Okay - I'm new to this sight but it sounds like you guys are the experts.

I am currenly ordering a 2005 Ram Quad Cab 4X4 Laramie 2500 SWB with the HO Cummins. I have a question about gear ratios and transmisions.

I will be towing a 12,000 lb boat with this truck around town and on some long hauls. It will also be used a little for around town driving.

I currently have a 2000 1500 with the big V8 and a 4.10 gear ratio and its a GAS HOG! I currently have the automatic and have to tow this rig in overdrive and can only make 55 - 60. Already toasted a rear differentail. I know, I know I'm that guy.

I am hoping the diesel will eliminate most of my problems. Do you recomend the automatic which is only 4 speed or the manual which is a 6 speed. Little concerned with the manual on the launch ramp but also concerned with the automatic about higher engine RPM's and problems I have heard of. Is it truely personal preferance?

Also what about the gear ratio, 3:7 or the 4:10. Remember i am looking for an all around good package.

Thanks for the help!! See you on the road - This time hopefully not broken down!

 

Towing 12K, my recommendation is if you get auto, GET 4.10, if you get 6spd, 3.73 will do just fine. 12,000# boat is a nice load even for a 2500. Inflate those tires to the right PSI.

 

Welcome to the site.

Do a search for "transmission," "axle ratio," "3.73," and "4.10". Lots of opions have already been posted on these subjects.

With the 4x4 you can select low range and crawl up the boat ramp with the 6-speed in 1st gear. But I'd still go with the auto...just my opinion.

 

The 4.10 or 3.73 will both have enough gear reduction to pull the boat out of the water. Just from a driver's seat opinion, I agree the 4.10 suits the auto and the 3.73 suits the manual. They both put the motor in it's sweet spot at highway speed with the auto's .69 O/D and the manual's .75 O/D. For pulling the boat out with a manual, and the 6spd has a low low 1st gear, hold the brake and let the clutch out until you feel it start to pull. Then lift off the brake and work the accelerator. It'll take very little to pull the boat up the ramp. The ISBe in the new Dodge has an anti stall feature built in the drive by wire electronics. When the engine starts to feel a load, it'll increase fuel without you touching the accelerator to maintain idle speed. But you'll still have to take over to pull it on up the ramp. Unless you wind up with a vibrator like I did, I think you'll like the truck manual or auto.

 

Make sure you order it with a LSD in the rear. Be helpful goin up them launch ramps.

 

LSD??

 

What was a psychotic drug in the '60s is now a limited slip differential!

 

You might even want to look at the 3500 SRW to give you a little more spring rate on the rear to handle the weight legally.

 

Since you don't have your location listed, it's hard to tell what kind of terrain you're towing in, and you also don't mention what % of your driving will be with the boat in tow. I opted for the 3.73 for MPG reasons while cruising empty. I live near the mountains and tow there frequently, but still have no regrets because most of the time I am unloaded. The 48RE has performed flawlessly so far, and the new tow/haul logic of the '05 is way better than previous years. That said, if you tow 90% of the time and live in the mountains, I'd say go for the 4.10's just for the sake of the drivetrain. If you live in the flatlands and 'mountain' in your mind is 1000' tall, stick with the 3.73's... the 325/610 will have no problem pulling your boat on level ground in OD at 65mph...

 

I think at 12k, you are pushing the limit of a 2500,, although many members here might not agree. I think for a little more money & a lot more truck, the 3500 is the ticket. The new auto tranny is new and I think the jury is out on how well it will hold up. The 6 speed manual is bullit proof, proven over time and will last a long time. The 4.10's may also help pulling out of the water, that much weight on an incline & all. Just remember, you can never have too much truck, as you learned from your last experience. Milage, you should get 11-12 towing, 55-60, and 17+ solo, even with 4.10's. Beats big gassers.

 

For your setup the 3500 either SRW or Dually with the 4.1 gears. Don't let people try to talk you out of the 4.10 gears, they will tell you that you will get better mileage with the 3.73, which is true if you are running 80mph empty all the time, but the 4.10 will give you appearance of faster acceleration and allow you to tow more weight easier and get it moving with less effort.
As far as the difference in MPG at 60mph you may see .2 mpg difference but overall you won't see any because you have to get the weight moving up to 60mph first as with the 3.73 you will use more fuel getting it there than the 4.10

 

Look at my signature. I totally agree with supr, and supergewl.

 

Don't worry about the 6-spd on the boat ramp. 4-lo and 1st gear and just let out the clutch.

CD

 

I agree with the above. If I were going to tow that much, and also do "a little around town driving", I would go with the 4.10. The 3500 SRW isn't that much more money for the extra weight rating, if you like cab lights. Being my daily driver, in a town with super-narrow roads sent me to the SRW.

Something else that hasn't been mentioned, if it is hilly there, the 6 speed will allow you to run a Jacob exhaust brake. I love mine, and I think it really takes the stress/heat off the trailer brakes.

Might I also suggest heated seats, ordering the factory hood deflector, and getting the rear wheel well liners if you go SRW?