Another really good review. Your “opinion” about the Aisin transmission makes sense. I have the 68RFE and tow a 25ft boat cabin cruiser on the weekends during the summer and it pulls fine out of the hole and at highway speed. Sounds like the Aisin would be for hauling construction equipment as opposed to recreational hauling

Thank you for you take on it. I've been back and forth about the choice for a hot minute. I appreciate your insight and honest input

Very informative video!! Your videos are some of the most detailed videos out on KZfaq. I really enjoy watching and gaining the knowledge I need in my search for a diesel truck.

This was extremely helpful. I never took into account the maintenance or non towing differences between the two. For some reason, I know I should have but just was more concerned about the working numbers and experience than non. Taking into account I would presume the smoother ride of the rear coils vs the leafs of 2500 vs 3500 of the different models I am considering, this really helped in my decision making process! Big thumbs up 👍👍👍

Another great video. Great information ! I talked myself out of a diesel but watching these videos I want one again.

Nice break down . Going through all the gearing ratios was especially helpful .

Very informative with no fluff. Excellent!

My farrier has a Chev 2500 diesel pickup with a heavy farrier body on it. His Allison has transmission 485,000 miles on it. Has followed the maintenance schedule religiously and nothing else. Still going strong. Amazing transmission. BTW he had to rebuild the engine at 425,000 miles at a cost of 12,000 dollars. Insanely great service life on the engine too.

Great info on this one, love the level of detail!

JB as always great video, great information. Both engines are great and both transmissions are great as long as you use them as intended. 261,987.5 on the clock on my 2011 Ram 2500 with zero issues.

as i am researching and finding different information videos for mainly dodge trucks with the cummins, you answered some questions i have. i took out 2 trucks last weekend, one being 4x2 (2018, SO) other 4x4 (3500 2015, SO long bed) and all i could think didn't have the same feeling as when bought new 2006 2500 4x4 (HO 5.9 24 valve) feeling like had lots more power. of course maint cost i have been thinking of and heard the 6.7's don't get as good as the 5.9's did. i won't be towing all that much, so need make a 2k mile trip each way with 24' with 3'Vnose enclosed trailer and when loaded expect it to be 12k or bit more in weight and seen some mods that can be done with the SO to be as good as the HO and improve mileage some. now is matter of being able to afford the truck.

You have awesome videos keep up the awesome job Denis from Santa rosa California. I have joined your channel 1year ago

Great job as always! Keep up the good work.

I like you're comparison. Good job. I have a 2014 RAM 2500 Cummins and love my truck. I pull a 16,000 lb 5th wheel trailer and this truck is a beast especially with a heavy load. It's a true work horse. It's creeping up on 200,000 miles and uses no engine oil. I do drain and refill the transmission fluid every 10K miles between filter changes to keep fresh transmission fluid. I've had no issues on this 68RFE transmission.

Complicated is an F150 with 6 engine choices and 2 different generators! I agree with the 140lbs of extra payload.That's 2 butts that live off of Krispy Kreme donuts weight penalty free, 68rfe for the win. No wonder the Duramax does so well with the 10 speed. Great content, thanks for taking the time to put this together.

Great video bud! I a Ford guy myself love the powerstroke and I also love the cummins thought about getting a ram because if need be they are more friendly to the DIY guy imo,haven’t had any major problems with my Ford. I do have a cummins 15L isx in my 18 wheeler, I have 954,340 miles will have about 1.3-1.4 million by year end and the engine is still stout,if you could t see the mileage you’d think it was brand new.

You did a good video I just bought a 2018 6.7 2500 very informative video thanks bud and hello from thunderbay Canada

I know this is an old video but I will be getting a standard output 2500 because I like the ride better of the 4 link coil rear suspension night and day difference I love your channel keep up the good work 😎👍

Love your channel. Been watching for a couple months. 👍👍

Excellent review! So much to know and you break it down nicely!

Nice! I like the driving comparison. There’s another thing called duty cycle. There is probably zero RVers that are towing less than 16,000 lbs that “need” a HO. You would save serious money, fuel mileage and maintenance costs will be be in your favor with the SO. I believe the HO is starting to separate itsself out as a commercial truck.

Great video! I am in position to purchase a new vehicle. I want a RAM 2500, but a lot of the techs at my local dealer are telling me to buy the 6.4L HEMI over the Cummins. I would only tow on occasion (6x12 trailer with two motorcycles). My dealer claims that the Cummins isn't built for daily driving and my maintenance expense would be to high. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I appreciate this video with the breakdown of transmission maintenance cost. Love your channel!

Lots of good info in this one.. And yes, the Ram is a towing beast with the 68RFE. Thanks for the good video again.

Great video JB. Very nice breakdown on the two options. I recently have heard Ford has had a couple of 10 speed failures but I haven't seen anything in writing on that. I honestly feel all three trucks manufacturers do great but I do believe the Ram the best.

Spot on! Coming from a 2018 Tradesman to a 2024 Laramie HO, that was the first thing I noticed. Way more lag on the Aisin ,and I'm wondering if it's the Transmission OR (food for thought) is it because the HO has a lower compression ratio to handle that 420HP and bigger boost that is causing that lag. Great Video!

I had been looking since the summer for the right Ram truck. I’ve owned and driven many for work and really liked them. After getting to drive a 3/4 ton Cummings and an HO across the Liberty Road bridge ( in really rough shape) and around here I stopped down at Preston Ford and asked if I could try a F250 they just got in. My wife and I both agreed the ride was better, it felt more solid and I liked the seats and interior just as good, plus it didn’t have those dang stupid mirrors. Been following you for a long time, keep up the good work. When can I come hook it up to your Cougar so you can compare like you did the Chevy?

Great to know about tranny, really shopping. The information you give really helps decisions to which one to purchase. With changing back to CP3 makes a different in 2021 RAM

I find this helpful. I’m in the market for a Cummins in the next year or so and between a 68RFE and AISIN is where I’m at at the moment. I’m coming from 6 years just daily driving a 6.4 with the 66RFE. Flat lands it’s okay but feels completely gutless driving with load in the bed and up and downhill a reason I want a diesel to keep a long time as well. My question for you is on a long term, having no experience to diesels myself, will the Aisin AS69RC be a better transmission aside from the obvious bragging rights?

JB I took my truck to the dealer and talked to them about a transmission service and honestly they told me if I’m not having trouble DONT do it and that was at 86,000 miles. They told me drive it because sometimes changing fluids can affect things that’s put of their control. So then I went to a well known transmission shop and they told me the exact same thing.

Thanks for an awesome review.. I think I want a Ram 2500 with the 68RFE for an overland/travel trailer truck. I'm also considering the new tundra? Any opinion on my choices?

I would like to see You do a Video on Your truck with the Banks Pedal Monster running empty zero launches.

I’m curious if ram will offer a ram 4500 with a factory bed in the future. Imagine that in a mega cab with the wide track front axle fender flare and the short bed that would be 👍

Great review and breakdown! Thanks

Nice video, as always. But you don’t just make the decision based off how many times you tow per year. It’s also the weight. I may only tow 5-6 times a year, but I tow 19.5k lbs. That rules out the 68RFE.

What’s you favorite pickup and why?

Great video, thanks, subscribed.

Not sure you’re aware, Aisin and Allison transmissions have shared technology in the past as well. I remember reading an article in diesel power mag several years ago stating that.

How do you know the difference on that dodge payload chart between srw or drw? It shows all srw's, then search inventory and some are drw's..Why the do that, no idea.

I was struggling between 2500 and 3500 and along with the 3500, standard vs HO. I went with a 2500 since I’m towing relatively light (10k as of today) and likely won’t go much higher than 14-15k in the future. Since this is my daily driver I went for more comfort unloaded. Crossing my finger that I don’t regret the choice, my main complaint for RAM is the relatively low payload on their 3/4 tons.

Great video and very informational. I like the $ break down on service and use. I never thought of that. Do you have a Class A Commercial or Non-Commercial license? If I upgrade to a bigger truck, looks like I will need to get a Class A to tow above 10K. Thanks for any information you can provide. Stay safe.

What kind of tires do you run run on your Ram ? What tires have you got the best mileage and traction with ?

I'm still trying to get use to my Aisin, seems like it's in 4th gear going through an intersection. Yet once on the HWY, it feels like a pitbull on a leash. Have not towed anything yet, but it is weird as a daily driver.

Great review and I think your opinion is right on the money.

JB SIR I really appreciate your knowledge and willingness to share it. Is there a place on mopar that I can put in my vin and find out the specs. I have a 2016 3500 SRW and I tow my 5th wheel with it. I’ve had it three years and so far I’m very happy.

Ok everyone. I am look at moving into the 3500 from my 2007 hemi. I live in Utah and I tow a 24 ft trailer up hill. Can the 68fre manage the power to double pull 10,000lbs up some steep grades? I only tow for camping and house projects not for work/daily

Great video on a great topic!

Nice video, & a great breakdown! I absolutely love my 2020 RAM CrewCab 3500 Cab Chassis with Max Tow, 4.10's, 6.7 non HO, Aisin. I put a Bradford Built steel flat work-bed on it, now it rides like a smooth working man's truck- no more harsh ride, & it tows like a river barge!

Hello excellent video. I want to start doing Hotshot this year, what truck do you recommend for this job? I really like having the 3500 RAM.

JB, Love your videos! I have a 2500 Ram 6.4 Hemi and am considering upgrading to 3500 diesel. I am taking a big trip out west next year - probably 8 to 10000 miles. My camper is not big, its a 28' fifth wheel with a loaded weight of 9240# (Cat Scale numbers). It seems to me the standard Cummins with 68RFE is more than sufficient. Would I benefit much more with this kind of weight with a HO and Aisin? I dont ever plan on a much bigger fifth wheel. Thanks for any input!

Super information JB. I am glad I have a the Allison in my 2018 GMC and not the GM/Ford built in house branded Allison transmission. Thanks JB for the information. I am not to sure about the Chrysler built transmission. I would have to get the Aisin.

Nice breakdown for people interested in a Cummins. My opinion is I think a lot of pencil whipping goes into some of these numbers (tow and power). I think there has to be certain situations before you truly get the advertised power. This is just my opinion but there never seems to be a leap in performance (0-60, 1/4 mile etc) even though you have sometimes big leaps in power. All three brands limit torque in at least 1st gear in 2500s. GM gives you full power in 3500s I reckon but like my truck for example doesn’t even start out in 1st gear unless you are in tow haul mode. And then they limit the torque. I’m pretty sure I don’t get full torque until 3rd gear. As for the 10 speed Allison, it is built in house by GM but GM owned Allison for years and years and they say this transmission is validated by Allison engineers. So I don’t think too much about that. I have read the 6 speed Allison 1000 was also the limiting factor as to why GM didn’t have as good as tow numbers as Ford and Ram. As for Ford, I don’t think the HD transmissions are a joint effort. The light duty 10 speeds in Camaro/Mustang, Silverado 1500/F150 are definitely jointly built with just software differences mainly. And maybe the HD versions are too but they have never said that. Nice video again. These are things a lot of people don’t consider.

Does the 68rfe have a handy drain plug like the aisin? That makes the diy on the trans service much easier...

I’ll put my input here is my pay, the Aisin definitely puts the power when asked for. The 3500 we picked up two weeks ago just pulls. I’ll put it up against anything out there power wise.

When towing, my Aisin transmissions definitely feel and shift better. When empty, my brothers Ram with the 68RFE shifts way better. I also find that my 5500 with 4.88 gears the transmission doesn’t shutter under heavy loads when taking off from a stop compared to my 3500 with 3.42 gears, it seems to shutter through the first 2 gears until you start picking up speed.

Maybe it’s complicated but what a great truck! I have the Aisin and HO diesel.

Here is a kicker question. Is the 11.8 aam axle different on the 2019 and up trucks from the 2013-2018 trucks? I am trying to make my own "diesel power wagon." I want to add diff locks, but none of the companies have tried to put their lockers in the 4.5 gen rams yet

I don’t tow all that often, but the AISIN is worth it. I love it and the piece of mind that comes with it.

Nice job most knowledgeable gentleman.

Great video and I would ONLY buy Asin Transmission. Japan built to last.

I agree with everything you said, but one additional thing to consider is you can get a built 68rfe which will out tow a stock Aisin or a built Aisin.

Enjoyed your video and review 👍

I pull hotshot 5 days a week up to 30k #’s. I service my 68RFE every 50k miles with filter change and she still pulls like a bull @ 370k miles. It’s served me well and I wouldn’t hesitate to have one in my next Ram.

I wonder if the Lag you are talking about has something to do with the HO TURBO 🤔 Does it just come in different to help keep the rear tires glued to the pavement? Lol I had an 03 so no emissions 3500 crew longbox. It had 38×13.50 tires and it would smoke them with ease 🤗 Lol

Curious if you’ve tried out the Gen Y hitches and your thoughts on them!

Which year does the aisin as69rc comes in a ram 3500 ? I tow a lot up the mountains my 2500 isn't capable of 20,000 load any recommendation?

I’ve got a Silverado 3500 HD with a Cummins engine and Allison transmission and I haven’t had a single breakdown in 250,000 + miles heavy hauling

More torque, at lower RPM with the HO and Aisin generally would be more economical if it had the same gear ratios as the 68RFE. HO and Aisin less economical on lower gears, but once you get up to 4/5/6 the gearing is the same as the 68RFE. So - pulling power at low RPM - Aisin wins but is less economical. Highway driving or less 'start/stop' the Aisin should be more economical, even if you factor in the additional weight of the Aisin. A good test would be two identical 3500's one with HO and one without, and add the 150 odd pounds into the non HO truck (both trucks weigh about the same now), and do a MPG test without trailer, and then with the trailer. This should be interesting to see which motor and gearbox is more economical MPG wise. There are other factors too, low compression/high compression ratios of the std vs HO, and also the turbo boost pressure of the std vs HO. It gets quite technical, but - a real world test can put that aside. I am also building out my order for my 3500, but I will keep researching and am in no rush. Like your reviews man, keep them coming. Would love to see some off-load videos, and maybe some suspension articulation / flex differences between the spring vs air suspension.

Not sure what's so hard. The HO has a max tow and the standard has a max tow. Go with what you need or, as I like to say, go big or go home. Unless things have changed, you can only get the HO with the AISIN. Doesn't really leave you much to decide honestly other than trip package. I bought used and didn't have much of a choice. I ended up with the standard output but, I would rather have the 68RFE anyway than the Aisin due to tuning capability. But, had I had the option and bought new instead of used, I would have gotten the HO.

Nail on the head Bro!

Nice video- great explanations

I'll not purchase another truck with the 68RFE again. My experience: 06 5.9 with the 68RFE @ 132,000 miles exploded so extreme, taking out the Torque Converter with the forward pressure wiping out the crankshaft bearings side walls when pushing the crankshaft forward. Wiped out my entire power system. (Engine, Trans, Converter.) The mechanic showed me the trans shaft that was non-existing at that point. The Aisen I have now in my deleted 14 is strong at this time. I'll se with the new 44' fifth wheel though. A friend has just under 500,000 miles on his 5.9 but on his 4th transmission. Bad luck for both of us? I don't know. Too risky a chance to me though.

JB how do you choose between light electric, I mean why would you chose over the other???

I loved my 17 2500 Cummins, expect I didn't like the 68rfe. I hated the way it took forever to lock the tq converter, and likes to unlock when down shifting and such. The aisin spends most of its time with the tq converter locked. A truck isn't putting down good power to the wheels when tq converter is unlocked. Honestly I believe a guy won't truly understand how much better the aisin is until they have spent lots of time towing heavy loads and packing that weight up and down grades through places like idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado to name a few. I've spent lots of time driving both my 17 2500 and my grandpa's new 2020 with the aisin. Love the aisin trans and the way the tq converter works. Tried a 2021 f350 for about a month, nice truck, fast off the line, but still enjoy the ram better, so I just traded the 21 ford for a 21 ram aisin trans. I was in love just driving around town, can't weight to hook up to our 17000lb toy hauler. Also guys need to keep in mind that stopping these trucks with the weight they tow is also very important, in which the ram with a better exhaust brake and the aisin will be much more efficient at stopping a load. Biggest complaint I had with Ford, is it felt like it didn't want to stop. The exhaust brake on the ford is a joke, pretty much worthless.

So my only problem with your review is that - I don't give a crap about towing capacity. My concern is PAYLOAD CAPACITY. When you haul a heavy truck camper - camper plus people plus cargo and it is north of 5000 pounds - do I need the Aisin or don't I? I currently have an 07 Ford F350 dually with a 4.30 rear end and 4819 pounds payload capacity. I like the higher end payload of 5500+ possibilities with still retaining the Cummins diesel engine. Again, not sure if it makes a difference with transmissions offered by RAM. What do you say? Thanks in advance!

I'm a non cdl hotshotter that runs a 2500 with the 6.7. I wish everyday I would have known to get a SRW 3500 derated to 10k gvwr with the HO 6.7 combo. Pay the extra money for the stronger and more powerful truck unless it's just a daily driver.

I tow 19000 lbs with my 2021 3500 4x4 single rear wheel 370 horse power and up in the hills keep it in direct drive 4th gear. At 55mph it is at 1800 rpms and the starting of 850 torque band .when it blows up my transmission guys will put kavlar clutches and all billet part's with upgrading bearings. He builds ram automatic transmissions for truck pulling and racing.

Good insight 👊🏻🇺🇸👊🏻

Nice video...I bought a 19 and like a month afterwards found out about the HO and aisin...I deleted the truck in 2020 and loved it bit my 09 6.7 was better deleted...unfortunately tho I hit a cow on 2/28/22 and had to custom order a new truck which should be done in September at the earliest...have you or anyone you know deleted their HO with the aisin...my new truck will have the aisin and HO cummins...I pull a 43ft 5th wheel at least 3 times a year as I travel for work all over the west coast...if you or anyone has deleted the HO please send me links or if I end up doing mine first I'll try to upload b4 and afters

So I have a 2020 ram 3500 dually and I found out today I have the aisin transmission so just to make sure since I have the aisin transmission that means I have the high output Cummins?

Hi I bought the 2019 ram Laramie 3500. I have done all maintenance on it. Right now it needs the whole fuel replaced because of metal shavings in the fuel line. Has anyone else had this issue that you know of. Its at a dealership right now. We tow our house with it. Any suggestions on what I can do?

How is the unloaded ride 2500 vs 3500? I'm going back and forth on the route I want to go.

Great review

Man, All this transmission talk can get complex quick. I was going to get a 2500 but for an extra 2795 I could get the higher HP Cummins (50 more HP) and the Aisin Trans. So without test driving either of them I just ordered the 3500. I tow a 6k pound trailer (18' race car hauler) everyday for my job. About 150 miles a day. I hope I made the right choice. I'm super excited for my 2022 Ram 3500 Mega cab Limited night edition to get here.

Should I get a HO if I want to lift and put 40s on my truck?

Waiting for the Allison.

When I retire from the military I plan on towing a fifth wheel trailer with a 3500 with the Aisin. It won’t be for about 5 years so maybe by then there will be a better option, but I don’t know since Ford and GM’s trannies aren’t proven and 10 gears means there is a lot more small parts to mess up faster. Either way I’m really curious to see how bad an Aisin feels without a load behind it. From what everyone has said, pretty bad lol

Nice video, from what I know 68RFE transmission overdrive clutches are not suitable even for Low Output Diesel Models! Toyota/Aisin/BorgWarner etc, Transmissions in the 3500 Models! The Transmission holds maybe 28% torque it's significantly larger than 68RFE. Bottom line is you 68RFE owners you better be prepared for a pricey upgrade! You thought 48RE Junk! 68 RFE Worse.

The Ford and GM trucks have taller axle ratios <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="222">3:42</a>. That's why they need the lower transmission gear ratios.

I have a 17 with 68rfe I pull a 16k 5th wheel it is too much for this transmission. If you are heavy on the throttle off the line the transmission shutters. My 21 ho Asian will be in this week.

Interesting how high the Reverse ratios are except the Aisin, which is low. The Ford 10 speed on the new 7.3 has been terrible with lots of metal shavings in them and other manufacturing issues.

So after my dealer dumped me Im looking for a new used truck again. So im assuming the aisin has a lower mpg as well than the 68rfe?

I know Dodge and they might have improve the transmission but Aisin is the ONLY transmission I would get. I guess, I say this since my 2001 Dodge transmission went out first thing, hauling my truck camper. Great video and yes, you are right Japan builds these transmissions.

Changing fluid in 68rfe per factory recommended intervals is the cause transmission problem and bad reputation. Atf fluid is only good for 40k miles max

Though I have no need for a 1 ton truck, I like your viewpoint on the 2 transmissions. That said, I feel the service intervals on the 68rfe should be similar to the aisin, honestly. Clean trans fluid makes for a longer lasting transmission. :)

One thing he forgot to mention is aftermarket. The aftermarket has come light-years in parts. The 68rfe can now be built to hold 800 or more horsepower and tow like an animal. The Aisin will never be able to hold the HP the 68 can now. The 68 is also superior in smooth shifting. If you want to keep stock and pull heavy the Aisin may be the way to go. If you want to mod your truck the 68 is the choice.

Why aisin Transmission last longer it's because of more frequent fluid change. 68rfe doesn't last long because of fluid change intervals. Factory atf fluid is only good for 40k miles. Verified via fluid analysis

Well done.

For a reference. I'm a "GM"guy. Remember that when i tell y'all this. The new 10 speeds are falling apart!!! So much so that GM has STOPPED using theirs. Do NOT buy these trucks. If you get lucky with a GM and it doesn't fall apart on you. Get ready. You WILL take your transmission OUT at 150,000 miles. It's in the maintenance requirements. You will have to replace a belt for the motor that is between the motor and the transmission. This is in the half ton 3.0 diesel by the way. Ford is continuing their use of their 10 speed. Again, I'm a GM guy. I've owned about 7 of them. 2 dodges. 1 Ford. So, there you go guys. Good luck! And, God video

Good job bro

The gear ratios differences between the 68rfe and the Aisin you showed are minimal. There isn't any significant difference in forward gears. The 68rfe actually has a way better reverse gear. The difference you feel in power likely has to do with the high output engine and nothing to do with the transmission.