What gears do I need?

ib516 wrote:

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.

Yep. Obviously my truck is completely different than a new Ram. But I picked up .5-1mpg towing the camper, and lost about the same unloaded.

Going from 3.73's to 4.56's. The difference in towing was huge.

Any new truck I buy will be used for truck stuff, no commuting. So I would always opt for the numerically higher gear ratio if offered. People say to tack on the 10K diesel option just to give you the buffer in capability.
Why do they freak out about doing the same with the $500 option gear ratio to increase tow rating?