Advice on new tow rig options

[RonTimmer]

I am getting ready to upgrade from a Ram 2500 to a DRW Ram 3500, I looked at other makes as well but didn't want to give up the space of my Mega Cab. I would like to get some opinions on a couple of items from those of you with more experience pulling fifth wheels. I am upgrading because our current 2500 just won't safely pull our 16000 pond BC 3850MB; also it is doubtful this truck will ever leave pavement and if it does it will see well maintained gravel roads. We have not been able to find one in dealer stock that meets all of our desires so we are going to order one from the factory. With that in mind I am wondering if paying the extra money for the Aisin Transmission and four wheel drive is worth it. I know they are both great upgrades but do I really need them. Thanks in advance for you opinions.

 

[The-Drisin]

Yes on the Aisin. I also have the 4:10 gears which maximizes HP, torque and towing.
Figured if this truck won't tow it then I don't need it.

I like the 4x4 for when you get in slippery conditions like backing up a wet grass slope.

Having the dual alternators is nice when running a Residential refrigerator.

The front and rear parking sensors help in tight situations when you're not towing.

The cargo camera in addition to the backup camera allows you to hitch your 5th wheel when tailgate is down.

I passed on the built-in hitch as I wanted the B&W turnover ball with companion 5th wheel.
I can also do the gooseneck trailers this way.

The factory spray in bed liner is nice along with the trifold cover.

Those are the ones that I can think of most applicable to towing.

Just had everything weighed so we're pulling an 18,000 lbs Cyclone.
Has 3,850 pin weight.
Truck was at 9,650.

 

[Alan_B]

I like the 4x4 for when you get in slippery conditions like backing up a wet grass slope.

Ditto. This just happened to me on Memorial Day weekend.

 

[Paradise2]

Yes on the Aisin. I also have the 4:10 gears which maximizes HP, torque and towing.
Figured if this truck won't tow it then I don't need it.

I like the 4x4 for when you get in slippery conditions like backing up a wet grass slope.

Having the dual alternators is nice when running a Residential refrigerator.

The front and rear parking sensors help in tight situations when you're not towing.

The cargo camera in addition to the backup camera allows you to hitch your 5th wheel when tailgate is down.

I passed on the built-in hitch as I wanted the B&W turnover ball with companion 5th wheel.
I can also do the gooseneck trailers this way.

The factory spray in bed liner is nice along with the trifold cover.

Those are the ones that I can think of most applicable to towing

Just had everything weighed so we're pulling an 18,000 lbs Cyclone.
Has 3,850 pin weight.
Truck was at 9,650.

Did you install your B&W yourself? Is it placed over the rear axles?

Thanks,
Lynette

 

[Oregon_Camper]

I was about to order my F-350 from a dealer and have to wait 8-10 weeks.

Someone here referred me to www.cars.com. I found ~5 trucks matching exactly what I wanted...even with more options than I wanted, for about $8,000 less than my dealer could order from the factory.

I flew from Oregon to Texas to buy the truck and took 3 days to drive it home. I'd do that again in a heartbeat. Great to see this great country/landscape from the drivers seat of a BRAND NEW TRUCK!!!

Good Luck...

 

[Doublegranch]

Ron:

You will love your new Ram!!! My 16 Ram is the first with an automatic trans...I have always preferred to shift...
I was talked into the Aisin Trans and really excited I did....My 11 Ram had the exhaust brake and loved it, but the
effectiveness of the exhaust brake and tow haul on my 16 Ram is a wow factor...I never have to ride the brakes and generally
the truck has a substantial decrease in speed without touching the brakes.
I have the SRW 3500 with the air suspension a super option, 4x4, mega cab, fifth wheel package, bed liner and all the other goodies...I said this will be my
last new truck, however I have been saying that for the last 6 trucks...
Not sure you really need the 410 rear end as the Ram is a beast on it's own....You will get better MPG not having the 410 from
my experience with the 11 Ram....
Good luck in whatever you decide on....Let me know if you need anything....you have my contact info...

 

[The-Drisin]

I had the B&W done by some very experienced installers.
After watching the whole process that was one of my better decisions to leave it to some experts.

 

[JohnD]

Get the 4x4 . . .

You won't regret it.

 

[FJRogers]

In a word "YES"! Now for my reason. I am up in the air to rather the transmission upgrade is worth the cost or not some of your decision will be based on which rear gear you choose. However, when it comes to splurging for a 4x4 it is a no brainer, Just Do It! I have needed my 4x4 90% more often on pavement than dirt or gravel. It has also came in handy on a few wet grass RV camping areas. Where I have really needed four wheel drive has been on snowy roads.One such occasion was when my stepfather and friend passed away. We were in Red Bluff California and had to make it over Donner Pass during an extremely bad series of storms so I could keep my promise to conduct and speak at my stepfather's funeral. Our usual mode of travel would had been just to wait out the storm at some comfortable RV resort or boondocking in a beautiful warm location. Instead we went over Donner's Pass in a escorted semi-truck convoy. The trucks had to be in an all axle chain up condition including the trailer tires. Caltrans required us to rent and chain up the 5th wheel, however, with our BF Goodrich all terrain tires no chains were required on our truck. About thirty trucks deemed to be carrying important cargo and us headed off through the mountains. We did not slip one time during that white knuckle trip. We were part of the only west to east traffic for the next 56 hours. We had to use four wheel drive a dozen times in our full-timing years. However, this one event made the extra cost well worth it. I wish you the very best with obtaining your new rig and happy safe trails ahead.

 

[Alan_B]

I flew from Oregon to Texas to buy the truck and took 3 days to drive it home...

Side benefit, when you get back to Oregon the truck will be nicely broken-in and ready to tow.

 

[RV-Manny]

Ron,
I'm a newbie in terms of towling, but I decided upfront to go for a 4x4 (F-350 Crew Cab Dually). I'm towing a 41ft Bighorn 16000 lbs. It's like some kind of an insurance, if you ever need 4x4, you have it. It gives you safety in case you're getting in such situations. I took the dually because I then get the long bed. This gives me much more stability against side winds and also less sway. It also gives you a better rear axle and much pin weight. Go for it, you'll never regret.


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[Bones]

A few suggestion. The 4:10 will help a lot when starting off the line and getting the camper moving. The ASIN trans is a must in my opinion. Another upgrade would be the Auto Level feature. That by far is one of the best upgrades. I have 4x4 in my truck and I have used it mostly when I'm backing into a gravel site where we frequent. A lot of time it is uphill a bit and when the trailer is about where it needs to be my rear tires are slipping. Put it in 4x4 and I can finish the parking.

On another note I noticed you had the BC 3850MB. Would you be able to give me the bunk slide measurements. The height from the bunk floor and the bunk width if you don't mind. Thanks

 

[RonTimmer]

A few suggestion. The 4:10 will help a lot when starting off the line and getting the camper moving. The ASIN trans is a must in my opinion. Another upgrade would be the Auto Level feature. That by far is one of the best upgrades. I have 4x4 in my truck and I have used it mostly when I'm backing into a gravel site where we frequent. A lot of time it is uphill a bit and when the trailer is about where it needs to be my rear tires are slipping. Put it in 4x4 and I can finish the parking.

On another note I noticed you had the BC 3850MB. Would you be able to give me the bunk slide measurements. The height from the bunk floor and the bunk width if you don't mind. Thanks

Bones,

Thanks for the input I had pretty much decided on the Aisin and the 4X4 but am still considering the auto level. As for the measurements I will get them for you this weekend but just to let you know the MB designation is a little misleading because there are no bunks. In the middle slide, which is basically a den, there is a sofa that folds out into what I think is a full size bed. My son has basically taken over this room because it has its own TV which he has hooked his video games to and made his.

Talk to you later,
Ron

 

[Bones]

Bones,

Thanks for the input I had pretty much decided on the Aisin and the 4X4 but am still considering the auto level. As for the measurements I will get them for you this weekend but just to let you know the MB designation is a little misleading because there are no bunks. In the middle slide, which is basically a den, there is a sofa that folds out into what I think is a full size bed. My son has basically taken over this room because it has its own TV which he has hooked his video games to and made his.

Talk to you later,
Ron

Thanks Ron. I'm trying to see if I can build two bunk beds in there if I were to remove the sofa. I'm just not sure if there is enough room.

 

[RonTimmer]

Thanks Ron. I'm trying to see if I can build two bunk beds in there if I were to remove the sofa. I'm just not sure if there is enough room.

I just measured and the inside dimensions of the slide where the sofa is located are: 72.5 inches wide X 63 inches tall X 37 inches deep. You could probably build some small bunks to fit in there, they would be bigger than the ones I had in my Wilderness bunk house. I guess it depends on the size of the occupants.

Take care,
Ron

 

[Bones]

I just measured and the inside dimensions of the slide where the sofa is located are: 72.5 inches wide X 63 inches tall X 37 inches deep. You could probably build some small bunks to fit in there, they would be bigger than the ones I had in my Wilderness bunk house. I guess it depends on the size of the occupants.

Take care,
Ron

Thanks Ron.