Cummings with 3.42 axle ratio be enough?

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bowhunterr2001

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I am looking to upgrade my 06 Megacab 1500 with a 5.7 Hemi to a 2013 2500 with a Cummins Turbo with 10,000 miles on it.. I am pulling my 2015 Keystone Laredo 291TG that is 33' in length and has a gvwr of 8200lbs.. The 2013 2500 has 3.42 axle ratio a payload of 2300lbs and towing capacity of 17,200lbs.. Will the 3.42 ratio have plenty of power for the vast hills we have here southwestern Pa? Or should I be looking for one that has 3.73's in it?
 

SouthTexan

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:roflsquared: Yes, of course it will be enough.

If it can easily tow 12,250 lbs including 3 full size adults up a 7% mountain road that is 9,000 ft at the start and 12,000 ft at the top while then I think it is a safe bet it will tow that 8,200 lbs with no problems.

2015 Ram 2500 Ike Gauntlet

BTW, I tow much more than what they do with mine. Don't let the gear ratio fool you, the engine has more than enough torque to compensate.


In fact, looking at the numbers, the 2013s-2015s with a 3.42 are putting more torque to the ground than a 2011 with 3.73s.


Ram 2014 2500/3500 6.7L CTD 800 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 3.42 rear ratio
1st gear--3.23: 2,584.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 8,837.28 lb-ft
2nd gear--1.84: 1,472.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 5,034.24 lb-ft
3rd gear--1.41: 1,128.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 3,857.76 lb-ft
4th gear--1.00: 800.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 2,736.00 lb-ft
5th gear--0.82: 656.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 2,243.52 lb-ft
6th gear--0.62: 496.00 lb-ft x 3.42 = 1,696.32 lb-ft

Ram 2011 2500/3500 6.7L CTD 650 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm with 68RFE with 3.73 rear ratio
1st gear--3.23: 2,099.50 lb-ft x 3.73 = 7,831.14 lb-ft
2nd gear--1.84: 1,196.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 4,461.08 lb-ft
3rd gear--1.41: 916.50 lb-ft x 3.73 = 3,418.55 lb-ft
4th gear--1.00: 650.00 lb-ft x x 3.73 = 2,424.50 lb-ft
5th gear--0.82: 533.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 1,988.09 lb-ft
6th gear--0.62: 403.00 lb-ft x 3.73 = 1,503.19 lb-ft
 
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bowhunterr2001

bowhunterr2001

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I'm new to the diesel thing, I've has gassers my whole life.. I'm still trying to decide between the CTD or a 6.4 Hemi.. The used 2013 2500 with the CTD is a really good deal, and you rarely can find a used 6.4 Hemi.. If you find one you need to jump on it or someone else will. Also the 2013 CTD is 5k cheaper than a 2015 6.4... Decisions, decisions, I don't know which route to take..
 

SouthTexan

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I would post the video of a 6.4L pulling the same load up the very same mountain road so you can get a comparison of the two to see which one fits your needs better in the mountains, but the last time I did I got jumped by a 6.4L owner here for doing so. I will let one of them post it or you can click on the link to the you tube channel that made the video I just posted and find it there.
 

Ratket

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from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 ton diesel is like comparing a Honda Civic to a hellcat challenger.If you got a good deal lined up then pull that trigger!! The 342 gearing is fine.. hell if they offerd a 321 that would be even better.. remember that thing is a tonrque monster and with so much tq the lower gearing number will help with the mpg"s especially at 9k pounds. Keep us posted!!
 
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bowhunterr2001

bowhunterr2001

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Thanks for the input guys, my only other concern with the CTD is that my daily commute to work is only 15 miles round trip..I heard you really need to get out and run these things to keep the systems clear??
 

theviking

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Thanks for the input guys, my only other concern with the CTD is that my daily commute to work is only 15 miles round trip..I heard you really need to get out and run these things to keep the systems clear??

Besides the 8k price tag and emissions/def bs that was one of my concerns about the getting the diesel. In the colder months I will pretty much use the truck as a DD and make lots of short trips. Many people comment about the warm up times for a Cummins (and potential engine wear) vs gas but others don't seem to have an issue. That and I would probably not be able to resist tuning it and voiding my powertrain warranty quickly:)
 

SouthTexan

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I am not going to touch on how some would rather spend 8K on other options instead of 8K on an engines option because that is just each persons preference. However, the SCR/DEF systems put in the 2013+ actually allows the engine to produce less soot and in turn regen less. It also allows the engine to run at optimum combustion temps instead of the lower combustion temps the EGR only systems did on the 2007-2012 trucks. This and the fact that the EGR system is not running at such extremes makes the short trip not as much of an issue as the older trucks without an SCR/DEF system.
 

sbuko213

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Thanks for the input guys, my only other concern with the CTD is that my daily commute to work is only 15 miles round trip..I heard you really need to get out and run these things to keep the systems clear??

My buddy DD's his '14 Cummins and his commute is the same as yours. So far no issues. BTW he also straight piped it lol
 

14hemiexpress

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Your good turbos don't lose near as much power at altitude than N/A engines do. That diesel will be a tq monster and you probably won't even know the 8200lb is back there.
 

archerr2002

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He guys I am Bow's brother. What is the life span of these new CTD'S with the DEF system? I am looking too....

S4~Tapatalk
 

6.7CumminsDrvr

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The 3.42 ratio will pull it just fine. If the deal is good, go for it! I miss my tuned/deleted '10 some days.............
 

6.7CumminsDrvr

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He guys I am Bow's brother. What is the life span of these new CTD'S with the DEF system? I am looking too....

S4~Tapatalk

I wouldn't be afraid of the DEF system, big rigs have had to run them for years! If anything, they should help prolong the life of the engine.
 

Montanapaul

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I'm a newbie and have a 2013 CTD Ram 3500 3.42 Aesin rear end. Camping World follows the Trailer Life website recommendations re how much tonnage I can tow. According to Trailer Life, my truck can only tow 9,640 lbs. anyone out there had this issue with Camping World telling them about this? Thanks in advance for all replies.
 

SouthTexan

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I'm a newbie and have a 2013 CTD Ram 3500 3.42 Aesin rear end. Camping World follows the Trailer Life website recommendations re how much tonnage I can tow. According to Trailer Life, my truck can only tow 9,640 lbs. anyone out there had this issue with Camping World telling them about this? Thanks in advance for all replies.


I think that might be a typo on someone's part because they rate very same truck configuration at 17,120 lbs in 2014 and 17,180 lbs in 2015.
 

Ratket

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^ what he said.. it is a typo... if it is not a typo then I suggest you stop visiting that site. Cause if that's true then pigs can fly. You seen a pig fly?
 
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bowhunterr2001

bowhunterr2001

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The 2013 2500 CTD I am looking at can tow 17,120 with a payload of 2300
The 2015 2500 6.4 I am also considering can tow 12,160 with a 3280 payload..
I think that website is lying to you..
 

6speedcummins

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You wouldn't want a higher gear ratio anyway, it would really kill your economy while at cruising speed. The Cummins has plenty low end torque to get the load going, and the low rear end numbers let the truck quietly glide down the highway. Doing 70 I don't even hit 2,000 RPM. Unless you plan on putting some stupid big tires the 3.21 is great.
 

River19

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If you are towing heavy at altitude I would always opt for the CTD as the normally aspirated 6.4L, while awesome, is going to wheeze and gasp at higher altitude compared to a forced induction rig, especially a diesel. That is literally what a CTD is made to do.

That being said, PA isn't exactly the Rockies, sure there are some steep grades but nothing with any real altitude for the most part (ie.>6000ft or so).

And I love my 6.4L, but I tow 8000lbs or less and I'm mostly at sea-level...I wouldn't hesitate for a second to drive it through PA, WV, MD hills etc.
 
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