What is the best axle ratio for towing a Ram 2500?
When it comes to towing heavy loads with a Ram 2500, choosing the right axle ratio is crucial. The axle ratio directly impacts your truck's towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. In this article, we’ll explore what axle ratios are, how they affect towing, and which option might be the best for your Ram 2500 based on your needs.
Understanding Axle Ratios
The axle ratio refers to the number of revolutions the driveshaft makes to turn the wheels once. For example, a 3.73 axle ratio means the driveshaft rotates 3.73 times for every one rotation of the wheels. This ratio determines the balance between towing power and fuel efficiency.
How Axle Ratios Affect Towing
When towing, a higher axle ratio provides more torque to the wheels, which is essential for pulling heavy loads. However, it can also reduce fuel efficiency because the engine works harder at higher RPMs. Conversely, a lower axle ratio improves fuel economy but may limit towing capacity.
Axle Ratio Options for the Ram 2500
The Ram 2500 typically offers two common axle ratio options:
- 3.73 Axle Ratio: This is a balanced option, providing a good mix of towing capability and fuel efficiency. It is suitable for moderate towing needs and daily driving.
- 4.10 Axle Ratio: This ratio is ideal for heavy-duty towing. It delivers more torque to the wheels, making it easier to tow larger trailers or heavy loads. However, it may result in slightly lower fuel efficiency.
Which Axle Ratio is Best for You?
The best axle ratio for your Ram 2500 depends on your specific towing requirements:
- If you tow occasionally or haul lighter loads, the 3.73 axle ratio is a great choice. It offers a balance between performance and fuel economy, making it versatile for everyday use.
- If you frequently tow heavy trailers, such as RVs or equipment, the 4.10 axle ratio is the better option. It provides the extra power needed for demanding towing tasks.
Additional Considerations
When selecting an axle ratio, consider the following factors:
- Engine Type: The Ram 2500 comes with different engine options, such as the 6.4L HEMI V8 or the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. The diesel engine, for example, already provides significant torque, so pairing it with a 3.73 axle ratio might suffice for most towing needs.
- Towing Capacity: Check the manufacturer’s specifications for your truck’s towing capacity with each axle ratio. This ensures you stay within safe limits.
- Fuel Economy: If you drive long distances without towing, a lower axle ratio like 3.73 might save you money on fuel over time.
Conclusion
Choosing the right axle ratio for your Ram 2500 is all about understanding your towing needs and balancing performance with efficiency. For most drivers, the 3.73 axle ratio offers a versatile solution, while the 4.10 axle ratio is perfect for those who need maximum towing power. Be sure to consult your vehicle’s manual and consider your typical driving and towing habits before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, 3.21 or 3.92 axle ratio?
The standard 3.21 axle ratio then gets you a maximum tow rating of 8,440 pounds. Go with the 3.92 gearing and the tow rating jumps up to 11,540 pounds — a massive 3,100-pound difference.
Which Ram axle ratio is best for towing?
If you are towing then a 3.92 is the ratio you want, you can tow with a 3.55 or a 3.23 but they are not optimal and will work the transmission harder and lug the engine more because the RPM's will be lower.
What is the best gear ratio for pulling heavy loads?
The most popular rear end ratio in trucks today is the 3:55, which sort of averages towing power and fuel economy. This is a good ratio for the occasional towing or hauling individual. For a person who tows more often, and heavier loads, the 3:73 or 4:10 may be more appropriate.
Is 4.10 axle ratio good for towing?
“Years ago, 4.56 and 4.10 were the only gears to have when towing heavy,” notes Romain. “With the improved engine performance we have today, the same loads and even higher can be pulled with much lower numerical ratios.”
Is 3.73 axle ratio good for towing?
3.73 is preferred for towing. You will find that the fuel economy difference of running at 75mph instead of 80mph will make a bigger difference than gear ratio. Drag is an exponential relationship to speed and anything above around 60mph in a truck really makes a difference in fuel economy.
What RAM model is best for towing?
For the 2024 model year, the maximum towing capacity of the Ram 1500 is an impressive 12,750 pounds. The Ram 2500 boosts this maximum to 19,990 pounds,1 and the most powerful Ram truck of all, the Ram 3500, can haul up to 37,090 pounds.
What is the towing capacity of a 3.21 axle ratio?
2024 Ram 1500 Classic Towing Chart
| 2024 Ram Classic | REG CAB 4X2 | QUAD CAB 4X2 |
|---|---|---|
| 3.21 AXLE RATIO | 7,240 LBS | 6,870 LBS |
| 3.55 AXLE RATIO | 9,290 LBS | 8,920 LBS |
| 3.92 AXLE RATIO | 9,210 LBS | 10,470 LBS |
| RAM 1500 5.7L V8 8-SPEED |
What gets better gas mileage, 3.73 or 4.10 gears?
a 4.10 has a huge impact on engine rpm because you are selecting second gear with a 3.73 to pull the grade, but you can hit third gear with a 4.10. Your engine speed is about 1,000 rpm lower, so temperatures under hood are going to be significantly lower. Higher numerical ratios often increase fuel consumption.
Which is better, 3.73 or 4.10 axle ratio?
ARE 3.73 OR 4.10 GEARS BETTER? Use this rule of thumb: The shorter the gear ratio (higher number), the easier it will be for the vehicle to start moving and accelerating! This will, however, lower the top speed of the vehicle.
Is a higher axle ratio better for towing?
Step one in understanding axle ratios is to know what the numbers signify. The lower the number, the better fuel economy, and the higher the number the more towing power you have, but fuel economy suffers.
