Hi:

Okay I found a great place to buy a Dodge 2k below invoice during March or otherwise at invoice. I am interested in purchasing the 2005 Ram 2500 4x4 with Cummins diesel. I plan to tow a 32' fifth wheel loaded weight 12,700(wet).

I am looking at the Laramie package with H package. I originally was looking at the 4.10 gear ratio, I have been reading 16,300 towing capacity but I never plan to tow that much. So, is the 3.73 gear ratio adequte for my scenario as they are not available with the 4.10 ratio in Oregon at this dealer. Further I know my gas mileage will be much better with the 3.73 rear end.

Does anyone have any experience with this. I do plan to ad the Banks air intake and Banks power system to the truck engine. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks

Greg-Sacramento CA

 

it'll pull it just fine

the 4.10's will just tach the engine up a bit higher putting a bit more power to the ground. however, the 3.73's will do the job just as well.

loaded the 4.10's might do a bit better, but unloaded the 3.73's will give you a bit better fuel economy.

Ive got 13700 on mine and have loved every mile, these engines have wicked power stock, and with some of the boxes that are out there, different injectors, turbo, you name it, one can be putting out enough power from these engines shredding the tires becomes a problem

 

Thanks for the reply: my other question is payload I think the rating is about 2040 and the hitch weight is around 2300. I'm finding a little variation on the different models from Dodge's towing chart I am not sure which one this is that the dealer is talking about.

I think the ratings are pretty conservative, and I would likely be okay. As I understand it I am supposed to deduct the people, my dogs and whatever I have in my truck from the payload. Thanks for the help.

Greg

 

Payload is only 2k? The payload on my 86 250 is between 3500 and 4000 iirc - 8510 gross weight minus the 4500-5000 rolling weight.
Max payload according to Dodge's website for an H pkg 2500 laramie is 2700, but then you have to subtract the weight of the cummins and whatever options, so the 2000 is probably accurate.

If you tow regularly, I'd step up to the 3500, or consider getting a set of airbags for the rear.