Rear Axle Ratio Question for Hauling Truck Camper

[SCRDG]

I am looking to purchase a new 2022 Ram 2500 Crew Cab Short Bed 4x4 with 6.4L Hemi. I will be using the truck for hauling a truck camper with a wet weight of approximately 2,700 - 2,800 lb. Since the truck will be used primarily for hauling vs towing, I would appreciate input as to which axle ratio, 3.73 or 4.10, would be better for the application, especially considering the current price of gasoline.

 

[Timsdually]

The difference in mileage is negligible. I had a 3:73 once. Never again.
While the mileage is negligible, the performance difference between 3:73 and 4:10 is not to me. Especially if you need to accelerate from a light quickly.

 

[tidefan1967]

Since the newer gas HD trucks have the 8spd auto vs the older 6spd auto the difference is going to be a lot less noticeable.

 

[DILLIGAF]

4.10

 

[dhay13]

If I had a choice I'd go 4.10's but if I couldn't find 4.10's I don't think I'd notice much difference

 

[kevin1]

I had the same question. I ordered my truck with 4.10's. Don't have it yet, but my search brought me to that answer.
I would suggest you get a 3500 instead of the 2500. I currently have a 2500 and am getting a 3500.
I would also suggest you get a long bed, you limit your camper choices with the six foot bed.

 

[randyr6]

I purchase a 2022 3500 Crew Cab 3.73, 6.4 bed, Cummins, to go with my new truck hard side camper with a weight of 2850 (that was close to max for a 2500). I did NOT get the air bags as I was told they were not needed. BIG MISTAKE-I have a drop in the rear axle (fender off ground) of about 4 inches lower and the front at least 2 inches higher and the camper has a massive lean to the rear. I leave my tailgate on as my camper will accommodate it, but I am now searching for someone to install air bags.

 

[69GWC]

4:10s are better to have imo, but if you are not pulling then 3:73s would be fine with the 8sp.

 

[Peter Nachtwey]

I have a 2019 3500 Dually 6.4L Hemi 3.73 carrying an Arctic Fox 990. All together the weight is 12870 lbs with me in the truck and loaded with water. The 8 speed transmission is very good and it probably doesn't make much difference which axle ratio you get unless you spend a lot of time at very low speeds since the 8 spd transmission soon shifts into higher gears.

I have only needed the 4WD once going up a switch back logging road. Even so I had the truck in 4WD HI instead of low and the truck had no problems going up the switch back and accelerating after slowing down for the curves.

 

[Gommer]

The axle ratio makes the most difference from a stop and at higher speeds. You might drive a 3.73 and think it's fine then tow the same load with a 4.10 and never want to go back.

Really depends on what you're hauling, where you're hauling it, and the rest of the drivetrain. For the weight you are looking at towing, it's not going to matter. But if you get something bigger -- you might find an appreciation for the 4.10 over the 3.73.

Now, if you are going to put oversize mud tires on your truck -- 100% get the 4.10's.