How to pull 13k across America

[bigbob7777]

I just bought a 3500 dually with 3. 73 gears. I am pulling a 13k 5th wheel.



Any recommendations on the oil/trans fluids I should be using? How often do I change them? I pull trailer 30% of the time.



Do I need to worry about the transmission and egt's? The truck is stock and I believe should be able to handle this weight. Will be traveling all over US.

 

[thejeepdude]

You don't need to worry about anything. Change your fluids in accordance to the "severe" maintenance schedule in the owners manual. Drive with common sense. I would get gauges at any rate, just because I like the data. You bought a workhorse... work it!

 

[Babyfat]

what year what trans? guages are a lot of help

 

[bigbob7777]

Sorry,



2005 model 48re automatic.



bob

 

[nps]

Don't know about 05's, but in prior years DC recommend synthetic 75W140 in the rear end when towing heavy (as you will be doing).



I run Redline Heavy Shock in my LSD. Consistency of 75W and the protection of a 250W lube. Summit sells it for about $9/Qt.



Check your manual for towing recommendations. EGT and trans temp guages would be highly desirable, along with an exhaust brake.

 

[bmoeller]

EGT and trans temp guages would be highly desirable, along with an exhaust brake.

Yep. Doesn't take much to heat things up.



The trans will probably be fine, as long as the lock-up clutch in the torque convertor is locked up, but if it unlocks going up a hill, or on soft terrain at a campsite, the oil will heat up very quicky. It can also if you are backing up. The clutch will be unlocked.



If you are in the mountians or otherwise high elevation, the EGTs will be higher. Not as much air.



Enough air for the fuel, safe EGTs. Not enough air, higher EGTs.



Gauges are cheap insurance, vs. a melted piston or burnt oil in the trans.

 

[Loaded 45]

Gauges are a cheap insurance - But on a stock truck - NOT NEEDED. The dealership I use has a big problem with trucks with gauges - (They feel if you have gauges your chipped) - Witch is probably true most times. If she blows up towing stock - can you say warranty.

My truck actually runs cooler towing with my truck running some sort of module at a lower setting. These trucks are work trucks with industrial engines - work it !

 

[Cattletrkr]

How to pull 13k across America

Put it in gear and drive.

 

[DPKetchum]

4. 10s would have been a big help with 13k. Been easier on the trans also.

 

[Tim]

How to pull 13k across America

As fast as mechanically possible... ... . :-laf



4. 10s do not belong in an I6 powered Diesel pickup with stock or nearly stock sized tires IMO.

 

[thejeepdude]

4. 10s do not belong in an I6 powered Diesel pickup with stock or nearly stock sized tires IMO.

Yes, I agree in most cases. I thought about 4. 10's when I ordered, but then I realized transmissions have GEARS! That means when I come to a hill, it can downshift to get up it. I know, a novel concept!



If I was towing 13k over the mountains every single day I might opt for 4. 10's, but for a truck that's empty half the time I wouldn't even consider it. Besides, I can already burn rubber with my 8k boat in tow... so torque obviously isn't a problem! :-laf

 

[DPKetchum]

"Bunk" if you want to pull. Owned several of these trucks and the first two I bought used and had to do gear swaps. The friends I have with 03s and 05s that pull anything over 8k regret not getting 4. 10s. Tim after you have pulled/towed 10k to 12k around the country and mountains a few times with 3. 55s/3. 73s and 4. 10s then I might listen to your IMO. Until then I don't think so.

 

[DPKetchum]

Yea it can downshift. It downshifts and about sends the engine to redline. Neighbor has a 3. 73 geared 05 dually. Pulls about 8k. It eaither lugs or kinda screams on the big inclines. I pull 10k at 65/68 mph up the hill and down the hill with hardly ever a downshift to 5th unless its a REAL steep incline and even then mostly near the very tops of them. He's got 42k and change on his now. Always comments about how much easier my truck pulls then his. Says mine a lot easier to drive and it works less then his more so on the hilly,curvy roads were your on and off the fuel.

 

[Greg Boardman-RIP]

I certainly pull heavy loads with the trucks I buy. My last 2wd dually came with 3. 73's and it was a great fwy flyer. Horrible to tow with. I can't even think of owning a truck to pull with equiped with anything less than 4. 10's. But most guys aren't pulling 20K Lbs either.

Greg

 

[TCDiesel]

425 HP, 800+ ft TQ, 4:10s with 285 Rubber perfect combination. operator friendly. Once you have this combo you will never go back to stock. .

 

[RMcCulloch]

4. 10s do not belong in an I6 powered Diesel pickup with stock or nearly stock sized tires IMO.

You're entitled to your opinion - even when it's wrong. :-laf



I've been very happy with the 4. 10s when pulling my 14K fifth-wheel.



When matched with the 48RE's . 69:1 OD, it's actually a slightly taller [numerically lower] gear ratio than a 6-speed with 3. 73s.



Rhardin - don't sweat the fluids: your transmission and differential(s) already have synthetics in them.



Just remember to keep your RPMs over 2000 when going uphill so that your torque converter stays locked and your transmission temperature stays down.



Don't be surprised if, on steep grades, you need to drop down to 3rd to do this.

 

[wantabe351]

I just came back from a cross country trip -2 months,12,300 miles 2500HD CTD w/3. 73... ... From NJ to San Francisco going on I70 there back I80... GCVW of 22500#s ... . Had gauges and they were needed trans temp up to 245* on out put line ... ETG was at 1400* pulling 5 mile 7% grades... . only over heated my brakes twice... I put on "thin line" fan in front of my AC/Intercooler that was my savor at times... Im now buying a 3500DRW W/410'S... I pull my 5er only part time but at a weight of 13,560# I feel its needed now... Also had a Bully Dog downloader set at Towing mode... From what I found from a altitude of 300' in NJ to the MOUNTAINS of the Mid West of 5,000'/8,000' air is thinner and turbo works harder thus higher exhaust temps and if a truck in front of you slows you down to 25mph no LOCKUP trans runs HOT... ... . Rich

 

[nps]

Seems the debate is 3. 53/3. 73 versus 4. 10s, when it should be stick vs auto. Everyone with a stick is happy with the taller gears. The autos need 4. 10s. And gauges ARE needed on a stock truck if you want to know what is happening - they will run hot even stock.

 

[Grizzly]

Make sure you have the correct air pressure on all tires, including the spare and check them often, especially going over the Rocky's. Jake brakes would be good to have.

 

[Tryingit]

Last Month I travel half way across the country and back with a 10K fifth wheeler. No problems. I got 11mph (hand) through the rougher portions of the trip and 13 mph through the nice flat sections. On the steep hills I either switched off the over drive or waited for it to down shift on its own. I noticed that the Egts stay lower while using cruise control. I tend to step on it harder than needed, which quickly brings up my egts. Most slight inclines while using Cruise caused the egts to rise only to 1050 degrees. normal flat was 800 degrees and 9 pounds of boost. Good luck and have fun. The truck ran beatuiful, better fuel mileage, smoother once I got home after the trip. Oo.