First tow with the 600

[DCornelius]

Overall Info:



Camper: 26' Springdale 260ckls ~6,600 lbs loaded

Destination: Asheville, NC

Total Round Trip Miles: 292

Steepest grade: 5 miles at 6%

Fuel Mileage: 13. 8 mpg (13. 1 mpg up the mountain)



I'm so impressed with this truck and the CTD! It handles like a dream and pulls better than I would have ever believed. Being within the first 500 miles towing, I set the cruise at 50mph (not fun. ) But at a lowly 1,400 rpm, the Ram pulled up and down regular I-40 hills without ever downshifting or unlocking the TC! I used the tow/haul mode for any longer grades, especially the 5 miles of 6%. When I'd shift into tow/haul, the 48re would downshift and then lock the TC almost immediately. All of the shifts on the trip were crisp without being jerky--never did it seem like it slipped.



I was a little concerned about pulling at only 1,400 rpm but I would think that the transmission would downshift (or at least unlock the TC) if it needed to.



Our Durango towed the camper the first 21 trips and did a great job, considering, but it only got 7. 5 mpg doing it. The Durango's 46re's shifts were much less crisp, almost seeming like it was slipping compared to the 48re.



I just can't say enough!!



David

 

[ttreibel]

FYI the 50 mph limit is for the rear-end I was lucky with my first tow the Highway 101 in Oregon and Washington are hard to get above that speed on. !3 MPG sounds right for that weight and speed don't expect to get much above 11 at 70mph or in strong head winds.

 

[DCornelius]

11 is fine with me. 7. 5 mpg with the Durango was baaad.