Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Jim. KM5J
2014 6.7L Ram 3500, 2008 Excel w 280 watts of solar , 2012 Jack Russel.
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.
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
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2003 Teton Grand Freedon 2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 SOLD 2006 Freightliner Century 120 with Detroit 14L singled, ultrashift, hauling a 2016 Smart Passion
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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~ Tom Warfield
living in: 2014 Montana 3900FB fifth wheel
camping & traveling in: 2008 Chalet a-frame hard side pop up
"full timing" since December, 2008
currently in a fixed location in SW Washington State but that could change
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.
