on 19.5's, airbags..stableoads..too much to list.."

You posted:

"Looking at a '16 Ram Mega 3500 DRW. I know I'd need swing out brackets for my camper but with the drw option only $1200 more....I'm considering one over another srw."

I am miffed as to what you are looking to gain for the money spent? If you were to say you were going to a standard bed, I could understand. In your previous posts, you stated more than once you were okay with the truck you have, especially after the mods.

Other than a new smell and deaper in debt, I can't really see a change. Have you forgot how much you have spent upgrading your '07? Do you really want to start over, and if so what do you expect to gain.

I am trying to understand.

Wayne

[jimh406]

Vinsil wrote:
True. Wondering if the 900 lbs of torque will help the taller (3.73's) gears. ... I don't want to get 10-12 mpg with deep gears either....nice to get 18 mpg too....want my cake and eat too!

Worse case is you will have to use a lower gear or not go as fast over steeper hills/mtns. If that is ok with you, then go with the lower side of the gearing. My guess is the new engine is more powerful than your current rig in any case.

[fpoole]

I got my 5500 from Dave smith, very happy with it, I "Believed"? I saved apx $5k

Got the turbo, Asine trans, 410. I chose the middle gearing for an average of pulling. I don't go much over 63 or 67mph so didn't need the higher gearing although mileage runs from a low 8.5 (camper & towing light open trailer) to a high of 12 unloaded., not happy about that, but it is what it is...

Like the truck a lot but having to watch the fuel and Ded, heheh can be a PITA at times...

I'd recommend Dave Smith's they will pick you up at the airport on a signed deal. They do get a little rushed at times, so it's not real high on staying with you... but the savings compensated I feel....

fun.

[Vinsil]

wcjeep wrote:
Have you checked Dave Smith in Kellog, ID for pricing? They have new owners since I bought my 2006. Their pricing was very competitive.

Not recently. I did two years ago and surprising, my local dealer was almost a grand cheaper. But I'll be talking with them again, never factory ordered a truck so not sure how much of a deal you get...