What to do with TV

kwbybee · 07-10-2014, 10:35 AM

My travel trailer empty is just under 5k lbs., my TV is a 2009 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 but it only has a 3.27 rear end gear ratio. My question is should I invest in changing my ratio to ??? or look at getting the new echo diesel Ram, or even up to ram 2500 diesel?

Flagstaffer06 · 07-10-2014, 10:54 AM

I think, the general rule of thumb is buy the truck that will fit your expectations of camper expansion down the road. Assuming of course it all fits within your budget. If it's in your budget, I'd personally look at getting a 3/4 ton. You don't need it for your 5k lb trailer now but, if you decide to upgrade in the future it might be nice.

If you have no plans on upgrading trailers, I wouldn't upgrade the truck unless you have more need.

Again, these are all opinions, only you would know what type of plans for the rving future you have and of course your budget.

Good luck!

kwbybee · 07-10-2014, 11:08 AM

Thanks, opinions are what I'm looking for. I appreciate yours.

Kaadk · 07-10-2014, 11:40 AM

I use my '10 Ram with the 5.7 and 3.55 ratio to pull my TT that's just under 6k dry. (No idea loaded, I haven't weighed it).

When I load up the family, dogs, etc. and I'm hitched up I'm over my truck's 1150 payload, but the TT still pulls generally nice. I haven't had any issues pulling that kind of weight, instead my issues have been with sway, which I addressed by adding a second sway bar and making sure I keep it slow.

I don't think your Ram will have any problem towing a trailer under 5K engine/rear axle ratio wise, just keep an eye on your payload because that could impact your handling if you're too far over.

kwbybee · 07-10-2014, 11:49 AM

Kaadk, can I ask what your fuel mileage is towing?

Kaadk · 07-10-2014, 11:51 AM

Around 10 MPG. Then again, I only get about 11-12 city driving while not towing.

Keithfirefighter · 07-10-2014, 08:17 PM

I didn't think they came with a 3.27 rear ! I thought the highest gear was the 3.55 ?!? I also had a 2009 Ram 1500 Hemi and towed a 6600lbs empty toyhauler in the mountains of Pa and WV with a 1300lbs Polaris RZR plus camping gear and it did fine ! Just a little hard on gas ! Like 9.3 mpg !!! But we have since upgraded to a 3500 ctd Ram with absolutely no regrets !! Towed the camper to NC with a 1996 Ford Mustang inside, the 110 gallon water tank full plus half a load of wood in bed of truck and all camping gear and got 13.6 mpg !! I was amazed !!!

wyo700 · 07-10-2014, 11:52 PM

I pull a heavier toy hauler with a tundra with no problems at all. Granted I have a 4:30 rear end but I think you will be fine. My milage 8-9 not the greatest but I knew that when I bought it.

Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

kandl · 07-11-2014, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithfirefighter

I didn't think they came with a 3.27 rear !

2009 Dodge 1500s had an available 3:21 axle for the 4x2s. 4x4s were limited to the 3:55 or 3:92 axle. Max trailer weight for a 2009 Dodge 1500 with 3:21 gears is 5950 lbs - and that's for the reg cab, long box. The Quad and Crew cabs are down around 5700 lbs. The OP should be ok with the 3:21 gears provided extra scrutiny is placed on TT loading. Alternatively, changing the gears would provide some additional margin of capacity and would be whole lot cheaper than buying another TV. I would not use a half-ton Dodge to tow a substantial TT with any less than the available 3:92 gears.

BigBaron · 07-11-2014, 06:45 AM

HOw much are you going to tow? Not often? Just downshift on hills and enjoy the good gas mileage when not towing.
Towing a lot?
Try it for a while and see how you like it. If you don't, then upgrade.
Why spend money you don't have to just to get up a hill a few minutes faster?
Slow down, save gas, enjoy the view, and use the money you save to buy some really good vittles for the camp site!

Prothos · 07-11-2014, 01:47 PM

i have a 2013 ram 1500 with the 3.92 and 5.7 hemi and pull about the same weight as you are. Gas milage is nasty. i get from 9 to 10 mpg. i dont see where you would have an issue with your current truck. as someone else suggested. down shift if you are climbing a big hill or mountain.

kwbybee · 07-11-2014, 06:21 PM

Thanks everyone, I think I will stay with what I have and replace the gear ratio, I am a mechanic and can do it my self. The new ring and pinion are around $600.00 my cost.

BigBaron · 07-11-2014, 10:12 PM

Knowing how to do it is a blessing and a curse, isn't it?

Brother Les · 07-11-2014, 10:37 PM

Have you pulled your unit with this truck very much? My suggestion would be to leave it as it is and tow it for a season. Get a good 'vibe' for what is does and does not do for the season. You may then evaluate it as 'fine'. If your thoughts are to then change the gear ratio, then do that. Keeps your old parts if they are ok. Run your new gear ratio for a season and then re-evaluate your findings.

kwbybee · 07-12-2014, 05:18 AM

I've pulled it for several trips and it does ok.. What I don't like is the fuel consumption, 8-10 mpg depending on the head wind (that's the killer). If I could get it to 11-13 that would be better and if I needed to go to diesel to get that, that is why I was considering it. Example, this past weekend we went to Iowa, a 1200 mile round trip not counting driving around after getting there. The estimated fuel cost would have been $600.00 based on $3.70 pr. gl. (I don't like ethanol). It was cheaper to stay in hotel.

Kaadk · 07-12-2014, 08:33 AM

I don't think your fuel well increase enough to offset the $600 you're looking to pay for the new parts, not to mention the cost of your own time to do it. An extra 1mpg, over a 1200 mile trip, is what, 11 gallons? At 3.70 if you round everything off your difference is maybe $40.

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

thebrakeman · 07-15-2014, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keithfirefighter

I didn't think they came with a 3.27 rear ! I thought the highest gear was the 3.55 ?!? ...........

Haven't you heard all of the wonderful Ram marketing about having the most fuel efficient pickups? They tout the mileage of the vehicle with this axle gearing (and likely very low tow rating), then in the next commercial they tell you about the towing ability of the model with the better gearing.

thebrakeman · 07-15-2014, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwbybee

My travel trailer empty is just under 5k lbs., my TV is a 2009 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 but it only has a 3.27 rear end gear ratio. My question is should I invest in changing my ratio to ??? or look at getting the new echo diesel Ram, or even up to ram 2500 diesel?

Max tow rating, please.

Kaadk · 07-15-2014, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

Haven't you heard all of the wonderful Ram marketing about having the most fuel efficient pickups? They tout the mileage of the vehicle with this axle gearing (and likely very low tow rating), then in the next commercial they tell you about the towing ability of the model with the better gearing.

Next commercial? I swear Ford has them in the same commercial.

Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

thebrakeman · 07-15-2014, 11:58 AM

Well, in the case of the Ford Ecoboost trucks, it makes sense to tout both sides.
Any Ram that beats the Ecoboost in tow capacity will lose in non-towing gas mileage.
Likewise, any Ram that beats the Ecoboost in non-towing gas mileage will lose in towing capacity.

This was true going back to my old '89 Probe GT (I4-turbo). Quicker than the V6. But on a highway trip, got much better fuel economy. Turbocharging done right gives you performance on-demand, but also gives the ability to get better efficiency.

No, I don't work for Ford.

You may also like: