Towing gears

[civilengineer42]

Originally Posted by Livin salty

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