Ram 3500 Gear question

[DLfuzion]

I have a 2016 Ram 3500 with 3.42 gears and I just bought a Fuzion 427 just over 15,000 lbs. Thinking of puttin 3.73 or 4.10 gearing in. Has anyone done this and should I upgrade? Appreciate any input

[Canonman]

If you have the high output diesel, you're probably OK. Ram used the 3.42 set up to show better fuel mileage. The beast is rated to tow nearly twice your 15K weight.

[DLfuzion]

Mine's only rated at about 20K, when I have 2 Harleys in and camping gear it'll be close to 17K to tow.

[Tinner12002]

Originally Posted by Canonman

If you have the high output diesel, you're probably OK. Ram used the 3.42 set up to show better fuel mileage. The beast is rated to tow nearly twice your 15K weight.

You are partially correct because as gear ratio lowers, lower #, the tow rating also drops. A 3.42 ratio truck isn't rated to pull the same as a 4.10 ratio truck.
To the OP, tow it a bit and see how it does but I think you'd be happier with a different ratio plus its going to be easier on your equipment with 3.73 or 4.10s.
Tow rating for a 2015, 3500 LB dually crew cab. I'm sure 16s maybe a little different but this gives you an idea. Hopefully you have a dually!
3.42 --#16660
3.73---#18860
4.10---#21660

[gearhead]

I'm pulling 12,500 with 3.42, which is/was the only choice in a 3500 SRW. No problems. I do lock out 6th gear a lot at highway speeds. If you have the Aisin transmission, I would try it as is.
That said, I ordered a dually with 3.73.

[Barbell]

We gross around 24,000 lbs total with a '16 3500 dually w/ 3.73 rear end. Works fine for us. Fuel mileage is about the same as with the old truck ('01 2500) with LOTS more power. You will really like the new truck.

[DLfuzion]

We had a 33' Open Road that was about 12K and took it to Utah and Colorado and it pulled it fine up and down the mountains. A couple times I noticed I did have the pedal to the floor to keep normal speed up steep mountain passes though. That's why I think going to a 3.73 or 4.10 would take less toll on the truck when pulling this bigger unit.

[Racebug]

I pulled my 20k fusion with my old ram with 3.44 rear end and it did just fine.

[Frank G]

If you have a CTD SRW with the 68RFE you are on the edge, (I would not waste my money on a gear change) with the Aisin and the HO CTD you will be close but doable. You are in DRW territory. If you have a DRW with the 68RFE and 3:42 it will be OK this side of the Rockies. Actually it is the dead stop start-up that problematic, once you have momentum you can lock out the overdrive gears 5th and 6th. 5th gear with the 3:42 is the same as 6th with the 3:73.

Just my $.02