What is the best axle ratio for towing a Ram 2500?
When it comes to towing a Ram 2500, the axle ratio is a crucial factor to consider. The axle ratio determines the relationship between the engine's rotational speed and the wheels' rotational speed, which can significantly impact the truck's towing capacity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. In this article, we'll explore the best axle ratio for towing a Ram 2500 and why it matters.
Understanding Axle Ratios
The axle ratio is a numerical value that represents the number of times the driveshaft rotates for every single rotation of the wheels. A higher axle ratio, such as 4.10:1, means the wheels will rotate fewer times for each engine revolution, providing more torque and pulling power. Conversely, a lower axle ratio, like 3.73:1, results in higher engine revolutions per wheel rotation, improving fuel efficiency but reducing towing capacity.
Factors to Consider
When choosing the best axle ratio for towing a Ram 2500, there are several factors to consider:
- Towing Capacity: A higher axle ratio, such as 4.10:1 or 4.56:1, will provide more torque and pulling power, allowing the Ram 2500 to tow heavier loads with greater ease.
- Fuel Efficiency: A lower axle ratio, like 3.73:1, will result in better fuel efficiency, as the engine can operate at lower revolutions per minute (RPM) while driving.
- Terrain and Driving Conditions: If you'll be towing in hilly or mountainous areas, a higher axle ratio may be more beneficial to provide the necessary torque for climbing steep grades.
- Payload Capacity: The axle ratio can also impact the Ram 2500's payload capacity, with higher ratios generally allowing for greater payload capabilities.
Ultimately, the best axle ratio for your Ram 2500 will depend on your specific towing needs, driving conditions, and personal preferences.
Recommended Axle Ratios for Towing
Based on the information gathered from various sources, the recommended axle ratios for towing with a Ram 2500 are:
- For Heavy Towing: 4.10:1 or 4.56:1 axle ratio,
- For Improved Fuel Efficiency: 3.73:1 axle ratio,li>
The 4.10:1 or 4.56:1 axle ratios are generally considered the best options for those who prioritize towing capacity and performance, while the 3.73:1 ratio is more suitable for those who value fuel efficiency and don't require maximum towing power.
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.
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.”
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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.
