BiggarView wrote:

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Bill, if I could just ask... What extra cooling is in the RAM "max tow package" beyond the fins on the differential with the 4.10 gears? I get that the differential gears are turning faster and thus generating heat to be dissipated. Does the max tow bring a trans cooler or heavier duty radiator to the mix? Inquiring minds want to know. We were considering the 3.73 but now maybe we should have the 4.10 for our future ~29000 CGVW/18500 trailer GVW set-up? It is more than likely the TV will be used for that purpose 80% of the time or more. As you know we are still considering the Chev Duramax but it only comes with 3.73 gears but we'd have more headroom for a hauler bed WRT TV payload capacity vs the RAM 3500 comparably equipped. 

Brian

-- Edited by BiggarView on Friday 27th of April 2018 08:32:46 AM

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 According to the literature there is additional transmission cooling on the commercial -69 transmission.  Considering the fact of how cool it runs I'd believe that.  Heat is the enemy of any transmission.  To me, this is just a no-brainer to get the more capable transmission.  Why not?

As to the gear ratio - If I were purchasing the Ram 3500HD I'd get the 4.1 with the -69 commercial transmission and the Max Tow package.  Period. Done deal.  If I were getting the Chevy I'd be OK with the 3.73 but I've driven two Duramax 3.73's for around 190,000 miles and they pull great and don't overheat, etc.  Its an Allison transmission already.  :)  But you will stay in 5th gear (1st overdrive) more.  Same MPG regardless when towing but you won't make it to 6th till you get to ~66 MPH.  (Ask me how I know this for like 90,000+ miles.)  The 4.1 will give you a bit more torque pull when starting from a dead stop, especially going uphill, like from a ramp.  Will the Chevy do it? Yep, just fine, no question. 190,000 miles of experience to say that. But if I were going with the Ram I'd get the 4.1 for towing.  Just a smoother experience IMO.  (If Chevy offered a 4.1 in the Diesel I'd get it.  They do, but only in the gas engine.) 

Trust that helps a little.

I tow a 10000+ fifth wheel with a SRW 2012 RAM 3500 long bed and i've had 0 problems towing.....best truck i've ever had!!!.....Happy travels..

BiggarView wrote:

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Thanks, Bill. At the moment the RAM is edging out, but a test drive in both will be the deciding factor. Either way... Chev/GMC or RAM they will be properly equipped to tow per your advice both on the forum and privately. Decison time for us is getting close.

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 Brian:  Both are fine trucks and I look forward to your selection and the big smile on your face either way.  I do think, FWIW and not because I own a "Ram", it is the better choice - now - as a tow vehicle.  Back when, prior to 2013, not so much for many, many reasons.  The drive train of the GMC product is second to none.  But not so much that the Ram isn't right there beside it - now - assuming the Ram is properly equipped.  But the Ram 3500HD is physically a larger truck with more overall capacity net as we have discussed when used as a tow vehicle.  And that's what the choice is all about: towing.  The HP and torque differences are not significant to matter for your application, IMO.  Mostly bragging rights.

We been around this barn about 20 times. Now its time to choose and place the order. Have fun!

Let us know.  :)

Bill

Rob_Fla wrote:

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I am a long time GM Fan, (had several Duramax Trucks) all were very reliable and got the job done.
When I was truck shopping last year I started looking at GM's current offerings along with looking at RAM's as a possible replacement but have never owned a Chrysler / RAM product.
Bill's knowledge and insight on the RAM was great and enlightened me on some points I did not know.
After finding the right dealer we ordered our RAM 3500 DRW last fall and 8 weeks later got the truck we wanted.
We ordered the Laramie Trim Package with the 4.10 Rear Axle Ratio / Aisin Transmission along with the Factory Rear Air Assist Suspension.
What a great tow package and truck it has been so far but the Cummins / Aisin has taken some getting used to as it is very different from our previous Duramax / Allison trucks.
We are headed back to Florida from Virginia as I write this (currently in Savannah GA) and have been very satisfied with our choice of the RAM.

-- Edited by Rob_Fla on Monday 30th of April 2018 03:57:56 AM

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 Brian:  If I may to amplify on Rob's important comments highlighted above.  The Duramax is an 8 cylinder V-8.  The Cummins is a 6 cylinder in-line 6.  Essentially the same displacement - Cummins is actually .1 liter larger.  Because of this the Cummins operates at somewhat lower RPMs, when braking for one.  Those big "tractor size" pistons can not move as fast as the smaller V-8 pistons.  The Duramax has an extremely wide / high RPM limit when used for engine braking.  The red line is like 4,800 when braking.  I've had mine Duramax to 4,600.  All good, engine just gets really loud.  The big piston Cummins at 4,800 would come apart - literally - somewhat like Howard had happen to his truck when it over reved coming down hill in the wrong gear.  (Aisin computer won't let that happen.  "Ask me how I know this.")

Point is, they both get the job done, but due to design they are different. The two transmissions are pretty similar, IMO. But because of the different design between the V-8 and the IL-6 (In-Line-6) there is a narrower engine braking band with the Cummins.  I've yet to see that to be an issue good or bad.  Just different.  It will stop the rig without issue using engine braking.  Just does it differently. 

Just info FWIW

Go drive 'em both.  Just remember, were looking for a tow vehicle here, not a race car.  It's all about torque to the rear wheels, not HP for the quarter mile sprint. :)

Having fun yet? :)

Bill

Well done! I’m not sure, but confident, you are going to look back and believe you made a great decision. Safe travels!

KRUEBBE22 wrote:

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Well, I did it! Purchased a new 2017 RAM Big Horn 3500 Dually with the Aisin 4.10 tranny. Real exited..............found one heck of a deal. Listed for $69,690.00........dealer's last 2017 and wanted to get it out the door. Discounted is by $18,199 bringing it down to $51,491, about $12,000 less than I paid for my 2017 RAM SRW. That will really help with the loss I'm going to take when I sell the SRW. Just wanted to thank everyone for the sincere upfront advice. I'm sure I will feel a big difference with the new dually, both physically & mentally.

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 Good for you and trust you will be well pleased. That is an outstanding price.

Indeed, having the right equipment by specification and capability offers a much better towing experience to say the least.  

Enjoy the new ride, confidence and towing safety. 

You are probably used to using the quick response on the bottom of the page. Hit the reply button, look at the picture icon (it’s a little green thing 3rd icon to the left of the you tube icon). 

Al,

There are a number of photo sharing websites that are free and allow one to post a picture into a forum comment.  I used to use Photobucket for years, but they came down and decided that they wanted $400 a year just to post photos to forums.  So, I left them for Smugmug, although Smugmug isn't free.  However, Smugmug has excellent looks for one's photos for a lot less money than Photobucket.

Some of the others may have experience with such sites as Shutterfly, Flickr, or whatever.  Once your photos are uploaded to those sites, you can then "copy and paste" the linked URL into the body of the comment in the forums.  Those others can probably tell you more about those other sites than what I can.

Terry

Cummins12V98 wrote:

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"Discounted is by $18,199 bringing it down to $51,491"

Now that's a smoking deal!!!

But until we see pics it's just another story!

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 Glad yall are happy with that price. I not paying that for a truck.

Glenn West wrote:

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Cummins12V98 wrote:

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"Discounted is by $18,199 bringing it down to $51,491"

Now that's a smoking deal!!!

But until we see pics it's just another story!

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 Glad yall are happy with that price. I not paying that for a truck.

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 Here ya go!

BiggarView wrote:

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KRUEBBE22 wrote:

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Glenn West wrote:

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Cummins12V98 wrote:

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"Discounted is by $18,199 bringing it down to $51,491"

Now that's a smoking deal!!!

But until we see pics it's just another story!

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 Glad yall are happy with that price. I not paying that for a truck.

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 Here ya go!

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 Guessing, there's a pix in that comment somewhere... 

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 BiggarView, if you right click on the image, and select "open image in a new tab" it will show the pics..............works for me!

Rickl wrote:

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Unfortunately it doesn’t work for me e

Guess I do not know how to post a URL to my pics!!  Will try again!!

Now you got it!  Nice truck. A bit hard to read the window sticker but it looks very close to a RAM we would order.  2 thumbs up!! 

i don't se any problem with SWR FOR TOWING...i have towed with a SWR RAM 3500 FOR YEARS,NO SWAY,NO PROBLEMS 11,000lbs.....pin weight mighnt be a problem ...depends what it is...don't make a decision with the advice you get in fourms...do your homework.....there's lot's of info out there...start with the sticker inside your truck door.....