2nd generation Ram engine and drive train

[edgar2]

I have a 2001 QC with 410 rear end and tt pkg. and pull a 10,500lb King of the Road 5th wheel. I always lock out the OD and at 3000rpm I'm going 65-67mph. I tried a short level distance in OD and the rpm dropped to 2400. Mileage from Texas to Ariz. and back last month averaged right at 7. 9mpg. The engine had plenty of pep left at this top speed.

 

[Bob Stephens]

You ought to be able to pull in OD all day long. I pulled a 10K Hitchhiker with a 98 24V AT. You've got 40lbs more torque in the 2001. Pulling with the 98 I averaged 10mpg and no problems in OD. Just have to downshift on grades. I just watched the RPM and speedo. When the speed dropped below 60 and the RPM's hit 2000, lockout the OD and run until the RPM's get back up to 2500, then shift back into OD.

 

[B.G. Smith]

I pulled a 31' tt to Ca. and back to Vermont then home last year, always pull in OD. I have the 3. 54 rear, my truck pulls better around 2000 rpm, seems to run out of umph at higher rpm. I tried locking out the OD when approaching a steep grade but have decided that the PCM and trannsmission do a much smoother job of shifting than I can, just keeep my foot in it on hills. bg

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White 99 3500, QC, 3:55, auto. most options except leather, Line-X bed liner, fiberglass running boards Rancho 9000s, bug shield and window vents, black vented 5th wheel tailgate, 110 gal. aux. fuel tank.

 

[Big MAK]

Flipping over to "Towing/Hauling" for expert opinion.

 

[Guest00]

^^up^^

 

[Eric_77]

I weigh about 20-24k gross with both trialers hooked up always leave it in overdrive above 60. Mileage runs about 14. 5 @60 13 @ 70 I have had the transmission replaced at 75k for a faulty solenoid but never had the transmission slip. Change fluid out ever 25k miles alternating between dropping pan and having fluid flush done to replace all fluid.

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Eric Kelcher
92 W250 stock 4spd/auto 3. 54
96 2500 extd SLT Diesel Dynanics fuel pump plate; auto with DD shift kit(?) Dun-Rite TC; 3. 54 posi; K&N airfliter; Boost, transmission temp, EGT guages waiting for nice day; 192K
13. 5k 33'utility trailer 19' Galaxie runabout

 

[Bill Stockard]

edgar2,

You should be able to tow in OD with your RPM at 2400. In fact Cummins says it's best to run your engine in the 2200 RPM range for best fuel economy and power while towing. As long as you can hold your speed in the 2200 RPM range, do it, and your fuel mileage will improve--the engine noise will be much less too.

If you hit a hill and your RPM drops to 2000, shift out of OD until you get over the top. You must be going pretty fast if your RPMs drop to 2400 in OD.

Bill