Questions on new 15 Ram 3500 dual wheel

[Arcamper]

It looks like I am going to order a Ram 3500 dual wheel pickup here in the next two weeks and I wanted some input on a couple of items. First off it will be a Ram so no debate about how a Ford or Chevy would be better please. It will be the Cummins and Aisin drive train but I am stuck on 3:73 or 4:10 axles. The new camper will weigh about 18k lbs Also they have the rear air suspension as an option. Its not the same air ride the 2500 has since its a spring and air bag combo. My concern is it is a closed system using nitrogen and not easy to service short of a dealer doing it. I am sure it would work fine now but 8 years from now would good old leaf springs be a better choice? Does anyone have this system now. This adds over a grand to an already very expensive truck. I also know it is not adjustable other than a couple of settings inside the cab. Other than that I have it pretty well figured out. Long bed Laramie, leather, cherry red, most everything except moon roof. It will be overkill for our 10k lb 5th wheel we have now but a Mobil Suites 36' is in our future I hope. I am selling my 08 Ram and my trusty 03 Ford so this would be a daily driver most of the time. Hope driving a dual wheel with no trailer does not get old.

[AH64ID]

If it were me I would get 4.10's and air suspension, no questions asked.

A 4.10 truck puts 10% more torque to the wheels for the same engine power as 3.73's, or takes less engine torque to put the same torque to the wheels as 3.73. It's hard to argue with mechanical advantage, and the double OD's of the Aisin make empty driving a non-issue.

I have been reading a bit on the new air suspension and it appears to be a good system, with a good mix of spring and bags. As far as the closed loop system it uses nitrogen which doesn't leak as easily due to the molecule size. Air ride is going to start showing up on more and more rigs, if it needs servicing in 8 years it shouldn't be a big deal.

[DKean]

I had 3.73 on my 99.5 f250 with truck camper and would have liked to have the 4.10. Then i got a 2006 F350 dually with the 6.0 and LS 4.10 pulling a 32 foot Ceder Creek fifth wheel. My daughter and son in law had a 2006 F350 srw 6.0 with 3.73 rear. They were pulling a 30 foot travel trailer. When traveling on I-81 they couldn't keep up on the hills. So I would go for the 4.10.

Enjoy your new truck.:C

[Bedlam]

I have 4.44 gears in my Ram 5500 and expect to be about 23K lbs GCW when we tour CO this summer. I could have selected the 4.10's, but the plan is go bigger and heavier in the future. I think you will be happier the 4.10 gears for the amount of weight you will be towing if you do any elevations. The 3.73's will do fine on flats, but IMHO will be taxed on big grades or headwinds.

I feel the air system they are using is still too new without an established history to put on a truck you plan to keep for a long time. If you are one of those that trades in about the time the warranty expires, I would not have that hesitation.

[2oldman]

Arcamper wrote:
... Also they have the rear air suspension... I am sure it would work fine now but 8 years from now would good old leaf springs be a better choice? This adds over a grand to an already very expensive truck.

I would definitely get the air. For another lousy grand you'll wish you had.

If you can afford a truck like this, I don't think a grand is going to be a big deal!

[ScottG]

Tough choice. If your going to be towing through a lot of hills then I say go for the 4.10. Otherwise the higher gearing will suit you fine.

[donn0128]

Man am I envious! My current (07 6.7L) dually has the 4.10 rear end. Fuel economy may suffer a bit, but I sure love how well it handles, especially in the mountains. Even going over the mountains I can run all day with cruise control on. It might drop one gear, but still keeps plugging along. BTW solo at 70+ I generally see 17 and towing I always see 10.5-11.5. Not the lie O meter mind you hut honest hand calculated.
Personally I would opt out of the air ride unless it was air bags and a compressor. Ride might suffer a bit, but tried and true is the way to go in the long haul. Heck for what they want for that you could get the moon roof!

[fly-boy]

3.73 for sure no matter where you tow-
Especially since this is a daily driver and your current trailer is less than half what the truck is rated to tow.

My trailer is well over 20k, I have 35" tires, and my truck has a 3.73 rear end.

Can't speak to the air ride but I would drive one with and one without and then let the lady friend decide what she likes. 🙂

[1oldtruck]

Either gear set will serve you well now. When you upgrade to the Mobile Suites you may find the 4.10 better suited for the weight. Modern diesel trucks are so powerful and fuel efficient that the difference is probably minimal.

Can't help you with the air ride.