First long tow impressions!

[Tagalong]

Well folks, just returned from our second camping trip with the new Ram and Cardinal, and 4. 10s! I did a lot of shifting in and out of OD and the transmission did very well. OD is so high though, that I wished there was something in between 3rd and OD! I was timid about pushing 3rd on the trip out but on the return trip I ran the Cummins to 2600 and it ran strong with more room to pull! Between "button pushing" (OD lock out)I played the throttle just like a standard and she locked up every time. Given the route from MA to PA, getting up to 2200 in OD was really difficult. So I couldn't tell if OD could pull better at the higher RPM. Even though the grades weren't all that long or steep, it was a treat to be able to keep up with traffic! The transmission fluid temp stayed at 140 all the time in lock up! I saw 190 when in traffic and/or backing into my site.
Got about 11 MPG and the most frustrating part of the drive was not knowing where the next fuel station will be and what kind of access I'd have. I'm thinking about carrying a 5 Gal. (plastic) fuel can just in case. Anyone know of problems carrying the spare fuel? Shut down was aggrivating because the EGT gauge I ordered from Summit is back ordered. I have my wife reminding me about shut down! It's too darn easy to pull up to the pump and turn the key off #ad
I'm also glad to have all 4 disk brakes (of course the 5er brakes are set more aggresively) on more than one occasion a "4 wheeler" gave us a thrill or two changing lanes in front of us! #ad
With hind site the HO and 6sp would've been a better choice given the size of our 5er, but thanks to the TDR and all of your suggestions and information we've got a great setup for our towing purposes. Oh, by the way does that Cummins have a great sound underload at 2600 RPM!! alittle louder than I expected in the cab but nothing the 6 speaker sound system can't handle! #ad


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White 2001, 3500, Auto, (now)4:10,QC,2WD,LB, (soon to be) transmission and EGT gauges,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er (12,600 GVWR)

 

[JSchooley]

IMHO the first thing you can try is a Gearvendors gear splitter. 3rd with GV will conquer just about any hill east of the mississippi and most west. Don't even dream of more power unless you beef up your transmission first. You may want to do that even if you don't add power.

The next is of course the 6sp. I'll be leaving soon for an extended pull with mine. I'll post the results when I can.

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John S. '01 Silver QC LST 2500 6sp 3. 54. BD E-Brake. 50 Gal Aux fuel/tool box.

 

[wyosteveOLD]

Likewise, I'll be leaving Friday for a 1900 mile tow with a 20' gooseneck horse trailer with 4 horses. First loaded tow with the EZ. Will post results. By the way it's an '01 ETH.

 

[Tom W]

Hey Tagalong, I'm on a trip now with my 33', triple slide Cardinal. This is my second long trip, the first with DTT's vb & tc, and 275's. I'v been from Texas, thru Ala,Ohio, and now in Ky on the way back. No big mtns but there is no hill on the interstates that I can't pull at 70mph in OD. I shift out of OD below sixty. It is really a pleasure to drive compared to my first trip, plenty of power, The TC allows much quicker acceleration up to cruising speed, usually about 65mph. Tran temp 140 cruising, 170 max stop and go. EGT close to 1200 on hills and hit 1300 one time when I was trying to see how high it would go. EGT could possibly be a problem in mtns if you really pushed it but normally no problem. Fuel mileage between 10 and 11 mpg. Diesel price always cheaper 10 miles after I fill up, 1. 23 to 1. 56. Will be back in Texas next week and then on to Las Vegas for May Maddness.
Tom

 

[Tom W]

Forgot my signature

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Tom W in Austin Tx 98 24v 2500 Quadcab, auto, 3. 54, lsd, Rhino, white/driftwood, Banks Stinger Plus, 275 injectors, Manix grill, nerf bars , DTT's TC, valvebody, cooler, Smartbox, Mag-hytec trans & diff, Pac brake, Bilsteins.

 

[Tagalong]

Thanks for the replies John, WYO, and Tom,
I'll be looking forward to reading your posts after your trips! In the mean time any mods to the transmission is just going to have to wait... just can't swing more $$$ on an already expensive purchase. Besides the Missus is very happy with the way we go down the road presently. I'll just have to wait till the warranty is used up.
Dave

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White 2001, 3500, Auto, (now)4:10,QC,2WD,LB, (soon to be) transmission and EGT gauges,34' DBL slide Cardinal 5er (12,600 GVWR)

[This message has been edited by Tagalong (edited 04-22-2001). ]