Gearing for towing

[ramcummins17]

I have a 2017 2500 tradesman. I was wondering if there was a better gear for a little more acceleration while towing. I believe I have 3.42 gears and I don't know if it's just me but I feel like the truck struggles a little to much from a light with a 10k max trailer. Trailer and cargo is about 9k altogether. If I'm thinking to much about it let me know so I can feel better haha, thanks.

 

[chopperman1]

3.42's are fine for your setup. Can get pricey to change if 4wd as you need to do both diff's.

 

[2003F350]

3.42's would be fine with a 6.7 CTD. A little on the tall side if you are towing a lot, but nothing that will be hurt by 10k.

I've got 3.73's in mine, but I wouldn't recommend spending the money to change unless there was something physically wrong with yours (broken/worn gears, etc).

Basically, unless you're looking to burn some cash, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[BossHogg]

3.42's are fine for your setup. Can get pricey to change if 4wd as you need to do both diff's.

He is right, I have a SO 2015 3500 HD and pull a Montana fiver that weighs in at 16K. I have zero complaints and can effortlessly reach 65 MPH on a freeway acceleration ramp.

 

[nlambert182]

I had 3.73s in my 12, 4.10s in my 16, and 3.42s in my current 18. Trust me.... at 10k lbs, you won't notice much of a difference between 3.42s and 3.73s. 4.10s make a big difference but are completely unnecessary until you start getting into weights that are more than your truck can tow anyhow.

Understand that a Cummins with any gearing isn't going to win any races from a stoplight. They're not designed for that. But my 2500 has no problem keeping up in traffic even when towing my travel trailer, which is about 9,800 lbs loaded.