rear-end gear ratio

[mogoone]

Let me first offer a sincere thank you to Ernie Ekberg, Ron
Marabito, and Ralph Fullenwider. All of these guys have been most
generous with their time and advice in helping a wannabe progress
toward becoming a newbie. If everyone in the forum is as supportive
as these guys, this is a truly great group.

Now to the issue at hand. Thanks to Bill for advising on the
Vintage Bird speed chart on BBs. I am a "right lane" driver in my
autos, and expect to be the same in my coach-when we get one.

According to the chart, a PT with 3.42 ratio, and 12R 22.5 tires,
will do 64.8 mph-just my speed. The big questions for me are:
1) is a certain rear-end ratio standard in a particular year
model/length, e.g., a 1990/PT40 (8V92) and/or a 1989/PT36 (6V92)?
2) if not, how does one determine the ratio before talking with the
seller, i.e., while surfing the web?
3) although 65 mph is ideal for me on level ground, how does this
rear-end ratio impact the hill-climbing capability of the coach (in
either of the engine configurations noted above)?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Tom Goodson
Mogoone