5th wheel recommendations...

[LBsuperJET]

Wife is interested in the prospect of buying a 5th wheel travel trailer or toy hauler (it's usually me that's pushing for the next toy lol) She wants the travel trailer as opposed to a hauler due to how cushy and nicer they are.

That being said, we have looked at a few really good travel trailers that we really like, and have ruled out a bunch of others which makes me feel good. For example, over the holiday wknd in Prescott we checked out a few Grand Designs Reflection 150 series 5'ers that we really dig. We don't have any toys that would currently warrant purchasing a hauler BUT I really do not want to realize a year or two down the road that we should've gone with one long term. Our big thing lately is looking at very nice hookup campgrounds that can be large and hilly. We currently have a FWC Hawk slide-in that we love. A couple of friends told me to not rule out the hauler, as they felt the need to get and use a golf cart to get around some of the places they've stayed at. Do you think that buying a toy hauler without the immediate need for the ramp, extra dry weight, etc. make any sense? I'm not really into SxS's, other than dirt bikes and quads historically but don't own one at the moment. I'd like some input on which 5th hauler's or TT's everyone on here likes. I have an '18 2500 Cummins Mega Cab sold to me with an 18k Demco slider hitch and nothing to hitch it to. Open to new and used stuff, and will finance at least preliminarily. Help us spend our money lol.

 

[rivermobster]

So more than once now...

We have used the inside of my toy hauler, for dinner, drinks, card games, when the weather outside turned ugly.

Folded everything up against the walls, set up multiple card tables end to end, brought in the chairs, and everyone had a great time!

I just got back from 2 weeks in the Sierra's, didn't take Any toys, and was happy to have all of the extra space.

It's also come in handy moving things more than once.

Id personally never want to be without a toy hauler.

It would be like Not having a truck with a bed. There is just so much you can do with it!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Wife and I are hot on the prospect of buying a 5th wheel travel trailer or toy hauler (it's usually me that's pushing for the next toy lol) She wants the travel trailer as opposed to a hauler due to how cushy and nicer they are.

That being said, we have looked at a few really good travel trailers that we really like, and have ruled out a bunch of others which makes me feel good. For example, over the holiday wknd in Prescott we checked out a few Grand Designs Reflection 150 series 5'ers that we really dig. We don't have any toys that would currently warrant purchasing a hauler BUT I really do not want to realize a year or two down the road that we should've gone with one long term. Our big thing lately is looking at very nice hookup campgrounds that can be large and hilly. We currently have a FWC Hawk slide-in that we love. A couple of friends told me to not rule out the hauler, as they felt the need to get and use a golf cart to get around some of the places they've stayed at. Do you think that buying a toy hauler without the immediate need for the ramp, extra dry weight, etc. make any sense? I'm not really into SxS's and I prob won't get another dirt bike or quad in the near future either. I need some input on which 5th hauler's everyone on here likes. I have an '18 2500 Cummins Mega Cab sold to me with an 18k Demco slider hitch and nothing to hitch it to. Open to new and used stuff, and will finance at least preliminarily. Help my wife spend our money!

Even if I didnt travel with my harley I would have a toy hauler. The garage provides a lot of flexibility.

I have a 2021 Grand Design 376THS that I may sell soon. LITHIUM batteries and a bit of extra solar panels as well as rollers on the back welded on

 

[rivermobster]

Even if I didnt travel with my harley I would have a toy hauler. The garage provides a lot of flexibility.

I have a 2021 Grand Design 376THS that I may sell soon. LITHIUM batteries and a bit of extra solar panels as well as rollers on the back welded on

Don't do it!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Don't do it!

Havent made up my mind but have to tell you staying put and working on the property is very appealing . All 3.5 acres are usable. In Cave Creek due to it being considered hillside very little was usable. Views and the home were a 10 but limited after that.

 

[rivermobster]

Havent made up my mind but have to tell you staying put and working on the property is very appealing . All 3.5 acres are usable. In Cave Creek due to it being considered hillside very little was usable. Views and the home were a 10 but limited after that.

Everyone needs a vacation, once in awhile.

And who knows...

You may have to haul hay in it someday!

 

[DILLIGAF]

Everyone needs a vacation, once in awhile.

And who knows...

You may have to haul hay in it someday!

Lol. Never know honestly

 

[240Hallett]

I have a friend that will never have an off-road toy, but got the one with the garage to haul a golf cart around for camping. His wife has MS so they also haul around one of those sit down scooter things. He did the second bathroom option in there as well. It works good for a private second bedroom.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

If you’re questioning it now, you will end up regretting not getting one.

A lot of the newer toyhaulers are very nice inside, and the older ones can be updated with some paint on the cabinets and updated flooring.

The toyhaulers have tons of space if they are an open floorplan. If you have kids, a garage model can be used as a bedroom and many have a loft.

Make sure you have enough room for whatever toy(s) you plan on ending up with- especially if you are shopping garage models or models with slides.

We do lots of trips without taking any motorized toys- and it’s nice to be able to wheel full coolers, grills, and bicycles up the ramp. Depending on where you setup having the rear door as a patio is a nice feature, especially if the ground is muddy or wet.

We went through the same thing when we bought our first trailer years ago, wife wanted a TT and I wanted a toyhauler. I flat out refused to buy anything that wasn’t a toyhauler, and once she actually started looking at some she preferred the extra room and purchased a sxs the next day after we got it home, lol.

The only downside that I can see, is that you are going to be over payload on your 2500 with a Toyhauler (you will be with a TT too) and I won’t get into the weight police discussion but I will suggest some Timbrens, I had some on my 2500 and they worked well when towing.

 

[Icky]

Do we have a budget?

 

[CLdrinker]

You are on the right track with Grand Design. Auto sliders are big and heavy. Not fun getting in and out of the truck. Look into goose necks and running an offset ball.

Toyhaulers have bigger storage tanks and built in generators. So if you want to camp off grid that is a big plus and if shit hits the fan you have built in plan B for shelter and survival.

 

[King295]

My fifth wheel lives at the river basically permanently at this point. When we were looking to buy a new one, I was leaning towards a toy hauler and my wife was on board until she saw a regular (non toy hauler) fifth wheel with a big kitchen island and a bunch of comfy seating. Like you, never been into side by sides but I've had dirt bikes since I was 3 years old. We have taken it to the desert a few times and I just tossed my bike in one of my buddies toy haulers or enclosed trailers rather than going the through the exercise of adding a hitch mounted bike hauler to the back of the RV. It has worked out well for us considering the river is our primary destination and I actually enjoy the comfort of the traditional fifth wheel over a toy hauler but if my schedule afforded the ability to take trips other than at the river, I would have regretted not getting a toy hauler. We have a golf cart and I'd want to take it anywhere they allow them, it is so nice to be able to cruise and explore. That being said, we have e-bikes as well and we could easily toss those inside the rig or on a hitch mounted carrier if needed.

If you are planning to really get out and explore, a toy hauler has a lot of upside as others have alluded to here but if you are just going to get out to enjoy time with the wife without bringing a ton of toys, I'd wager to guess you could make it work with a non toy hauler.

 

[Angler]

We got rid of the 40' toyhauler and got this. It's made by Heartland.

Put in a Cummings gas 7.0 generator. Perfect for us.

https://www.niemeyers.com/product/new-2019-heartland-bighorn-3160-elite-968891-5

 

[rivermobster]

You are on the right track with Grand Design. Auto sliders are big and heavy. Not fun getting in and out of the truck. Look into goose necks and running an offset ball.

Toyhaulers have bigger storage tanks and built in generators. So if you want to camp off grid that is a big plus and if shit hits the fan you have built in plan B for shelter and survival.

Oh that's another Real good point!!!

My FS26 carries 100 gallons of fresh water. I don't think you'll find anything close to that in a conventional travel trailer. I think they expect those to be used at full hook up sites mostly.

And 100 gallons Sounds like a lot, but it goes by real fast dry camping.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Do we have a budget?

Yes. Would like to stay around $60k-ish.

 

[LBsuperJET]

You are on the right track with Grand Design. Auto sliders are big and heavy. Not fun getting in and out of the truck. Look into goose necks and running an offset ball.

Toyhaulers have bigger storage tanks and built in generators. So if you want to camp off grid that is a big plus and if shit hits the fan you have built in plan B for shelter and survival.

You're right they are. I needed a hand from the neighbor removing it right after purchasing the truck. However, I already own it and don't have to buy it. I figured your route is much easier but to get us started it can work for now.

 

[LBsuperJET]

If you’re questioning it now, you will end up regretting not getting one.

A lot of the newer toyhaulers are very nice inside, and the older ones can be updated with some paint on the cabinets and updated flooring.

The toyhaulers have tons of space if they are an open floorplan. If you have kids, a garage model can be used as a bedroom and many have a loft.

Make sure you have enough room for whatever toy(s) you plan on ending up with- especially if you are shopping garage models or models with slides.

We do lots of trips without taking any motorized toys- and it’s nice to be able to wheel full coolers, grills, and bicycles up the ramp. Depending on where you setup having the rear door as a patio is a nice feature, especially if the ground is muddy or wet.

We went through the same thing when we bought our first trailer years ago, wife wanted a TT and I wanted a toyhauler. I flat out refused to buy anything that wasn’t a toyhauler, and once she actually started looking at some she preferred the extra room and purchased a sxs the next day after we got it home, lol.

The only downside that I can see, is that you are going to be over payload on your 2500 with a Toyhauler (you will be with a TT too) and I won’t get into the weight police discussion but I will suggest some Timbrens, I had some on my 2500 and they worked well when towing.

Gotcha. I have the chinese amazon version of the timbrens for our bed camper right now and they work great. Worst case scenerio I'll have to buy the actual timbrens but that isn't a big deal.

 

[King295]

You're right they are. I needed a hand from the neighbor removing it right after purchasing the truck. However, I already own it and don't have to buy it. I figured your route is much easier but to get us started it can work for now.

Here was my solution for dealing with getting my hitch in and out of my truck bed on my own.

UPDATE - 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Idea Scrapped - Lifting System Instead

Looking to see if any inmates have feedback on converting a 5th wheels pin box to a gooseneck. I have a GMC 2500 with the 6' 6'' bed which led me to buying a Curt Q24 hitch with the R24 slider. I have yet to need to use the slider (likely due to the 5th wheel being new in 2018 and having a...

www.riverdavesplace.com

 

[Done-it-again]

We are thinking about selling our ‘21 3817 vortex. Has the best kitchen layout.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Ended up stepping into a brand new Shockwave 2800RLT. Got a decent deal on it. It arrived to Mike Thompson in FV on Monday and get to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Best believe I will be combing every gd inch of the thing for issues prior to hitching up to it. But wife and I are very excited. They are offering me a few months of storage locally but they havent came up with any yard that isn't hood AF. I'm sure we will find a spot for time being but for long term, anyone have any creative ideas for storage other than the $400+ spots all over? Our house isn't an option due to driveway clearance etc. At least we have a few months of time to get our shit together regarding finding a long term spot for it tho which helps us feel good about the sitch.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Congrats. Perfect size trailer IMO, plenty of room but still relatively easy to tow and park.

A few suggestions and things to check that you might not think of:

Every single outlet
Your tv antenna (run a channel scan and make sure you actually get reception)
Radio/ DVD player (all speakers and FM reception)
Spare tire and mount- make sure the lowering mechanism actually works and will lower the tire.
Expect to replace the factory tires within the first year or two- especially if you are hauling toys.

Use the hell out of it for the first year to get most of the bugs worked out under warranty. If your dealer has a busy service department, plan a couple of trips and schedule your service now, the year will be up before you know it- and you will probably have to take it in 2 or 3 times. They might end up keeping it for a month or two each time- which can also help with storage.

After you get it home crawl under it on a creeper and secure all of the wires and lines properly before you take it out.

If it’s not already equipped, install vent covers over every roof vent ASAP.

If you plan on removing the decals, also do it ASAP before they get baked on and start to ghost.

Lots of resources and knowledge on here, if you have any questions.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Congrats. Perfect size trailer IMO, plenty of room but still relatively easy to tow and park.

A few suggestions and things to check that you might not think of:

Every single outlet
Your tv antenna (run a channel scan and make sure you actually get reception)
Radio/ DVD player (all speakers and FM reception)
Spare tire and mount- make sure the lowering mechanism actually works and will lower the tire.
Expect to replace the factory tires within the first year or two- especially if you are hauling toys.

Use the hell out of it for the first year to get most of the bugs worked out under warranty. If your dealer has a busy service department, plan a couple of trips and schedule your service now, the year will be up before you know it- and you will probably have to take it in 2 or 3 times. They might end up keeping it for a month or two each time- which can also help with storage.

After you get it home crawl under it on a creeper and secure all of the wires and lines properly before you take it out.

If it’s not already equipped, install vent covers over every roof vent ASAP.

If you plan on removing the decals, also do it ASAP before they get baked on and start to ghost.

Lots of resources and knowledge on here, if you have any questions.

Fantastic advice, thank you! I plan on checking every outlet with a little GFCI tester and all the spots I can find while on site. We don't plan on hauling anything except for a couple beach cruisers or a quad here and there regarding weight but I have heard of the stock tires being crap. I'll be using every piece of the advice thanks again. They found an issue with a ground somewhere on the coach so updated pickup is this Sunday morning.

 

[outboard_256]

Congrats. Perfect size trailer IMO, plenty of room but still relatively easy to tow and park.

A few suggestions and things to check that you might not think of:

Every single outlet
Your tv antenna (run a channel scan and make sure you actually get reception)
Radio/ DVD player (all speakers and FM reception)
Spare tire and mount- make sure the lowering mechanism actually works and will lower the tire.
Expect to replace the factory tires within the first year or two- especially if you are hauling toys.

Use the hell out of it for the first year to get most of the bugs worked out under warranty. If your dealer has a busy service department, plan a couple of trips and schedule your service now, the year will be up before you know it- and you will probably have to take it in 2 or 3 times. They might end up keeping it for a month or two each time- which can also help with storage.

After you get it home crawl under it on a creeper and secure all of the wires and lines properly before you take it out.

If it’s not already equipped, install vent covers over every roof vent ASAP.

If you plan on removing the decals, also do it ASAP before they get baked on and start to ghost.

Lots of resources and knowledge on here, if you have any questions.

Curious on why you say install vent covers? Are you talking about the max air ones so you can have the vents open when driving? I have those on my current trailer and didn't have them on my last. Didn't really notice much difference, but I don't have my vents open when driving. Am I thinking about the right covers?

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Curious on why you say install vent covers? Are you talking about the max air ones so you can have the vents open when driving? I have those on my current trailer and didn't have them on my last. Didn't really notice much difference, but I don't have my vents open when driving. Am I thinking about the right covers?

Correct. Without the max air covers, my vent covers would last about a year before the sun ruined them, and they were blown off while traveling. It was a PITA to find replacement covers on the road and replace them at a campground. The Maxair covers protect against sun damage and keep rain out of the trailer. With the maxair covers, I have had my vents open during 1+ inch per hour rain events with 60 MPH winds and didn’t notice any water intrusion. I usually keep at least one vent (usually the bathroom) open while traveling unless I know I’m going to be driving through heavy rain. I always keep a vent or two open when my rig is parked/ stored.

They are also a good item to use in negotiations when purchasing a trailer, along with a hitch, larger/ more batteries and 30 pound propane tanks (if not already equipped). I’ve found that when you have reached the lowest price on a trailer the dealer will still usually throw in stuff like the vent covers free or at cost and not charge for install.

 

[CLdrinker]

Check your brakes. The Lippert axles are famous for blowing out the grease seals and coating your brakes with grease.

Check your slides and slide seals, gaps and control wires. Check how your ac is sealed.

Look what axles you have vs what they said. FR puts light axles under all their shit. You probably have 6k axles which would be bare minimum.

Run your generator atleast 1hr a month.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Correct. Without the max air covers, my vent covers would last about a year before the sun ruined them, and they were blown off while traveling. It was a PITA to find replacement covers on the road and replace them at a campground. The Maxair covers protect against sun damage and keep rain out of the trailer. With the maxair covers, I have had my vents open during 1+ inch per hour rain events with 60 MPH winds and didn’t notice any water intrusion. I usually keep at least one vent (usually the bathroom) open while traveling unless I know I’m going to be driving through heavy rain. I always keep a vent or two open when my rig is parked/ stored.

They are also a good item to use in negotiations when purchasing a trailer, along with a hitch, larger/ more batteries and 30 pound propane tanks (if not already equipped). I’ve found that when you have reached the lowest price on a trailer the dealer will still usually throw in stuff like the vent covers free or at cost and not charge for install.

Good point. However, I believe the one we are getting has the automatic rain closing covers already installed w the fans. I will confirm tho. I have heard that giving them a good couple of coats of ceramic can help them last longer in the sun. Not sure if that's true or not.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Check your brakes. The Lippert axles are famous for blowing out the grease seals and coating your brakes with grease.

Check your slides and slide seals, gaps and control wires. Check how your ac is sealed.

Look what axles you have vs what they said. FR puts light axles under all their shit. You probably have 6k axles which would be bare minimum.

Run your generator atleast 1hr a month.

Yep it comes with the 6-lug 6000lb axles. Wasn't very happy about that but they can be changed. And yes great advice thank you!

 

[boatnam2]

I pay $250 for 30ft at accurate in seal beach, very nice facility, not sure if they do 5th wheels as they get your stuff out and put it away when you're done. Congrats on rig, throw it in your dads driveway lol

 

[LBsuperJET]

I pay $250 for 30ft at accurate in seal beach, very nice facility, not sure if they do 5th wheels as they get your stuff out and put it away when you're done. Congrats on rig, throw it in your dads driveway lol

Haha wish I could. Theirs is smaller than ours. That's the place by the cop station huh? I'll have to check w them.

 

[Badchoices03]

Ended up stepping into a brand new Shockwave 2800RLT. Got a decent deal on it. It arrived to Mike Thompson in FV on Monday and get to pick it up tomorrow afternoon. Best believe I will be combing every gd inch of the thing for issues prior to hitching up to it. But wife and I are very excited. They are offering me a few months of storage locally but they havent came up with any yard that isn't hood AF. I'm sure we will find a spot for time being but for long term, anyone have any creative ideas for storage other than the $400+ spots all over? Our house isn't an option due to driveway clearance etc. At least we have a few months of time to get our shit together regarding finding a long term spot for it tho which helps us feel good about the sitch.
View attachment 1407537

Congrats on the new trailer, hopefully Forest River is better at trailer construction than Genesis....

 

[CLdrinker]

Congrats on the new trailer, hopefully Forest River is better at trailer construction than Genesis....

It’s all dependent on your luck. My Forest River had issues and my Genesis had issues.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Yep it comes with the 6-lug 6000lb axles. Wasn't very happy about that but they can be changed. And yes great advice thank you!

At some point, you might want to pull the drums off and check the wiring, the wiring behind one of my drums was not properly secured and rubbed through, causing a malfunction.

I went ahead and repacked the bearings and replaced the seals while I was in there, three were good but 1 had grease all over inside. I have (6-lug) 6000 pound axles, but my seals and bearings are the same as the 7000lb axle- there appears to be a 6000lb HD axle in addition to the 5200, 6000, and 7000 lb axles.

I was able to find 14 ply load range G tires for my 15” wheels.

Let’s be honest here, they are all pieces of shit, and you can expect some (hopefully small) issue each trip. I will say, my Genesis has been way less troublesome than my Eclipse was. Use it, work the bugs out, and make it your own.

 

[boatnam2]

Haha wish I could. Theirs is smaller than ours. That's the place by the cop station huh? I'll have to check w them.

Yea thats it!

 

[DoughBallin14]

Dont forget to look at your shackle hangers. Make sure they are straight and fully welded. Hopefully some angle braces on them as well. Good looking rig and just have fun with it!

 

[LBsuperJET]

At some point, you might want to pull the drums off and check the wiring, the wiring behind one of my drums was not properly secured and rubbed through, causing a malfunction.

I went ahead and repacked the bearings and replaced the seals while I was in there, three were good but 1 had grease all over inside. I have (6-lug) 6000 pound axles, but my seals and bearings are the same as the 7000lb axle- there appears to be a 6000lb HD axle in addition to the 5200, 6000, and 7000 lb axles.

I was able to find 14 ply load range G tires for my 15” wheels.

Let’s be honest here, they are all pieces of shit, and you can expect some (hopefully small) issue each trip. I will say, my Genesis has been way less troublesome than my Eclipse was. Use it, work the bugs out, and make it your own.

I agree. I have 6 lug 6k axles but I believe they are 16" wheels which suprised me. I do want to pull the drums and see what condition the bearings and seals are in. They said (supposedly) that they checked the brakes etc after delivery but I'm calling BS lol

 

[LBsuperJET]

Dont forget to look at your shackle hangers. Make sure they are straight and fully welded. Hopefully some angle braces on them as well. Good looking rig and just have fun with it!

One of the first things I did. Brought my creeper. They all look solid, but the angle gussets are just pieces of flat stock on a 45* and not welded all the way. I can fix that myself since I am a welder.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Here it is in front of our house when we brought it home Sunday. Overall, I am pleasantly suprised with how the truck handles it on the road at least off the bat, since I have only drug it home, then to storage yesterday morning. The Timbren knockoffs were putting in some work and seemed to work really well keeping it from squatting very much. Keep in mind the truck is leveled with Carli stuff up front which is why it looks a bit raked under load. Overall wife and I are stoked to start using it!

 

[LBsuperJET]

Took it down to Sun Outdoors in Chula Vista this weekend for a shakedown run. Truck towed it very well, but with the 37's it is a dog off the line. Pretty much kept it in 5th gear the whole way down and back which helped everything. I anticipate regearing the truck if I want to keep the size. Fam and I had a very relaxing time down there and we haven't found another issue with the trailer yet which very much surprised me!

Big thank you to you guys and your advice, it is much appreciated!

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Lookin good! The taller first gear of the 68RFE combined with the 37s is going to make it a bit of a dog off the line. If you are dead set on running 37s you might want to regear like you mentioned. I run 35s and they do okay towing with the 3.42 factory gearing. You are still going to be in 5th quite a bit- especially in California where you’re towing at lower speeds. Even with 35s, the truck won’t want to stay in 6th until you’re going 75+.

 

[LBsuperJET]

Lookin good! The taller first gear of the 68RFE combined with the 37s is going to make it a bit of a dog off the line. If you are dead set on running 37s you might want to regear like you mentioned. I run 35s and they do okay towing with the 3.42 factory gearing. You are still going to be in 5th quite a bit- especially in California where you’re towing at lower speeds. Even with 35s, the truck won’t want to stay in 6th until you’re going 75+.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was anticipating. I don't have an issue going back to stock since I still have the takeoffs, but this truck looks so damn perfect and proportional with the 37's! My assumption would be that 4.10's could be perfect for my current setup - although an expensive job to do for sure. No clue how high that bill could get.

 

[240Hallett]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was anticipating. I don't have an issue going back to stock since I still have the takeoffs, but this truck looks so damn perfect and proportional with the 37's! My assumption would be that 4.10's could be perfect for my current setup - although an expensive job to do for sure. No clue how high that bill could get.

How often will you be using the trailer? Worth the time and effort to swap them out before and after a trip?

 

[LBsuperJET]

How often will you be using the trailer? Worth the time and effort to swap them out before and after a trip?

I've asked myself that also. We plan on using at least once a month and have a few trips booked already. So, probably using it enough for swapping to get pretty annoying lol.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

4.10s are a good choice if you run mostly unloaded, a lot of guys who tow often step up to 4.56. Figure 3-4k for a gear swap.

A set of 35x12.5 or the like on aftermarket wheels can still look pretty good- not as good as the 37s, lol.

I ran 325/65R18s (35x13.5) on my 2500, the rear trackbar limits the size of the spare you can run to around 34” true diameter partially deflated, and I wasn’t able to fit a matching spare underneath. On my 3500 I run 35x12.50s and fit a fullsize spare underneath since there’s no trackbar.

 

[CLdrinker]

My gear swap on my 2018 Ram was $2800

My advice is go down to 35’s before considering gears.

 

[mash on it]

Yeah, that's exactly what I was anticipating. I don't have an issue going back to stock since I still have the takeoffs, but this truck looks so damn perfect and proportional with the 37's! My assumption would be that 4.10's could be perfect for my current setup - although an expensive job to do for sure. No clue how high that bill could get.

What gears do you have now?
What was the original tire diameter?

DRIVESHAFT speeds at 60 mph-

Guessing on a 3.42 gear

3.42 gear and 32" tire- 2154 rpm
3.42 gear and 34" tire- 2027 rpm
Apparently both above are factory offerings. 127 rpm difference.

3.42 gear and 37" tire- 1863 rpm

4.11 gear and 37" tire- 2239 rpm
4.56 gear and 37" tire- 2484 rpm

*3.73 gear and 37" tire- 2032 rpm
Nearly identical to factory driveshaft speed. At 60 mph.

Dan'l

 

[LBsuperJET]

What gears do you have now?
What was the original tire diameter?

DRIVESHAFT speeds at 60 mph-

Guessing on a 3.42 gear

3.42 gear and 32" tire- 2154 rpm
3.42 gear and 34" tire- 2027 rpm
Apparently both above are factory offerings. 127 rpm difference.

3.42 gear and 37" tire- 1863 rpm

4.11 gear and 37" tire- 2239 rpm
4.56 gear and 37" tire- 2484 rpm

*3.73 gear and 37" tire- 2032 rpm
Nearly identical to factory driveshaft speed. At 60 mph.

Dan'l

I have 3.42's and the stock tires were just about 33". I don't know which factory offering above it was. I will have to check the size on them at home later. Very good info tho! I figured 3.73 would be overdriven but guess I'm wrong lol

 

[mash on it]

There was 3 options
32s, 33s, and 34s, according to Ram.

3.42 gear and a 33" tire- 2088 rpm at 60 mph, driveshaft speed.
Not much different than 3.73s and 37s at 2032 rpm.
I'd imagine these are within 1% or less.

Dan'l

 

[LBsuperJET]

There was 3 options
32s, 33s, and 34s, according to Ram.

3.42 gear and a 33" tire- 2088 rpm at 60 mph, driveshaft speed.
Not much different than 3.73s and 37s at 2032 rpm.
I'd imagine these are within 1% or less.

Dan'l

Exactly. So 3.73's it is if I decide to keep the big ass tires. Scaling down before regearing as a test would be cheaper.

 

[Icky]

295/65R20 stock wheels and height. I like 37s but i like carrying a full size spare while towing a 5th wheel more.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

All Cummins SRW trucks 13-17 had 3.42s. DRW were available with 3.42, 3.73, and 4.10. 19-up Diesel are 3.73, DRW are 3.73 or 4.10. Earlier SRW trucks offered 4.10 as an option from the factory,

OD ratios on the 68RFE are 0.81 and 0.62.

You will find best mileage around 1700-1800 RPM, and your truck won’t typically maintain a lower RPM without lugging/ downshifting while towing. You will see fuel mileage fall off a cliff above 2000-2100RPM, but that is typically where your truck will run when it downshifts on bigger hills.

3.73 is not going to be worth the effort to swap and will not be enough gear for 37s and towing. The 68RFE has a tall first gear, and needs all of the help it can get getting a load moving. I never had any issues with mine on 35s, but my TH at the time was only 9000 lb loaded. Towing heavy with 37s will lead to premature trans failure- likely by 100k miles. Adding power will lead to earlier failure. The aftermarket trans builders will not typically warranty their trans with 37” tires unless you regear to 4.10 or deeper. 4.30s are also a popular choice, and 4.44 is available from AAM as it was used in the C&C trucks.

From the factory the Max Tow DRW trucks came with 235/80R17s that are just under 32” tall, and 4.10 gears for the highest GVWR and towing capacity. That tracks to 4.74 (not available) for an apples to oranges comparison with 37s.

Towing 62ish in CA my trucks on 35s with 3.42s typically want to sit in 5th and downshift to 4th on taller hills. I can run in 6th once I’m 70+ on flat ground or 75+ on mild grades. Towing, these trucks like to sit 1800-2000 RPM when not pulling steep hills.