I have an automatic 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX 4x4 which does have the towing package. I do put a fair amount miles on it and have been hauling a 2 horse trailer (usually with only one horse) about three to four times a month. It's currently only at 35k miles (bought new late 2010). It's been regularly serviced at a dealership (who are aware I use it to tow), last service was at 30k.

Over the past several days I started noticing a whining. First it was mainly apparent on acceleration. Fast forward to today and you can hear the whine outside the truck and inside the cab while idling. Stepping on the gas, when in neutral, park, or drive results in a definite increase in volume of the whine. While driving the volume increases as it goes through the gears. For example when it is in 2nd the whine will get louder and louder until it changes to 3rd at which point it gets quieter but then gets louder if I continue to accelerate. It is noticeable at all speeds. It basically sounds like my awesome Hemi has turned into a little POS engine that can't make it up a hill. The truck seems to be driving ok, but it just sounds terrible.


I'm not at all mechanically inclined, as a 20-something horse rider, ha! So I was just wondering if any one had any idea on what it could be or has had a similar experience.

 

Could be your differential about to give out,
The whine before the "pop" is common I believe

 

Truck makes noise while stopped and idling. Perhaps a belt or pulley? One way to check for the belt or pulley noise is to open the hood and listen for the noise. Get a garden hose with very little water coming out and apply it to the pulleys one at a time and see if the noise changes or goes away. If it's not that, you need a mechanic to listen to it.