RAM 3500 Q&A Part 1 of 2 // MPGs? Uconnect 8.4 vs 12? Nexen Tires? Air Suspension? Aisin Trans?
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- čas přidán 5. 07. 2024
- Today's video is part 1 of 2 featuring questions and answers generated from my previous videos on my special order build RAM 3500 dually with the high output Cummins 6.7L and 4.10 axle ratio. If you didn't catch the build video I did previously, be sure to watch that first as it gives context:
• Avoid My Mistakes! Buy...
And, also check out the Air Suspension/Payload (squat) video:
• How Much Does a RAM 35...
I've gotten a lot of questions since those two previous videos, so my goal is to follow-up and answer the most common questions, but also correct some misconceptions and points that have been made previously by viewers in the comments, some of which I disagree with.
1) What kind of MPG do you get on the RAM 3500 both while empty vs towing, and also highway driving?
2) What is the difference between Uconnect 8.4 and 12 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
3) Why did you put Nexen tires on your RAM 3500?
4) Does the Air Suspension make your ride smoother? How is it different from the regular suspension with leaf packs?
5) Is the Aisin AS66RC heavy duty transmission unbearable or too rough? Does it have bad manners as a daily driver?
Buying a truck is very expensive, and you don't want to waste your hard-earned money. So my hope is these tips will save you money if you're looking to buy or order a new truck, or even purchase a secondhand model year. Yet, in the end it is all just my own personal opinions based on my experiences. Certainly let me know if you agree or disagree in the comments below.
Stay tuned for next week's video where I'll revisit the truck recommendations I made previously and double-down on my recommendation to avoid one very popular truck class and engine combination.
00:00 Intro
00:40 MPGs?
02:54 8.4-in vs 12-in Uconnect
04:29 Nexen Tires
06:12 Air Suspension
09:50 Aisin Transmission
11:40 Recommendations
Support the channel by browsing our online store, featuring most of the products featured and shown in today's video:
adventure.rocks/store/
#ram3500 #ramtrucks #besttowingtruck - Auta a dopravní prostředky
A few of my friends have the same complaint about the unbearable shifting, I tell them stop driving the truck like its a race car. They take off as fast as they can and let off of the accelerator before a shift and it slames into the next gear. Its a truck not a race car. The values in the heavy duty transmission valves work on set pressure points, when you drive like its a race car and then take your foot off of the floor engine rpms drop, that will then reduce the oil pressure in you transmission. Then that will cause the horrible shifting. Bad drivers
Agree. Let the truck/transmission do the work & it will be an enjoyable ride. Love the Cummins Aisin combo!
@@Over_the_Hill_RV_Rookies i can't count the times a chevy or ford (deisel) pulls up next to me at a red light and wants to race then they take off like a bat out of heck. And my friends who do that type of thing sooner or later all say the engine or transmission are junk, you got lucky you got a good one.. and every guy it happens to I ask do you think driving it like a race car has anything to do with it... nooo it a deisel it should be able to handle it. Then they tell me. Well its better than driving like an old man.. lol
@@rogerreid1731 well I guess it makes me an old man the truck was not meant for drag racing & if that’s why these guys buy it then they aren’t too bright.
Does dodges still slam into gear when shifting revert to forward
I have a 2017 Ram Dually, 4x4, Aisin, 3.73, Big Horn, B&W hitch on factory pucks...also lots of options. Since new I put 53,000 on the odometer and 30,000 of that has been towing. Nexen tires didn't make it past 22,000 miles when I had a belt shift on one of the fronts. So I changed them all and went with Michelins LTX. Been very very happy with the truck.
Good to know. Thank you for sharing tire rec.
I have a 22’ 3500 standard output SRW crew cab 8’ bed and I regular see 20mpg the highway @70-75mph and have seen as high as 22mpg when driving on flat highway. Super impressed.
22mpg is amazing! Very nice!
What’s your gear ratio Landscape Giant?
@@Quick_Fast_Hurry 3.73 using a Firestone tire nothing aggressive. And I’m in western pa so some rolling hills but fairly flat for the most part.
I use and have had great luck with Cooper AT3 tires. Both new rams I purchased only made it 25k miles with the factory tires. I run AT3's on all 5 work trucks and have had great luck and wear on these.
Great feedback, thank you for sharing
Your doing an amazing job. Keep the videos coming! Definitely helpful
Thank you! Appreciate the kind words.
Your truck looks very similar to mine. I just took delivery of mine about two weeks ago and it is a monster! Keep the content coming. I love to know more about the trucks! I also have the AISIN. I have noticed it’s less refined at lower speed and it is slower to shift, but I can feel it grabbing the gear like a champ and I don’t worry about it.
Agreed, same on mine. I'm happy with it.
I have a 2020 2500 so not a dually, Laramie night addition same color as your truck . It has the standard Cummins not the HO, and the 68RFE with 3.83 gears. I get 21.5 mpg unloaded on the highway running 75 to 80 mph. Very happy with it. Towing my toy hauler is around 10mpg. I feel you made a big mistake not getting the 13” screen, it’s awesome. Thanks for your truck updates.
Great video I have a ram 2015 3500 thanking about getting a new one I love your video man great job explaining everything I haul 30,000 pounds every day I’ve been through three transmissions in the past two years 64 RF
Thank you. That's a heavy load for sure.
You should do this for a living, you are so professional and knowledgeable.
Thank you
I have a 2022 ram dually no air suspension I put bilstesen shocks on it really improved the ride by about 70 percent 12 mpg pulling camper about 16 highway 410 rear with standard 6.7 68rfe trans
I don’t agree with the comment about staying always from diesel 3/4 trucks. When towing at your max yes the gas engine will do it but the diesel does it so much better. Also not everyone buys new trucks. So for me being loyal to GM the 6.0 gasser is simply not worth it. My 2012 duramax is literally one overload spring away from being a 1 ton. GM really underrated the 2500 and that’s why you see so many of them. I enjoyed the video and absolutely see your point.
I have a brand new Ram HD 3500 dually. Love it. I think your videos are great
Thank you. I really enjoyed my 3500 dually. Just a great package all around.
I just bought a 2024 3500 DRW mega cab and I love it
Very nice! Great space in that mega cab.
I just picked up the same truck. 2022 Ram 3500 HO Cummins mega cab. 13 mpg bone stock, 7.5 hour trip, 75/ 80 mph.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W or the Cooper Discover a/t 3 I have had good luck with the Cooper I had them of three of my Rams but since I have now a GMC Dually I will go with them again or I might give Falken a try this time, awesome video sir.
Thank you. Have heard good things about the Coopers.
I have a 2022Jayco north point 377RLBH that I tow with a 2019 4wd Chevy 3500 dually duramax dually. It has the Allison 6 speed transmission with a 3.73 axle ratio. It truly does a great job. Lots of power and a pleasure to drive. I initially thought I would need to add airbags and had researched what I wanted but I found my truck stayed leveled or very close to it when hitched to the northpoint. So far so good with my rig.
Great combo!
I have a 2022 Duramax Denali Ultimate Dually with the 10-speed with the 3.42 rear when did they made the switch?
@@bishopgeorge1333 Not sure.
I have a RAM 3500 Short Bed with single rear wheel and really like the AISIN transmission
Glad I'm not the only one that likes the Aisin! Great truck combo btw.
Great truck !! Love ram ! I got 2020 3500 SRW HO . Love is the. Best
2018 3500, HO, Aisin transmission, 4.10 rear axle. New engine under warranty in April this year (the old one had only done 57,000 miles when it dropped a valve) new engine has done 7,500 miles I am getting 15.1mpg as a runabout here in Canada. I drove back here from CA with the new engine AFTER a 1,000 mile break in and was getting an average of 10.5 mpg towing our 39 foot 5th wheel.
Sorry meant to add Dually Limited.
Very nice!
Great follow up video.
Air ride rides better than non-air when unloaded. However, the biggest ride improvement yo can make is to reduce the tire pressures when not carrying payload.
Non-air has "no squat" because it has 3" of rake built in vs the 1" rake on the air trucks. IOW, the air trucks sit closer to level without payload.
Those saying the Aisin shifts terrible haven't driven a newer one. They've done a pretty good job improving the shifting. My 2020 HO/Aisin shifts great.
Agreed, thank you
I’m late to the party but I’ve not had any issues with my Aisin. I have a 2018 with a 410 rear end and air bags and it’s our daily driver. Great towing beast!
Love that! I think it's a great transmission still.
2024 Ram 3500 Ltd long horn drw I averaged 12.4 mpg on 6k round trip to California empty. 3.73 rear diff. Rather disappointing seeing it’s my 6th ram diesel. Cooper at3 285/65/r20. Fuel 20” rims. King reservoir front shocks with Carli leveling springs, Carli radius arms, Carli steering stabilizer.
Thank you for sharing. Sounds like a sharp looking truck. I like the hood scoop on the 23-24s. I agree MPG does seem a little on lower side, but hopefully it'll get better.
Gooood informative video!!!
Have you considered centramatic wheel balancers?
Have a few friends that have put them on and is a significant improvement on the life of the Nexens. One guy has 55K miles on his Nexens. Ordered mine the other day and going to put them on next week. Tires always stay balanced and run a bit cooler.
Thank you for the tip. I'll have to check those balancers out. Sounds like a viable solution. Thank you again for tip.
2021 Ram 3500 Similar to yours, Nexen tread separation at 24000 miles . Heading to the dealership this morning to resolve a problem with the passenger side air bag, not recieving air. Love the truck, would purchase another
Agreed, it's a solid truck
2012 ram 3500 DRW and 17 f350 DRW best tire I've run was nitto exo grap. Running 50/50ish empty/loaded but with the trucks weighing around 12k (transfer tanks replacement bumpers and lots of tools) and I would get 50-55k out of a set (rotated reasonably often between 7.5-10k bc of personal schedule jssues). Tires can also be studded and served me well in Montana snow.
Great to know, thank you for tip.
Very nice truck i love mine I’m getting 20 mph with the regular 6.7 diesel I don’t think i have the Aisin Tran
Nice truck would love to have one similar
Thank you
thanks outstanding info, 👏 you said you average 17 mpg on your truck just curious would you know same equip but single rear wheel & with the 68RFE what is the MPG? thanks for your videos and time to help us out.
Thank you. I had the 68RFE SRW combo on my 2016, but that engine was technically previous gen of Cummins, slightly lower output. I got slightly better around 17 average mixed driving and sometimes as good as 21-22 highway unloaded. So not a huge difference, but slight improvement.
I find the Aisin transmission on my 2020 Limited mega cab dually especially rough when I'm towing a heavy load. It does have the occasional "slam shift" when unladen, but it is very frequent when I'm pulling my Fiver Toy Hauler, probabbly every other or third "stop to go" cycle. Wondering if I should say something the next time it's in for service or recall.
Might be worth getting it checked. I've heard some complaints about rough shifting similar to what you described, but I have not experienced them on my own truck even under a load. I just encounter the occasional rougher shift from first to second sometimes going at very slow speeds, but I think that's more normal given all the torque. Mine's very smooth.
I’m getting about 12mpg 70-7ph pull 40ft gooseneck flatbed about 8500lbs 2020 ram3500 dually 6.7 Cummins 4.10 rear running 19s
In September, I took delivery of a custom built 2022 Ram 3500 4x4 SRW Mega cab Laramie with 3.73 gearing, stock Cummins w/68RFE, 8.5" U Connect, Air suspension, with 6-pax seating and averaging just shy of 20MPG. It tows well and is my daily driver (I live in the Colorado Mountains at around 9k feet MSL). I only have 7500 miles on it and am experiencing odd engine surging while cruising between 57-67 MPH while going uphill. The Dealer could not mimic the issue but suspects the truck is trying to modify the driving habit and has not-yet figured that part of the puzzle out just yet. Also, the blue tooth connection stutters whenever I pas by cell towers.
Love that bench seat. Sharp truck!
I just replaced the tires on my RAM 2500 with TOYO OPEN COUNTRY A/T III. Great tire!
Thank you. Would you say the Toyo is a little bit more aggressive than the OEM Nexen all-terrain? Or no?
@@AdventureRocks yes they are more aggressive but surprisingly the ride more comfortably than the stock Firestones that came with the truck and aren't as loud. I got 38000 miles on the Firestone tires and expect to do better with these.
@@willbillyheaven great to know. Thank you.
had a RAM 2500 cummins with 3.55 gears used to get 600 miles per tank
Nice Truck
million-dollar question, the six seater option is it also available in the high trim model dually?
No, unfortunately the six-seater option caps out in the Laramie trim level. So any trim levels including Laramie and below are eligible for the bench seat. I really like the bench option.
I had a '16 3500 Mega cab dually Laramie with Aisin and air suspension. Had to replace Nexan tires at 20,000 with Michelin's. Had to replace them at 55,000 with Cooper and had to replace the fronts at 80,000. Not happy with how this truck seems to eat tire BUT my neighbor had a '17 F350 dually Platinum and his truck had same tire issue and the Ford came with Michelin tires. Other than that and the mirrors, the truck was amazing.
Great feedback, thank you. I do a lot of turning in my driveway so I figure that wears the fronts down quite a bit faster.
@@AdventureRocks I was really let down with the whole tire situation till my neighbors new Ford did the same thing. I had a '02 F350 dually for 13 years and it did not chew tires but that older truck and these new ones are not even comparable!
I averaged 18-21 mpg with my ‘20 ram 3500 so with 3.73. I just got a ‘24 ram 3509 ho with 4.10. I barely get 16mpg. But it pulls our 21k on Brinkley model g 3500 much better.
Michelin LTX A2 it’s going to cost you about 1900 bucks for all 6 tires. Great Videos Thank You 🙏
Thank you for the helpful recommendation!
changed tires before it came off the lot, 90k truck and 100k rig, its worth an extra $1500 in tires to not risk a blowout these nexens have become known for. went with Falken Wildpeak AT3W 255/80/17
Great tip, thank you for sharing tires. I'll add to my short list.
Great video. Wish I could get the mileage you are. 2021 Ram 3500 Longhorn LTD MegaCab SRW. I have extensive data on mileage. Track it every fill up & also by long trips. Just turned 15,000 miles. Computer Average across 15,000 miles 17.25: calculated mileage (miles/actual miles 15.75). I consistently see a 1.5-2 mpg difference between actual & computer. Mixed daily (city & highway) 14.5-15.5. Interstate 16.5 - 18. Full disclosure; interstate driving is at 80-90 mph. The truck loves to run at that speed. Tough to hold it back. I have gotten a high as 22 on the computer/20.5 actual (50 mph on country roads). As for the transmission, after driving for 14 months I have discovered that if you let the truck-transmission do the work it is a great smooth transmission. If you force it to be something it is not you will not like it. It is a cross between a Clydesdale & a thoroughbred. Slow smooth starts but once it is up running it can take off. JMO keep up the great work!
Thank you. Most of my driving is in the 40-50 range so I think that's why I get better MPG. I have a light foot too, so that probably helps. I think you'r spot on with the transmission observations...very well-worded. Agree 100%.
I have a 2020 Ram 3500 drw Laramie with the standard cummins and 68RFE. I tow a 35' Montana with 4200lb pin weight, 14000 loaded. My towing MPG is 10-11 at 65-68 mph. My unloaded highway milage is 21 & 16 city/highway. I don't have air suspension and don't see a need for it. I'd much rather have the 50 gallon fuel tank above all other options.
Very nice, thank you for sharing.
I have the air suspension light come on all the time. Dosent seem to do much. I checked online about reseating the fuses and the air suspension lightseems to come on about half the amount of time now. I have a 2022 3500 dually HO bighorn. What issues do you have with the air suspension?
I have not had the air suspension light come on at all in last 12K miles on my truck. So far it has been flawless for me. Sorry to hear you're having issues though. Hopefully it can be fixed under warranty if needed.
There's a TSB to reflash the air control module.
Thank you for sharing your information. I’m currently on the fence on getting a Bighorn with the HO/Asian with 3:73.
Great combo. Big horn is really nice package. If RAM hasn't changed the ordering, you can actually get the upgraded LED headlights on Bighorn which really are a nice upgrade in my opinion.
I highly recommend the HO/Aisin combo. Love it in my Ram 3500 Longhorn LTD MegaCab
You should get Nitto ridge grapplers, those are hybrid tires and they are Quite 👌🏻
Thank you. I'll have to check those out.
The factory tires last 42k thought it was ok but when I put new tires Goodyear wrangler with Kevlar and 21k into them and very minimal wear. Sadly won't get to see the life as taking delivery of new truck in the next week or 3
A solid choice for, from my research, towing + all-terrain aspect;
Falken Wildpeak A/TW3 are a pretty good option, get you that 121S rating and 80psi.
Semi aggressive, if you will, all terrain.
Looking at the T255 /80 R17 121S E1 for my 3500.
Check them out. :)
Thank you, much! I'll add them to my list to consider.
@@AdventureRocks oh, forgot, great vid, looking forward to pt. 2
Falkens have been great on my 3500 HO SRW. Really have to air them down on hard snow packed (hunting) trails. Even then, the weight of the Cummins will push the front end. Otherwise they've been great for towing and general use.
@@rjterry21 thank you for tip
Agreed
so, when not towing and driving normally are you supposed/or can you drive w/the air bags deflated?
No, the complete deflation of the airbags is only permitted at very slow speeds or at standstill using the bed lowering function. It basically just dumps the airbags so that it is only supported by the leaf springs. I did a demo video on it, but I believe it was about 3 inches or so that it dropped with a load on it. So that could be useful if you need more clearance on the rear of your trailer to keep it from bottoming out by lowering or squatting the truck to afford more clearance. Otherwise, when you're unloaded, the system will automatically release the correct amount of air from the airbags, but it doesn't tell you how much air is released or give you the option to control as it is fully automatic.
@@AdventureRocks ok thanks
My thinking was that since there is no load that the leaf springs should be able to handle normal driving, guessing the system won’t let you do that? Would be nice to be able to keep minimal air in bags and just use springs when not towing?
Still waiting on mine to be put together in mexico, might wind up with a 2023? :(
@@meseahunt That'd be a good experiment. I've never tried "poking" the airbags with no load to see how full they feel...not sure if I'd be able to tell difference or not. My guess is, if a full load with my 4,400 pin weight fills the bags close to 100psi, then an empty load might be around 10-15 psi? Just a guess of course based on different loads I've put on it while using the different air suspension functions. Certainly would be interesting if RAM setup a PSI gauge in the EVIC to tell that info. Hopefully yours will be built soon. I remember the waiting seemed endless they way they provide updates.
Also, when empty, the airbags are almost completely deflated anyway. I did my bed lowering measurements today and the bed only dropped 3/4 inch. The display said " bed lowering achieved" within two seconds.
@@scottmcconnell7578 im kinda thinking the "lowering" function serves little purpose???
It’s a medium duty transmission. There not maid to shit smooth. And as to the no. Air ride coming from a got shot driver I will say I see several out there that squat mine is air ride as well and is smoother with a fair size load on it. But when heavy it causes it to jerk under load at times. It’s a fuel hog but will hauls 40,000 with no problems up and down the mountains as long as you lower it to 4th gear on 6% decent. As well as having the engine brake on full. 15mpg at 70mpg empty and 8mpg loaded to 37,000 flat ground.
Driving empty with 4.1 gear - 19 mpg is very encouraging numbers. I just got 23 Ram 3500 DRW Limited HO 6.7 Crew Cab 8ft bed 4.1 Night Edition.. For the moment, my total average is 13.7 mpg in first 250 miles.. It is low now due to idling time on setting different control, radio and Apply play set up.. I am hoping to get about 16.5 mpg combined City and Hwy when driving empty.
Congrats on new truck. I think 16.5mpg mixed driving is a reasonable and attainable figure. The live mpg in evic helps me hone in on the right habits to conserve.
@@AdventureRocks I am getting around 16 mpg average with driving empty and with up to 4k lbs on payload. I just have to keep it below 75 mph when empty or carry weight to get the better mpg. I am very happy with my 2023 Ram 3500 DRW Limited.
@@wj2791 very nice!
@@AdventureRocks Yes, you and I have the same exact truck. Mine is pearl white with black edition. I ordered the fuel filters from Gino's garage and waiting for the back order to be filled. My truck has 11k miles on it now and I want to do the fuel filter change @ 15k.. I don't normally do any maintenance myself, but $520 for 2 fuel filter change at the dealer is little too high.
@@wj2791 agreed that is money well saved.
Most of us or if not, all choose Dually over single for extra safety! Believe me having a rear tire blow up on you is not very pleasant!
Agreed!
What is your rpm range around 65 mph? I have a 2018 3500 with 35s and after market 410. And I liked my stock 3.42 better. 65 70 mph is around 2000 rpm for me with 4.10. it was about 1500 with 3.42 it felt a lot better and got way better fuel economy. I also put true tracks in the front and rear. I don't think that effects anything on road though.
Avg around 1800rpm @ 65mph towing 17k
Best combo, duramax, Allison
Why are you trolling this guy's channel?
If picking up groceries. Leave the heavy loads to Ram
Duramax, Allison,bud light....it's fitting....girl or want to be girl truck 😂
nexen tires are made in two plants two in korea one in china that what the internet says
Nexem tires are cheapest tires you can get. My KO2 last 50000 miles. Nexem 16000 miles, made in China
Wish they would pick a new vendor for tires across the lineup in general.
Nexen tires……cutting corners where they can! I would rather have a bald set of BFG’s ……..unbelievable they give you those crappy tires at what they ask in price with a straight face…..
Wish they would supply a BGF or Michelin option from factory.
I drove mine to California in December and I was getting 850 miles per tank. I have the 2022 3500 diesel laramie, metallic (same color) Not the H.O
I have the big screen on mine.
I just put 255/80R17 Toyo open country AT3
I love the 50 gal fuel tank. Game changer.
I have a 2022 ram dually no air suspension I put bilstesen shocks on it really improved the ride by about 70 percent 12 mpg pulling camper about 16 highway 410 rear with standard 6.7 68rfe trans