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Old 02-12-2012, 01:40 PM   #1
5ER
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Finding a Mega Cab 3500 with 4.10 rear end?

We just started looking at tow Trucks's and are interested in the Dodge Mega Cab because as you can see we have 2 large dogs. It appears that Dealers know very little about towing and all the trucks have a 3.73 rear end. The Mega Cab Dodge models with 3.73 can tow around 13K lbs and the Montana model 3402RL weighs only 200 lbs less than that at delivery. With the 4.10 rear end it goes to 16K lbs but so far I have not found any Dealers that have any in stock. Has anyone else had this problem? Did you just go with the 3.73 or ordered 4.10 from factory?
 
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Old 02-12-2012, 01:52 PM   #2
DQDick
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Look for a rural dealer. We're in a town of 2,200 in the middle of the Flint Hills (cattle country). Everything big on our dealers lot is specked out for maximum towing capacity. Big city guys are looking for gas mileage first and aren't pulling that much. And yes, your babies will love the Maxi Cab. We have a cage back there for a dog the size of one of yours. I've added a second level and 3 cats (50# worth) travel comfortable back there with room for a lot of other stuff. Two really large dogs could both lie sideways with room for three beagles back there.
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Old 02-12-2012, 02:05 PM   #3
DarMar
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Yes, we had an 07 Mega Cab previous and had to order to get the 4.10. Our dealer was able to search the area but could find none.
We still believe that Mega Cab was the very best out there, but in the end this time we went for more towing capacity and payload.
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Old 02-12-2012, 02:27 PM   #4
sreigle
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Rodger & Brenda, our megacab has the 3.73 rear axle and it has done an excellent job with our 3400RL, which scales at 15,610 pounds actual. The truck has 84k miles on it of which around 35k have been while towing that 3400. I'd have to go out and check my log for actual towing miles but it's within 2k miles of 35k.

The 4.10 is going to run a bit higher rpm at any given speed but the Cummins is a low rpm engine so I don't really see the value. Plus the 4.10 eats more fuel.

If I were buying again today I'd again go with the 3.73 axle. Keep in mind this is just my opinion and no doubt others here feel differently. See signature for details about ours. Or email me.
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Old 02-12-2012, 03:06 PM   #5
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What is the GCWR of the 4.10 vs the 3.73? That will give you a better picture of what will tow what.
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Old 02-13-2012, 01:16 AM   #6
lasater
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DarMar did it right. To get what you want, be patient and order your truck with just the goodies you want on it. We did an internet inquiry with a Ford dealer in Omaha and came away with exactly what we wanted, the colors we wanted, and a very acceptable price.
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Old 02-13-2012, 07:27 AM   #7
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Life is too short not to get what you want and then wish you had. Order it if you have to - that way you cen get the color and options you want too.
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Old 02-13-2012, 07:36 AM   #8
Montana Sky
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I run a 2011 3500HD SRW Crew Long bed Ram with the 3.73 rear end to tow my 3400RL. I am very happy with my decision and the performance of this truck.
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Old 02-13-2012, 08:28 AM   #9
camper4
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With the power in today's diesels, a 3.73 is plenty. I have heard no one with a 3.73 rear end say they lack power when coupled with a newer diesel.
If it is going to bother you though, order the 4.11 and be happy.
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Old 02-13-2012, 09:09 AM   #10
sreigle
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I agree with getting exactly what you want. When we bought ours the dealer also had to do the internet search. He found just one matching our requirements exactly except it had a couple of things we didn't need/want. In our case we wanted the bucket seats and large console and a particular interior color. And either of two exterior colors. The bucket seats were what was hard to find but he found what we wanted, 300 miles away.
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Old 02-13-2012, 01:32 PM   #11
5ER
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Thanks for replies. I know that most HD trucks can pull most fifth wheels but I prefer to be within the tow specs if possible. The Mega Cab GCWR is 21000 lbs for 3.73, 24000 for 4.11 and 26000 for dually with 4.11.
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Old 02-14-2012, 12:19 AM   #12
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I bought me mega 3500 with 4.10 rear gears right off the lot as it came in. Ask your dealer to look around and they can find it for you. I have less than 1000 miles on mine, none of it towing. I came from 3.73 gears in my 01 GMC. Can't tell much difference yet. MPG during break in is about 13.5, should get better as it breaks in. That is mixed driving. And it is a 2012.
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Old 02-14-2012, 07:55 PM   #13
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My humble opinion is to get a truck that can tow more than the trailer, not just right at the maximum. Spending money for a new truck, we did not want to settle for what could work in theory, but wanted what was the most capable and safest to tow with. Ordering doesn't take that long and you will be totally happy getting everthing just the way you want it - it's worth the wait.

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Old 02-15-2012, 06:28 AM   #14
Capt Kidd
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We ordered our MegaCab with the 4.10 and love it. We switched out the stock fuel tank for a transfer flow 56 gal so we would have a 500 mile tow range. We made a trip to Mt. Rushmore last year and put the cruise control at 65 when we left Calif. Drove 3500 miles total an the trip and averaged 9.6 mpg.
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Old 02-15-2012, 01:17 PM   #15
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 5ER

Thanks for replies. I know that most HD trucks can pull most fifth wheels but I prefer to be within the tow specs if possible. The Mega Cab GCWR is 21000 lbs for 3.73, 24000 for 4.11 and 26000 for dually with 4.11.
With the tow capacity formula of GCWR minus the weight of the TV when ready to tow (don't forget to add the pin weight), do the numbers (don't forget to delete the PW from the trailer's weight) and you'll have your answer.

I'd go for a 3.73 dually...if the numbers work. At least the PW would not be a problem with the dually.
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Old 02-15-2012, 04:12 PM   #16
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Actually pin weight isn't a problem with the SRW either. We just had ours weighed by Safe Weigh and passed on all counts with flying colors. I was actually worried because with the debates on this forum and the stronger opinions on the Escapee forum I was just sure I was going to wish I bought a different truck. Not so, this is all the truck we need. I already felt that way from how it handled, pulled and stopped, but it was nice to have professional scales prove it out.
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