Ram 3500- 68RFE or Aisin, help me build!

[Mlachica]

So I'm in the fortunate position where I may order my next truck exactly the way I want it, but I need to decide what I want :sombrero:

The plan is to have a 4wd Ram 3500 CTD SRW, crew cab short box. In the end it will have a flatbed and 4wc on top of 37's. My price range gets me this truck in the Big Horn trim with the luxury group.

My intentions with this build is to be able to take my family and travel north america in comfort, primarily to remote destinations. It won't be a daily driver and if I'm towing, it won't be more than another small 4wd

This leads me to where I could use some guidance... Is the Aisin worth the extra $2600? Most of my research leads me to input from a construction/farming/toy hauler group that tow 5th wheels. I need my answer based on a reliability, driveability, an exploring north america standpoint.

Other options I'm planning on adding are the aux swithces, rear camera, fr/rr park assist. Is there anything else I should be considering? I did look into the cab and chassis, however we need a 4 door and I'm not keen on the 172.4" wheelbase.

 

[Stroked 550]

why wouldnt they have a cab and chassis 4 door?

 

[Dalko43]

As someone who has been looking into getting a Ram 2500/3500, I've had some time to peruse the different trims and options. A few things I've come up with:
1) It's hard, but not impossible to find a 2013+ Ram 3500 with the AISIN that is not a DRW. There are crewcab, shortbed SRW AISIN 3500's, but they aren't as common as the dualies or long beds.
2) If you're looking at getting a flatbed, I think getting a chassis model would make sense. Again though, the DRW chassis seem more common than the SRW.
3) In terms of getting the right options for your intended travel, I would look to get dual 220 Amp alternators (which I believe is only available on the later 3500 models).
4) Getting an auxiliary fuel tank is probably going to make sense. The std tank has been downsized from 33 gallons on the 5.9L version to 31 gallons on the 6.7L version for all short beds. That smaller fuel capacity coupled with the 6.7L's worse mpg is going to decrease your range from what a 5.9L Ram would offer, though it's probably still better than what comparable gasoline engines offer. The chassis models do have an optional 22 gallon + 51 gallon tank (or something in that ballpark), but I don't know if they fit on the regular models. Also, there are aftermarket companies, like Titan, which make 51-52 gallon fuel tanks, which would probably be perfect for a 6.7L overlanding rig. https://titanfueltanks.com/
5) You'll at least want to consider deleting the DPF and SCR (where the DEF fluid is) for 6.7L Rams; some un-deleted vehicles have gone miles without any sort of trouble, while others have had issues. Me personally, I wouldn't want to deal with that kind of complexity while doing remote travel, but that's going to vary by the individual.
6) In terms of transmission, the general consensus seems to be that the 68RFE is a much better transmission than previous autos used by the 2500/3500's, as long as the power levels are kept stock. I don't see any reason why you couldn't get the job done with the 68RFE, but the AISIN brand does have a reputation for reliability and toughness, and I might be tempted to spend the extra $ for that reason alone. Again, it comes down to personal preference.

Anyways, that's what I've come up with from reading through brochures and owner feedback and articles. I'm sure some actual owners could chime in here as well to give you more specific feedback. I'll be interested in seeing what you decide on, since I myself am in the process of finding a Ram 2500/3500 for an overland build. I'm stuck between going with a $10k cheaper, but more used 5.9L six speed and a newer, but more expensive 6.7L auto.

 

[chet6.7]

I would get the Aisin as it is a medium duty trans,the first gear ratio is lower,but the reverse gear is not as low as I would like.
As far as I know, larger capacity fuel tanks that take the place of the stock fuel tank are not available for the SB/CC,the LB and Mega cab do have tanks available.Titan makes a tank that fits in the spare tires location.
Have you read up on the current Ram recalls?
When my truck does a regen, and I am stationary or at low speed,the smell in the cab is horrible.I got caught up in the Siskiyou Summit closure in the snow storm a week or so back.I was stuck in a parking lot for 18 hours,the smell was unbearable when the truck went into regen as I was trying to keep the cab warm.
The dealer has been unhelpful,and the 36 month warranty just expired,it may be covered under the emissions warranty if I can find a dealer honest enough to fix it.

 

[Mlachica]

why wouldnt they have a cab and chassis 4 door?

They do but it's massive. these measurements are directly from dodge's website

3500 crew cab short bed
WB:149.3
overall length 237.3
turning radius 43.9

3500 crew cab long bed
WB 169.3
OL 259.3
TR 49.2

3500 cab and chassis 60" cab to axle
WB 172.4
OL 282.3
TR 53.17

In fairness I'm adding a 16" tunnel box between the cab and the camper, so that's roughly + 16" to the overall length of the short bed. If I got the cab and chassis, there'd be room for a 30 something inch wide tunnel box. If I lengthened the crew cab short bed, it'd still be shorter than the cab and chassis, with a better turning radius. I know my departure angle will suffer but it's a tradeoff I'm good with.

Cab and chassis is way too big to me. I really like the 74 gallons of fuel but I don't want a vehicle that long.

 

[LivinAnAdvntr]

If you do not plan on pulling significant weight and you do intend to delete your truck consider the fact that you can merry your engine tune with a transmission tune on the 68rfe. Also, if you are considering a cab and chassis look at the hp and torque numbers compared to a standard bed. For whatever reason the show up from the factory crippled.


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[Mlachica]

I would get the Aisin as it is a medium duty trans,the first gear ratio is lower,but the reverse gear is not as low as I would like.
As far as I know, larger capacity fuel tanks that take the place of the stock fuel tank are not available for the SB/CC,the LB and Mega cab do have tanks available.Titan makes a tank that fits in the spare tires location.
Have you read up on the current Ram recalls?
When my truck does a regen, and I am stationary or at low speed,the smell in the cab is horrible.I got caught up in the Siskiyou Summit closure in the snow storm a week or so back.I was stuck in a parking lot for 18 hours,the smell was unbearable when the truck went into regen as I was trying to keep the cab warm.
The dealer has been unhelpful,and the 36 month warranty just expired,it may be covered under the emissions warranty if I can find a dealer honest enough to fix it.

Diesel is totally new to me, I'll need to familiarize myself on all that. Good idea on looking into the recalls.

I've heard more than once that the dealer is not helpful in regards to warranty. Kinda scary.

In california, I don't think I could get away with deleting the DPF/SCR. Again, I need to do more reading.

As far as dual 220a alternators. I thought about it for a bit but I think I could be okay with out. I may upgrade to one 220a, but even then I think I'm ok with the standard 180a. I don't foresee long winching sessions, I'm not looking for trouble. That's what my land cruiser was for. I'll have 255watts of solar on the roof with 2 6v batteries in the camper. Batteries can only charge so fast, I think the dual alternators would be more beneficial if I had a constant heavy load, like winching.

 

[Mlachica]

What does it mean to merry your engine tune with a transmission tune? Geeze, I'm coming from a 1995 TLC, my knowledge american made diesel and newer cars is limited LOL

Yes, the cab and chassis are derated. Sounds like for longevity.

And I think the aisin transmission/cummins combo has a slightly higher hp/torque than the 68rfe. For what I need, probably not a big deal.

 

[IPA]

The Aisin comes with the motor tuned for almost 100 more ft/lb of torque, IIRC......

 

[Mlachica]

View attachment 382641

The end product would be similar in size to this. This is a crew cab, short bed with a tunnel box and hawk flatbed, belonging to rocky mountain four wheel campers.

 

[bahncamperworks]

I just picked up a 3500 CC, SB with the Aisin tranny. We are doing a flatbed with a camper and only tow lighter loads ( <6000lbs.) The reason I went with the the Aisin is that it is the tranny that comes in the 4500/5500 trucks so it will be more than tough enough for our application. While the 68RFE can be built I'd rather have the right tool for the job to begin with. My previous truck had the 6spd which I loved but they limit the torque significantly for the manuals because of clutch failures- I belive it is ~200 ft-lbs between the 6spd and the Aisin...

The new truck is great, the tranny shifts nicely and holds well when desending steep passes, carries the current camper likes it not there. In the coming weeks it will be getting a new set of Hutchinson beadlocks and some 35" cooper's- I'll try to remeber to reply with how the truck feels after the upgrades.

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[redthies]

I have a '14 with 68RFE as my personal truck, and a '16 5500 with Aisin at work. I like them both. When I bought my personal truck I took the "extra" money from the Aisin and put it into extended bumper to bumper warranty. There are a lot of sensors and electronics in the new diesels, and I'm not interested in paying to fix them any time soon.

I haul a 9'6" Northern Lite camper and flat tow a CJ7 behind. The 68 is more than enough trans for this. The Aisin does shift firmer and has a lower first gear. If I were towing 10,000+ on a regular basis, I'd go Aisin. For what you (and I) do for recreation, the 68 is plenty of transmission.

 

[plainjaneFJC]

I've towed 26k up steep hills with my 68rfe, and it never overheated and has performed fine. That being said I don't care much for the shift points in the truck for everyday driving. When not in tow/haul mode its upshifts way too early IMO. That being said I've never drove I a Aisin truck to compare.

 

[chet6.7]

As far as dual 220a alternators. I thought about it for a bit but I think I could be okay with out. I may upgrade to one 220a, but even then I think I'm ok with the standard 180a. I don't foresee long winching sessions, I'm not looking for trouble. That's what my land cruiser was for. I'll have 255watts of solar on the roof with 2 6v batteries in the camper. Batteries can only charge so fast, I think the dual alternators would be more beneficial if I had a constant heavy load, like winching.

I don't think you would ever be sorry for getting the dual 220A alts.
If you go with the 180A alt.,you can upgrade to a single 220A alt. but not to the dual 220 alts. Somewhere on the Cummins forum the charging/RPM specs of the 180A alt was posted,to get 180A I need to be turning higher RPMs than I ever see,except for between shifts when getting on the freeway.
If I was specing a truck I would get dual 220A's,if I was buying off the lot,at a minimum, I would be looking for the snow plow option as it used to include the 220A alt and a skid plate,I suspect the front springs are different as well.
Do you want a manual transfer case shifter? The lever was only available on the Tradesman trim level when I bought my truck.

 

[Mlachica]

So far it seems like either transmission is reliable. Thanks guys. Keep the info coming!

Yeah, I don't think I'd regret dual alternators. But sometimes there's reliability in simplicity. I need to look into that RMP/Amp chart, I'm sure it'll help me decide.

I'm okay with the electronic t-case shifter. I don't want to go with any trim lower than the big horn. I initially wanted the laramie but it's a touch out of my price range, the tradesman may remind me too much of my work truck.