We are are ordering a new 2015 Ram 3500 HD with DRW. It is the Laramie trim level. Future plans call for a fifth wheel and extensive driving in the western states. The packages we have selected include one 220 amp alternator. An option is to get dual rated at 440 amp alternators (two 220 amp). Is this an option you would recommend; and why?
Thanks,
Dave
The Junkman said
07:17 PM Jan 11, 2015
I would think that kind of power is for a electric plow or Lighting..Or a bumping stereo system. Not sure why you would need it for rving?
I would get the Aisen tranny though. and the 4.10 gears..
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
09:31 PM Jan 11, 2015
If yo were using it as an emergency response vehicle that had to power lights, winches, hydraulics of varying sorts then the dual alternators makes since. But as an RV hauler its not worth it. You need to remember that the wiring going thru the RV plug is only 12-14 gauge. It can't handle the large amperage it would take to recharge RV batteries if you were boondocking.
cejones4210 said
08:07 AM Jan 12, 2015
Thanks Dave appreciates the answers!
Bill and Linda said
09:44 AM Jan 12, 2015
As Jim commented, unless you are trying to charge a large battery bank in the RV and are installing a totally separate and very large dedicated charging cable from the second alternator to the battery bank along with a charge controller, etc., the 220 amp alternator alone is more than enough.
Properly equipped, that’s a great truck. Consider getting the commercial grade (i.e. -69) transmission as was suggested. Only way to go IMO.
Cummins12V98 said
05:00 AM Jan 15, 2015
I have a 15 on order. I ordered with the snow plow prep and has one maybe two 220A alternators no Idea if it's a good idea or not! Bigger is better?
Are you getting rear air ride and the Aisin Medium duty trans?
Ordered my truck 12/2/14 and not expected until 2/8/15 or so. I was told 6-8 weeks.
cejones4210 said
09:22 AM Jan 15, 2015
We did not get the Aisen transmission but we're told it was quite a bit more and figured we wouldn't need it as we aren't planning for a really heavy 5er. We did order the rear air ride. We ordered the Laramie package with snow plow, cold weather group, and goose neck package. 4.10 axle ratio versus the 3.73 which is standard we were told.
We ordered last Saturday and they told us at least 10 weeks. Hoping to get it before we leave for TN for the RV-Dreams rally. It is way over for our little Airstream, but we REALLY need a new truck and we know that within the next year we will be buying a 5er. Unless to go to Alaska next year, then we we hold off on a 5er until we get back.
We generally keep our trucks for at least ten years so buying it early is fine with us.
cejones4210 said
09:24 AM Jan 15, 2015
Jim
how do you like your Montana? That is one of the two or three we are considering.
Cowdog353 said
09:53 AM Jan 15, 2015
Just wondering why the 4.11 gears, you said that your future 5er would not be heavy?
Would think you are giving up MPG that you don't need to.
Just my thoughts.
Good luck and have fun with your new truck.
cejones4210 said
11:26 AM Jan 15, 2015
Jim, well since I am not mechanically inclined and my husband is even worse. :) We (I) have tried to go by comments on various posts here and thought this was a way to go. We will be doing a lot of mountain traveling so having this gear ratio would make good sense. Also, figuring the future 5er would be between 16000 and 19000 lbs loaded. Bu,t since we haven't made a final decision yet, I thought it would be best to have too much truck versus not enough considering our preferences for travel, i.e. west of the Mississippi. Hopefully, I haven't steered hubby wrong by my advice.
Glenn West said
11:52 AM Jan 15, 2015
The tranny has historically been the weak link in Dodge/Cummins trucks. The Aisin changed this. This was a big deal to most all Dodge/Cummins owners. jfyi
Bill and Linda said
05:09 PM Jan 15, 2015
Let me add something about the 4.11 rear gear ratio for the RAM3500HD (or the 4.88 ratio in the case of the RAM5500HD.)You want those “high” ratios as the come with the HD towing package.In the case of these RAM’s the Heavy Duty towing package, which includes the commercial Aisan transmission and the higher ratios, also includes a completely different cooling system for the engine and transmission.Very important.All this comes as a package.So, IMO, one needs to get past the higher gear ratios and the very small difference in MPG when not towing. Get the HD towing package and enjoy the improved results.These new, far more capable trucks have all this for good engineering reasons.
Cummins12V98 said
08:07 AM Jan 16, 2015
Glenn West wrote:
The tranny has historically been the weak link in Dodge/Cummins trucks. The Aisin changed this. This was a big deal to most all Dodge/Cummins owners. jfyi
You can talk that way about the 2nd & 3rd gen trucks with the 4 speed auto but the 68RFE has been a very good trans. I have 60K with towing 27-29K combined and the trans has been flawless in my 11 HO LongHorn Dually.
I did order the Mediun Duty Aisin trans for my new 15 on order. I plan on towing around 30-31K combined with the new truck and MS I have on order.
Talking to Chryslers West Coast Warranty Rep he said referring to the Aisin Medium duty transmission "they don't break" !
Op who ever told you the 4:10 was standard is full of Barbara Streisand! 4:10, 3:73 and 3:42's are all available with the RAM 3500 Dually's.
I would highly recommend leaving the 4:10's and changing the order to the Aisin.. Bonus you get more HP and Torque. Better resale value in the future and who knows you may want an even bigger RV and you will already be equipped to tow it.
Cummins12V98 said
08:09 AM Jan 16, 2015
Bill and Linda wrote:
Let me add something about the 4.11 rear gear ratio for the RAM3500HD (or the 4.88 ratio in the case of the RAM5500HD.)You want those “high” ratios as the come with the HD towing package.In the case of these RAM’s the Heavy Duty towing package, which includes the commercial Aisan transmission and the higher ratios, also includes a completely different cooling system for the engine and transmission.Very important.All this comes as a package.So, IMO, one needs to get past the higher gear ratios and the very small difference in MPG when not towing. Get the HD towing package and enjoy the improved results.These new, far more capable trucks have all this for good engineering reasons.
Cooling package is the same with the Aisin as the 68RFE.
Cummins12V98 said
08:17 AM Jan 16, 2015
jlb27537 wrote:
cejones4210 wrote:
Jim, well since I am not mechanically inclined and my husband is even worse. :) We (I) have tried to go by comments on various posts here and thought this was a way to go. We will be doing a lot of mountain traveling so having this gear ratio would make good sense. Also, figuring the future 5er would be between 16000 and 19000 lbs loaded. Bu,t since we haven't made a final decision yet, I thought it would be best to have too much truck versus not enough considering our preferences for travel, i.e. west of the Mississippi. Hopefully, I haven't steered hubby wrong by my advice.
Candy, The thought you are considering a 5th in the 19K range, I would suggest you re-consider your transmission choice. The Aisian is a much stronger tranny than the 68RFE.
The Aisian tranny is a 3K option, but with the discounts it is not that much. I would never need a snow plow option, nor would I order the rear air. The elimination of those 2 options will pay for the improved transmission. Same for the 220A alt, in normal RV use, is just not needed.
Jim
The Aisin option is $2,546 discounted, the snow plow prep gives you 220V alt and skid plates maybe a second alt? $115 (cheap), the rear air ride is $1,356 (cheap).
Stick with your order but add the Aisin!!!!!
Bill and Linda said
08:27 AM Jan 17, 2015
Cummins12V98 wrote:
Bill and Linda wrote:
Let me add something about the 4.11 rear gear ratio for the RAM3500HD (or the 4.88 ratio in the case of the RAM5500HD.)You want those “high” ratios as the come with the HD towing package.In the case of these RAM’s the Heavy Duty towing package, which includes the commercial Aisan transmission and the higher ratios, also includes a completely different cooling system for the engine and transmission.Very important.All this comes as a package.So, IMO, one needs to get past the higher gear ratios and the very small difference in MPG when not towing. Get the HD towing package and enjoy the improved results.These new, far more capable trucks have all this for good engineering reasons.
Cooling package is the same with the Aisin as the 68RFE.
Perhaps the information I received from the RAM factory up-fitter representative (not a salesman) was in error when I discussed this with him.Or perhaps this was only for 5500HD.But that is what the factory up-fitter rep told me when I looked into the highest 4.X gears on the RAMs.
Cummins12V98 said
09:47 AM Jan 17, 2015
I can't say for a fact the trans are different or not for cooling but the engine cooling is the same.
cejones4210 said
10:21 AM Jan 17, 2015
Thanks for the comments. Everyone's advice is always appreciated.
cejones4210 said
10:23 AM Jan 17, 2015
Now we need to keep looking for the perfect fifth wheel for us. I have definite ideas as I have been looking at them for 3 years and since it will be at least 2016 before we purchase I will lots more time for comparison shopping.
TomW said
02:56 PM Jan 19, 2015
cejones4210 wrote:
Jim
how do you like your Montana? That is one of the two or three we are considering.
I'm certainly not Jim, but we love our Montana 3900FB. It is big, HUGE in fact at 39'+, but has everything we wanted with few compromises. Haven't taken it on the road (no truck) but only have a couple irritating problems with it after living in it for 7 months.
cejones4210 said
09:36 PM Jan 19, 2015
Tom,
Welcome back to the forum and for your thoughts on the Montana. We have been dreaming about a fifth wheel for more than five years and the Montana has continued to be on the top of the list of my top 3.
We are are ordering a new 2015 Ram 3500 HD with DRW. It is the Laramie trim level. Future plans call for a fifth wheel and extensive driving in the western states. The packages we have selected include one 220 amp alternator. An option is to get dual rated at 440 amp alternators (two 220 amp). Is this an option you would recommend; and why?
Thanks,
Dave
I would get the Aisen tranny though. and the 4.10 gears..
As Jim commented, unless you are trying to charge a large battery bank in the RV and are installing a totally separate and very large dedicated charging cable from the second alternator to the battery bank along with a charge controller, etc., the 220 amp alternator alone is more than enough.
Properly equipped, that’s a great truck. Consider getting the commercial grade (i.e. -69) transmission as was suggested. Only way to go IMO.
Are you getting rear air ride and the Aisin Medium duty trans?
Ordered my truck 12/2/14 and not expected until 2/8/15 or so. I was told 6-8 weeks.
We ordered last Saturday and they told us at least 10 weeks. Hoping to get it before we leave for TN for the RV-Dreams rally. It is way over for our little Airstream, but we REALLY need a new truck and we know that within the next year we will be buying a 5er. Unless to go to Alaska next year, then we we hold off on a 5er until we get back.
We generally keep our trucks for at least ten years so buying it early is fine with us.
Jim
how do you like your Montana? That is one of the two or three we are considering.
Would think you are giving up MPG that you don't need to.
Just my thoughts.
Good luck and have fun with your new truck.
Let me add something about the 4.11 rear gear ratio for the RAM3500HD (or the 4.88 ratio in the case of the RAM5500HD.) You want those “high” ratios as the come with the HD towing package. In the case of these RAM’s the Heavy Duty towing package, which includes the commercial Aisan transmission and the higher ratios, also includes a completely different cooling system for the engine and transmission. Very important. All this comes as a package. So, IMO, one needs to get past the higher gear ratios and the very small difference in MPG when not towing. Get the HD towing package and enjoy the improved results. These new, far more capable trucks have all this for good engineering reasons.
You can talk that way about the 2nd & 3rd gen trucks with the 4 speed auto but the 68RFE has been a very good trans. I have 60K with towing 27-29K combined and the trans has been flawless in my 11 HO LongHorn Dually.
I did order the Mediun Duty Aisin trans for my new 15 on order. I plan on towing around 30-31K combined with the new truck and MS I have on order.
Talking to Chryslers West Coast Warranty Rep he said referring to the Aisin Medium duty transmission "they don't break" !
Op who ever told you the 4:10 was standard is full of Barbara Streisand! 4:10, 3:73 and 3:42's are all available with the RAM 3500 Dually's.
I would highly recommend leaving the 4:10's and changing the order to the Aisin.. Bonus you get more HP and Torque. Better resale value in the future and who knows you may want an even bigger RV and you will already be equipped to tow it.
Cooling package is the same with the Aisin as the 68RFE.
Perhaps the information I received from the RAM factory up-fitter representative (not a salesman) was in error when I discussed this with him. Or perhaps this was only for 5500HD. But that is what the factory up-fitter rep told me when I looked into the highest 4.X gears on the RAMs.
I'm certainly not Jim, but we love our Montana 3900FB. It is big, HUGE in fact at 39'+, but has everything we wanted with few compromises. Haven't taken it on the road (no truck) but only have a couple irritating problems with it after living in it for 7 months.
Welcome back to the forum and for your thoughts on the Montana. We have been dreaming about a fifth wheel for more than five years and the Montana has continued to be on the top of the list of my top 3.