looking for opinions on a purchase of a new 04 Ram 3500. It will be a Quad cab 4X4, DRW, H.O. 600, 8' long bed. SLT. 75% of the time it will be used to haul a 10'5" Camper (3,000#+) and/or pull a 20' enclosed trailer (6,000#). Would appreciate some feedback on the any of the following;
1. 6-speed manual transmission for better fuel mileage.

2. If anti-spin axle is needed with DRW 4X4. Will use it in the winter and some at races where you park in grass fields.

3. Not ordering the tow package and adding a classV hitch and running my own 7-pin wiring. Already will get the 750-amp battery with the H.O.

Thanks , Sled28

 

the limited slip rear end is a pretty cheap option from factory. putting it in later is much more expensive.

don't they all come with the 7 way wiring already installed? [along with the 4 flat plug]

i don't know if the 6spd will give you better fuel economy... the slushbox has a higher OD ratio [like .69, and the 6spd is .75 or so]

 

1. Real trucks have 3 pedals!
2. Yes, duallys are ridiculously easy to get stuck.
3. I dunno, if you think you can get a better hitch for the money go for it. I don't think there's anything special about the factory hitch.

 

I'd get the tow package from factory. Then you would not have to wire 7wire plug harness. It might come with flat 4 wire plug underneath bumber but don't you still have to wire up the 7wire plug? Just my opinion.

 

I took the "nothing special about the factory hitch" advice when purchasing my Jeep. Turns out there was, for the wiring at least. The factory stuff uses relays to isolate it from the other lights. I learned this the hard way on the road with no lights nor trailer lights. Ended up paying at the parts counter about double what the factory option would have cost. PLUS the cost of the aftermarket hitch.

I thought I had read somewhere that the Ram has similar relay isolation, can anyone confirm?

 

Yes, order the Trailer Tow package. It includes other things such as Power steering Cooler and yes the 7-pin wire harness is completely isolated form the truck so when your trailer lights burn out it won't leave you in the DARK
You can always replace the hitch once you get it with a CLASS V.
This is just my .01

 

Like everyone else said
Get the LSD
Get the factory hitch and Get the 6spd.

I hate my auto, love my LSD love my hitch. Auto is my #1 regret. Oh well. haha.

 

I also agree with get the tow package. The trailer wires all have their own fuses in the fuse box, gonna be darn hard to do that yourself.

 

njover, why do you hate the auto?

Just curious...

DT.

 

Appreciate the input as we are going to have to make a decision soon.
Wasn't sure what all comes with the tow pkg., but if there is extra coolers and electrical relays and fuses it will be worth it. Wish there was a credit for the battery as it is already included with the 5.9, or that you could delete the receiver.

As for the anti-spin, if you order it you are required to get the 4.10 ratio. I would rather have a 3.73 for the lower running RPM's. Also an engineering friend who works at Dodge is of the opinion that with the anti-spin, the truck is more likely to have the rear end break loose on slippery surfaces as both tires would be losing contact. With the power of the 5.9, I'm wondering if this would be a consideration? Any thoughts, thanks

 

You can get the limited slip with 3.73 gears...

 

Trailer Tow Group
MSRP: $345.00
750-Ampere Maintenance-Free Battery
Class IV Hitch Receiver
Seven-Pin Wiring Harness

I was sure you got extra cooling with the TTG but according to the web site you don't. Of course, according to the web site if you buy a Cummins you get 305HP and 555 lb/ft of Torque so take it for what its worth.