Need Advice: Towing I-70 westbound out of Denver

[Grumpy8811]

Actually it is a Boy Scout motto. Be prepared.

are you prepared in case the engine fails on the road?
what is the driveshaft falls off?
what if the alternator fails
what if you get 2 flat tires at the same time?
what if the battery goes dead, do you carry extra's?

that what if transmission problem phobia sounds like one insecurity out of many other possible insecurities..
that is what is wrong with the internet, people with insecurities discourage others..

 

[GAmes]

are you prepared in case the engine fails on the road?
what is the driveshaft falls off?
what if the alternator fails
what if you get 2 flat tires at the same time?
what if the battery goes dead, do you carry extra's?

that what if transmission problem phobia sounds like one insecurity out of many other possible insecurities..
that is what is wrong with the internet, people with insecurities discourage others..

Yes, I have a toolbox full of tools and a cache of spare parts in my RV. Starter, alternator, fuel pump, clutch linkage and more. They were packed before my last trip to Alaska and I see no reason to not carry them all the time.
How many driveshafts fall off in ratio to transmission failures? I do inspect the u-joints on a schedule and replace them on a schedule as well.
If the alternator fails I can replace it in a parking lot. Been there, done that.
I drive a dually. I always have three spares. My RV has the same size tires as my truck.
My truck came with two batteries. But even if both were to die all I need to do is zip tie the fuel shutoff valve up and get someone to push start me. The beauty of a mechanical 12 valve.
One thing I don't have is a spare transmission.

This has nothing to do with the internet but everything to do with prudence. The world won't end if the OP's transmission fails but it will become less comfortable. Descending a grade using the brakes is an every day occurrence but having an exhaust brake or at least a lockup switch makes the descent less stressful. The OP asked for suggestions. I hope he has a safe and trouble free trip.

 

[AH64ID]

I know there are different schools of thought on trans temps but the outgoing fluid temp to the coolers was around 230 to 240 and the fluid in the pan was hanging around 190. The ECT was a whole other deal. The ScanGuage II showed ECT at about 218 to 220.

Both of these temps are perfectly acceptable and normal, nothing to be concerned with at all.

Your transmission should have a synthetic fluid that can handle the temps and be just fine. Those temps are cooler than my Aisin’s would get on long slow pulls up USFS roads at 21-22K GCW with the torque converter unlocked.

Nothing wrong with ECT at 218-220° either. The 190° thermostat opens at 190°, goes full open at 207°, and with stock fan programming will usually pull hard grades around 215-218°. Cummins says max allowable temp is 225°, so if you get that warm consider backing out a little. The fans (and programming) are a little different, but the cooling system is relatively unchanged from 03 thru at least 24 and the tow rating and power output are much higher. They all still seem to run 215-218° when pulling hard.




Make sure your maintenance is current, radiator is working properly, and enjoy the trip. Take your time.


You wouldn’t need a VB upgrade to run an EB. PacBrake has a transmission controller to keep the TQ converter locked with EB use.

https://pacbrake.com/c44049-direct-...-for-2003-2004-dodge-ram-cummins-59l-isb.html

Also, you could install a mystery switch that would allow for TQ converter lockup in 2nd gear but it’s not a set and forget switch, and if not used properly (locked shifts) could damage the transmission. Lots of people use them though, so it may be worth looking into.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I literally taped a 120V light switch to the shift handle on my 98 12V. I called it my “Okie Switch”. It worked great, you just needed to be the brain as to when to turn it on and off.

 

[DaveHess]

Thank you all for your thoughts and insights. I truly appreciate it! I over-maintain this pickup with synthetics throughout. I do have all the supplies needed to add a "mystery switch". I think Ill add that when I do the brakes. We're not traveling until mid-October so planning continues. I do sincerely appreciate you all!

 

[Topzide]

I can say, I would add exhaust brake to the truck. Makes towing a much nicer ride! The DW will be much happier with it, especially with you being at the numbers that you will be towing at. Makes the downhill decent smooth and comfortable.

I know that the truck is capable without it, but why put yourself through that?

 

[DaveHess]

Very true Topzide. AH64ID was kind enough to provide a link to the PacBrake site. I am going to do it. Its just going to have to wait until I can put sufficient funds aside to do so. Something always has to give doesn't it???

 

[Topzide]

@DaveHess, So very true! But that sense of comfort and security is "priceless"!

 

[Grumpy8811]

Very true Topzide. AH64ID was kind enough to provide a link to the PacBrake site. I am going to do it. Its just going to have to wait until I can put sufficient funds aside to do so. Something always has to give doesn't it???

I've found that sense of financial security is far more important than that short term injection of phermones that occurs when making product improvements.. doing it when you have the money is a good idea..