Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > GENERAL DISCUSSIONS > Tow Vehicles & Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 10-18-2018, 06:59 AM   #21
civilengineer42
Established Member
 
civilengineer42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Magnolia
Posts: 41
M.O.C. #22618
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livin salty View Post
Good evening peeps, so I need to upgrade my tow rig and will be going with a ram 3500 DRW short bed with the Aisin transmission. I want this to be my last hauler and get it right. I would love to hear from anyone with 3.42 gears which I currrenty have in my 2500 and anyone who has the 3.73 gears. I believe 4.10 might will be too much grunt and too high or RPM’s for my liking. I had zero issues with pulling my Wildcat with the 2500 and 3.42 gears but the Monty is about 2500 lbs. more. My thought process is the 3.73 will give me a little more umph when needed and in return maybe easier on the truck overall, turbo and tranny. Is my thought process correct? I have towed the 3931fb with the 2500 and it seemed to do fine keeping it in 5th gear. A little slow off the line but overall not much difference in RPMs or temps when compared to the Wildcat? A 3500 DRW Aisin with the 3.73 will give me a well built...overbuilt tow capacity of about 24,000 lbs. About 4,000 lbs more than an Aisin with 3.42 gears. And yes I know my 2500 is a little short on the tongue capacity... Hauling her empty right now less than 35 miles. I do have air bags on the 2500 which helps keep the front tires from feeling light. Any and all wisdom and experience is welcome...kind of want to know the RPM’s are at 65 hauling and running empty?
Thank you guys
50mph-1200rpm @ 12.8mpg
55mph-1350rpm @ 12.1mpg
60mph-1500rpm @ 11.6mpg
65mph-1650rpm @ 10.9mpg

Compiled on the first run of 3600mi from Magnolia TX to Thurmont MD, Thurmont MD to New Orleans LA to Magnolia........

Fresh Water Tank-Empty
Propane Tanks-Full
1000lbs of Gear Loaded in Trailer
3721RL-13250lb Empty

120lb Propane
1000lb Gear
13250lb Montana
14370lb Total Load
 
__________________
Scott And Kathleen
2019 3721RL 20th Anniversary Edition
2018 Dodge Lone Star 3500HD DRW 4x4
6.7L Cummins-Aisin Transmission 3:73 Rear Gears
civilengineer42 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 01:26 PM   #22
Virginia Young
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Kissimmee
Posts: 545
M.O.C. #14096
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagleback View Post
How did you get the 3:73 gears on the Cummins with the Aisin when its not an available option. It only for the hemi gas.
Our 2014 RAM Long Horn Edition came with the 3.73 and Aisen tranny. It pulled our 16,000+# Big Sky great.
Virginia Young is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 03:04 PM   #23
DadsHemi
Montana Master
 
DadsHemi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Florence
Posts: 945
M.O.C. #20472
I have 4:10 gears, @65 she it right at 1800 rpms. We went to north Arkansas over Labor Day which was a 1200 mile round trip and we averaged 10.6 mpg. Had a few areas were we kicked up to 70 to pass big trucks and traffic.
__________________

2018 Ram 3500 MegaCab 4x4 Aisin, 4:10 Gears
Titan 50 Gal Tank, Air Lift Wireless Bags
2017 3160 RL
DadsHemi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 03:40 PM   #24
StageCoachDriver
Montana Fan
 
StageCoachDriver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Reno
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #22620
Check the GWVR and max towing weight of your proposed TV. My '17 GMC varies a lot based on the rear-end ratio. I run a 4.56 and am rated to tow 17,000lbs. A 4.11 rear-end drops that to 15,000lbs and a 3.4 drops it even more. You get the picture.
StageCoachDriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 03:43 PM   #25
cghsatx
Seasoned Camper
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #22453
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livin salty View Post
Good evening peeps, so I need to upgrade my tow rig and will be going with a ram 3500 DRW short bed with the Aisin transmission. I want this to be my last hauler and get it right. I would love to hear from anyone with 3.42 gears which I currrenty have in my 2500 and anyone who has the 3.73 gears. I believe 4.10 might will be too much grunt and too high or RPM’s for my liking. I had zero issues with pulling my Wildcat with the 2500 and 3.42 gears but the Monty is about 2500 lbs. more. My thought process is the 3.73 will give me a little more umph when needed and in return maybe easier on the truck overall, turbo and tranny. Is my thought process correct? I have towed the 3931fb with the 2500 and it seemed to do fine keeping it in 5th gear. A little slow off the line but overall not much difference in RPMs or temps when compared to the Wildcat? A 3500 DRW Aisin with the 3.73 will give me a well built...overbuilt tow capacity of about 24,000 lbs. About 4,000 lbs more than an Aisin with 3.42 gears. And yes I know my 2500 is a little short on the tongue capacity... Hauling her empty right now less than 35 miles. I do have air bags on the 2500 which helps keep the front tires from feeling light. Any and all wisdom and experience is welcome...kind of want to know the RPM’s are at 65 hauling and running empty?
Thank you guys
I'd go with 3.73, although a new 1 ton truck should handle the load either way. For resale purposes, or if in doubt, I like 3.73 better.
cghsatx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 03:46 PM   #26
PSFORD99
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,347
M.O.C. #9051
Quote:
Originally Posted by civilengineer42 View Post
Just in case it was a little difficult to read. I highlighted the in question options. Maybe it is 2017 vs 2018 thing.......Or it might have to do with you have to go up to the Lone Star or Laramie.......But what ever the case a 3:73 is an option with the 6.7 and Aisin......

Have A Great Day

He is probably referring to the SWR, which is only available in 3:42 , Aisin or not, DRW you have the option of all three. The Megacab 3500 DRW which is what the OP is buying, only Ram with a short bed, but also has the three gear ratio as options.

The Aisin has nothing to do with whats available on the SRW ,its only the 3:42
PSFORD99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 03:51 PM   #27
PSFORD99
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,347
M.O.C. #9051
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eagleback View Post
How did you get the 3:73 gears on the Cummins with the Aisin when its not an available option. It only for the hemi gas.
You are correct ,that window sticker is a DRW long bed crew cab, 3:42 as said is the only one available in the SRW 6.7 Cummins ,Aisin or the 68RFE.
PSFORD99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 04:03 PM   #28
PSFORD99
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,347
M.O.C. #9051
Quote:
Originally Posted by Livin salty View Post
Good evening peeps, so I need to upgrade my tow rig and will be going with a ram 3500 DRW short bed with the Aisin transmission. I want this to be my last hauler and get it right. I would love to hear from anyone with 3.42 gears which I currrenty have in my 2500 and anyone who has the 3.73 gears. I believe 4.10 might will be too much grunt and too high or RPM’s for my liking. I had zero issues with pulling my Wildcat with the 2500 and 3.42 gears but the Monty is about 2500 lbs. more. My thought process is the 3.73 will give me a little more umph when needed and in return maybe easier on the truck overall, turbo and tranny. Is my thought process correct? I have towed the 3931fb with the 2500 and it seemed to do fine keeping it in 5th gear. A little slow off the line but overall not much difference in RPMs or temps when compared to the Wildcat? A 3500 DRW Aisin with the 3.73 will give me a well built...overbuilt tow capacity of about 24,000 lbs. About 4,000 lbs more than an Aisin with 3.42 gears. And yes I know my 2500 is a little short on the tongue capacity... Hauling her empty right now less than 35 miles. I do have air bags on the 2500 which helps keep the front tires from feeling light. Any and all wisdom and experience is welcome...kind of want to know the RPM’s are at 65 hauling and running empty?
Thank you guys
I am towing with the same truck ,except SRW. 2014 Megacab 3500 3:42 gears 68RFE transmission ,not the Aisin.

Here's your advantage with 3:42 gears , and the Aisin over MY truck. First its got more torque ,and horsepower. But the BIG think, which IMO makes the Aisin a better option then the 68RFE, is the first two gears are lower, gets those heavy loads moving easier.

My fifth wheel is right around 13,500. Those 3:42 gears do great with the 68RFE, no complaints. I can't imagine needing anything else with my weight. Pretty sure you would be happy with that Megacab 3500 DRW, with 3:42 gears
PSFORD99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 04:05 PM   #29
PSFORD99
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,347
M.O.C. #9051
Quote:
Originally Posted by Virginia Young View Post
Our 2014 RAM Long Horn Edition came with the 3.73 and Aisen tranny. It pulled our 16,000+# Big Sky great.
But its got to be a DRW
PSFORD99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 04:13 PM   #30
PSFORD99
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Centerville
Posts: 1,347
M.O.C. #9051
Quote:
Originally Posted by Montana Man View Post
3.73 is the ticket. I have the 3.42 and it is fine but for towing the gearing is a bit too wide for a given road speed. 4.10 is more engine rpm than necessary except for the heaviest of loads.
Surprised you are not happy with 3:42, having the same truck, but with the 68RFE, mine tows 13,500 great. I would think that 3160 is in that same weight range . You having those two lower gears in the Aisin, I can't see where you would have a complaint, maybe you could elaborate on needing 3:73
PSFORD99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 05:35 PM   #31
Mark N.
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Ogden
Posts: 638
M.O.C. #13862
3:42 in my 13 Ram 3500

For 6 years I pulled a Montana 3400RL with a Cummins diesel in a '13 3500, with weights around 13-14K. Not a single regret. Ever.
Mark N. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 05:56 PM   #32
Peter1965
Established Member
 
Peter1965's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Hobart
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #20319
No it was an option on the 2017 also. I have the 3.73 in my 3500 Dually and have to agree with others it it a good all around gear set for pulling and when you are not. Very happy with the way it handles the trailer
Peter1965 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-21-2018, 10:42 PM   #33
Texan
Montana Master
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: new caney
Posts: 1,050
M.O.C. #19873
I just returned home from Branson to Houston and i have the ram 3500 drw with 373 gears and 68rfe transmission. Hiway 65 from Harrison to Conway Arkansas is very hilly and my truck pulled my 16,200 pound trailer very well. I've traveled the O'zarks, Smokies, and Rockies and i have no complaints with how well my truck pulls the rv. I usually travel at 70mph and i got 10.3 mpg coming home from Branson. I got 7.3 mpg from home to New Mexico but i was bucking a lot of wind. The Aisan with 342's is rated to pull more than the rfe68 with 373's so either would be great. If rfe 68 then i would go the 373's.
Texan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-24-2018, 01:37 PM   #34
dafurrow
Established Member
 
dafurrow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Brooksville
Posts: 19
M.O.C. #20861
I have a 2011 Dodge 3500 diesel dually with 4:10 gears and a 2016 RAM diesel 2500 with 3:73 gears they both do a great job pulling my 2012 Monty 3625RL but I prefer the 2016 for long trips because it uses less fuel
dafurrow is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2018, 09:27 AM   #35
Livin salty
Established Member
 
Livin salty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Aurora
Posts: 45
M.O.C. #22108
Quote:
Originally Posted by BiggarView View Post
Okay everybody has covered the gearing issue... I would suggest you consider the long bed crew cab for a tow vehicle rather than the short bed... your towing experience will be better with a longer wheel base. JMHO. BTW we are shopping a 3500 RAM Crew Cab DRW and Monty 3811MS to tow... we are only considering the 4.10 gears with Aisin trans and Cummins motor.

Of course if you have other criteria to meet on TV length then perhaps the short bed is the solution you need unless you are getting a Mega Cab which is the same length as a crew cab with an 8 foot bed.

Thank you all, I did end up getting a LB and can really see the benefit especially when full timing. Added a tool box already and still have lots of room, crucial when full timing. I don’t think I could of gotten a better TV. It is simply awesome!
Thankful, Dirk
Livin salty is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-22-2018, 09:42 AM   #36
Montana Man
Montana Master
 
Montana Man's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Carson City
Posts: 2,017
M.O.C. #21963
Quote:
Originally Posted by PSFORD99 View Post
Surprised you are not happy with 3:42, having the same truck, but with the 68RFE, mine tows 13,500 great. I would think that 3160 is in that same weight range . You having those two lower gears in the Aisin, I can't see where you would have a complaint, maybe you could elaborate on needing 3:73
I don't really have a complaint. I would just just like to not have a wide gear difference in the higher gears. That is more of a transmission gearing issue but a higher rear would help out a bit. Plus, that gearing would make towing in sixth a bit easier.
__________________
2016 3160, Legacy, Sailuns, Splendide 2100 xc vented, 1 1/2" axle lift blocks, disk brakes. 2014 Ram 3500 SRW SWB 4X4 6.7 Aisin Mega Cab, EBC slotted disks and brakes, Titan fuel tank.
Montana Man is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:41 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.