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[Pappy3393]

I have decided on a RAM 2500 HD truck to pull my 28FC. There are a couple of options that I need to decide on before pulling the trigger to buy it. I know many of you like diesels but I’ve decided to go with the V8 Hemi gas engine. Here are the options that I would like opinions on:
-Rear axle gear ratio: 3.73 or 4.10
-Anti spin rear axle differential: yes or no
-20 inch or 18 inch wheels and tires
-RAM has different alternator options: 220 amps, dual alternators at 380 or 440 amps
-automatic level rear air suspension - yes or no; I do intend to use a weight distribution hitch.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.

[ExploreUT]

Originally Posted by Pappy3393

I have decided on a RAM 2500 HD truck to pull my 28FC. There are a couple of options that I need to decide on before pulling the trigger to buy it. I know many of you like diesels but I’ve decided to go with the V8 Hemi gas engine. Here are the options that I would like opinions on:
-Rear axle gear ratio: 3.73 or 4.10
-Anti spin rear axle differential: yes or no
-20 inch or 18 inch wheels and tires
-RAM has different alternator options: 220 amps, dual alternators at 380 or 440 amps
-automatic level rear air suspension - yes or no; I do intend to use a weight distribution hitch.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.

We purchased our 2020 Ram 2500 Laramie (with the 6.7L Cummins) in April having previously towed our 2020 GT 27FB with the 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel. Even without the Cummins, you've chosen well for the size rig you have IMO. My take on your options is as follows..............

Rear Axle - I have the 3.73 and no issues whatsoever for take-off with our GT 27FB. The 4.10 would be good if you towed a heavier trailer perhaps. Your Hemi MPG's will be better with 3.73.

Anti Spin Differential - I had it on prior 1500 and have it on the 2500. In my case, we also tow a boat and the boat ramps can get really slick in early Spring/late Fall, so I found it helpful. And, we usually get snow in the winter in the Salt Valley, another consideration. Yes a 4WD works too, but the option wasn't that much more ($445?) expensive. Your choice may depend on whether you'll drive and/or tow in slick conditions or off-road.

- Tire size - Had 20s on previous 1500 and have 18s on 2500. Aesthetically, I prefer the 20s and will be upgrading at some point. I'll keep the 18" wheels for winter tire package.

- Alternator - I have the 220 single option. Although my truck is prepped for the HD Snow Plow/5th Wheel/Gooseneck Prep Towing options, I have no plans to ever to do that type of utility work. Accessory options like winch, plows etc may require more juice. Not an issue for my use case though. Your choice may be based on your use case where those items are being considered.

- Automatic Leveling Air Suspension - Had the 4 wheel version on our prior 1500 and loved it. Especially for towing, auto leveling was great. The 2500 only offers rear-wheel air suspension and I have it. It has worked well for the Airstream too. It's pricey at $1,700 +/-, but worth it to me.

I also acquired the GenY "The Boss" Torsion-Flex hitch with the WDH shank and love it for smoothing out the ride for the truck and trailer when road seams and bridge transitions can be a roller coaster. Less vibration on the trailer..............means hopefully less popped rivets and associated repairs related to excessive vibration.

Good luck with the new ride.

[Pappy3393]

Thank you for your thoughtful response. Pulling the trigger on the truck and Airstream this week. What the heck, it’s only money. I wound up picking the RAM over Ford and GMC for one big reason, the RAM fit (barely) in my garage. The other 2 would have to be parked outside in the Texas heat and hail storms.

[SilverWind]

Originally Posted by Pappy3393

I have decided on a RAM 2500 HD truck to pull my 28FC. There are a couple of options that I need to decide on before pulling the trigger to buy it. I know many of you like diesels but I’ve decided to go with the V8 Hemi gas engine. Here are the options that I would like opinions on:
-Rear axle gear ratio: 3.73 or 4.10
-Anti spin rear axle differential: yes or no
-20 inch or 18 inch wheels and tires
-RAM has different alternator options: 220 amps, dual alternators at 380 or 440 amps
-automatic level rear air suspension - yes or no; I do intend to use a weight distribution hitch.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.

I have the automatic level rear air suspension on my 2016 RAM 2500 Diesel. It was well worth the $1500. I would consider it especially since you don't think you'll use a WDS. It keeps weight equal front and back and the truck level. Also lets you raise and lower the truck when hitching, and positively effects the ride.

18 inch tires may be better available around the country. I found that out in Alaska.

[CRH]

I would get the 4.10 gears and the locking rear end.

[Pappy3393]

Originally Posted by SilverWind

I have the automatic level rear air suspension on my 2016 RAM 2500 Diesel. It was well worth the $1500. I would consider it especially since you don't think you'll use a WDS. It keeps weight equal front and back and the truck level. Also lets you raise and lower the truck when hitching, and positively effects the ride.

18 inch tires may be better available around the country. I found that out in Alaska.

I will use a weight distribution hitch.

[Pappy3393]

Originally Posted by CRH

I would get the 4.10 gears and the locking rear end.

I appreciate your input. Why would the 4.10 gears be better than the 3.73 gears?

[SilverWind]

Originally Posted by Pappy3393

I will use a weight distribution hitch.

Whoops...mis-read.

[Daquenzer]

No reason to go with the 4.10. The 3.73 is ample for the 28’. Maybe if you were towing 10,000lbs. I tow a 28’ with an F150 3.5 ecoboost with a 3.53. No problems. Your gas mileage is going to be bad enough with a 3/4 ton gas. No reason to make it worse.

Also you want the anti-spin when you have to back up or go up a slippery service. That will give you a bit more traction. I’ve used it on my F150 a few times. I would say 90% of trucks come with the ability to lock the rear differential. You can use 4 wheel drive, but turning isn’t as smooth in 4 wheel drive. Although I have done that as well.

When I put 20” wheels on my F150 it increased my rear axle weight capacity by 200lbs. But with the 3/4 ton you won’t need it. I’d go with what’s cheaper.

As to airbags I think it would be pointless; unless you are going to tow trailers without a weight distribution hitch. The airbags are meant to level the truck out. But 1) You aren’t going to need much weight distribution with a 28’FC 2) Therefore you won’t need much to level. The airbags just aren’t needed. Maybe if you were using it for a 5th wheel application.

My F150 pulls a 28’ international and I can level the truck out very easily with the WDH. So I’d save your money on the airbags. If I were going to spend money on something I’d get front cameras or sensors. The 3/4 ton will be hard to see the front; especially in tight spots. That could actually save you money by not hitting something like a big rock or tree stub sticking out of the ground. A friend of mine just dinged the front of his pickup on a big rock.

[CRH]

Originally Posted by Pappy3393

I appreciate your input. Why would the 4.10 gears be better than the 3.73 gears?

I have a different brand of truck. I went with 4.30 gears over 3.73. I found most owners reporting very little difference in gas mileage between the two. I found lots of guys wishing they had 4.30s and none wishing they had 3.73s....The longest single trip I took last year was 1800 miles through the mountains on the east coast. At the end of the trip, my truck was showing an average of 10.0 MPG.

[Daquenzer]

https://www.ramtruck.ca/en_dir/pdf/RAMFact_2_EN.pdf

This is a helpful chart that RAM publishes on gear ratios. Might help you to make up your mind.

[jeffmc306]

Pappy3393, with the new 8 speed trans, a 3.73 axle is plenty to tow anything Airstream sells today.

I just got back from a round-trip to Jackson Center with our 27' Globetrotter and 2019 RAM 2500 Laramie 6.4 Hemi and 3.73 axle. I had no problem maintaining the speed limit and accelerating. We also made two trips to the Colorado Rockies and found it plenty strong. Of course you could go with the 4.10 but you'll sacrifice fuel economy. Always choose anti-spin rear axle. We have one 220A alternator - plenty unless you plan to add a snow plow, salt spreader etc.

The RAM is even able to drop into 8th gear and ECO 4 cylinder mode if I do not engage the Tow/Haul mode. I was averaging 11.7 MPG towing the GT.

We do have the 20" wheels & tires which reduces sidewall flex for improved handling. *I would replace the factory Firestone Transforce AT's right away if I had the chance. They're terrible in wet/snow conditions. I spun the tires at 40 MPH on an entrance ramp to the Interstate in the rain last week.

And yes, it does fit in the garage too. Enjoy your new Airstream and RAM!

[21Airstream]

Anti-Spin Rear Differential ought to come stock on every light truck. Of all the options you listed,that’s the one I couldn’t get by without.

[Pappy3393]

Thank you all for your feedback. I may be using incorrect terminology on this next question so excuse me if I do. I’ve been towing a bass boat for years with just a simple ball hitch inserted into the factory installed hitch receptor. I do not use a WDH with the boat. The Dodge RAM 2500 4X4 is a tall vehicle and I suspect that I will need a hitch that I can adjust up or down for the AS with associated WDH. What hitch (that gets inserted into the hitch receptor on the truck) would you recommend? The AS dealership installs Equal-I-Zer WDH’s so I guess that’s what I will use unless there is a strong reason not to. I know there are a lot of opinions on WDH brands and I don’t mean to start another controversy on the topic.

[jeffmc306]

Pappy, you’ve got it right. Small trailers go right on the ball. The 2500 comes with a Class V hitch and the receiver is 2 1/2”. Your RAM will come with a 2” reducer to adapt it down.

I ended up using a Curt 2 1/2” drop shank to lower the attachment point for the weight distribution hitch (Blue Ox in our case). Once I got the trailer height level, I cut off the bottom 2 holes for ground clearance.

You should be fine with the Equalizer. Some like chocolate, some like vanilla!

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

+1 [emoji1489][emoji1489][emoji1489]

[gypsydad]

Hemi vs diesel..go diesel...you will thank us later. Better mileage all around, and power/torque when you need it. Yes, costs a bit more to operate, but doubt your purchasing a 3/4T truck just to drive around town, right? It's when your on the road towing you will appreciate the diesel, engine brake, and power...plus, resale down the road.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Daquenzer

No reason to go with the 4.10. The 3.73 is ample for the 28’. Maybe if you were towing 10,000lbs. I tow a 28’ with an F150 3.5 ecoboost with a 3.53. No problems. Your gas mileage is going to be bad enough with a 3/4 ton gas. No reason to make it worse.

Also you want the anti-spin when you have to back up or go up a slippery service. That will give you a bit more traction. I’ve used it on my F150 a few times. I would say 90% of trucks come with the ability to lock the rear differential. You can use 4 wheel drive, but turning isn’t as smooth in 4 wheel drive. Although I have done that as well.

When I put 20” wheels on my F150 it increased my rear axle weight capacity by 200lbs. But with the 3/4 ton you won’t need it. I’d go with what’s cheaper.

As to airbags I think it would be pointless; unless you are going to tow trailers without a weight distribution hitch. The airbags are meant to level the truck out. But 1) You aren’t going to need much weight distribution with a 28’FC 2) Therefore you won’t need much to level. The airbags just aren’t needed. Maybe if you were using it for a 5th wheel application.

My F150 pulls a 28’ international and I can level the truck out very easily with the WDH. So I’d save your money on the airbags. If I were going to spend money on something I’d get front cameras or sensors. The 3/4 ton will be hard to see the front; especially in tight spots. That could actually save you money by not hitting something like a big rock or tree stub sticking out of the ground. A friend of mine just dinged the front of his pickup on a big rock.

My 3/4T F250 has cameras in front and rear which show full view of bumpers to the sides also...

[jeffmc306]

Forgot to mention: get the Towing Technology and Safety packages. They’ll have the 360 cameras, blind spot monitors, Adaptive Cruise with autonomous braking.

Regarding the gas vs. diesel part, you’ll give up 900 lbs. of payload and $9K of cash for a few MPG plus higher maintenance and fuel costs. For us it wasn’t worth it. Your mileage may vary...

[pappy19]

Originally Posted by Pappy3393

I have decided on a RAM 2500 HD truck to pull my 28FC. There are a couple of options that I need to decide on before pulling the trigger to buy it. I know many of you like diesels but I’ve decided to go with the V8 Hemi gas engine. Here are the options that I would like opinions on:
-Rear axle gear ratio: 3.73 or 4.10
-Anti spin rear axle differential: yes or no
-20 inch or 18 inch wheels and tires
-RAM has different alternator options: 220 amps, dual alternators at 380 or 440 amps
-automatic level rear air suspension - yes or no; I do intend to use a weight distribution hitch.
Thank you in advance for your thoughts and comments.

4.10, anti- spin, air bags, snow plow option, dual batteries, camper package, skid plates.

Pap