Inconsistent RPM

[hcbartlett]

I pull my 27' Airstream trailer with my 2005 Ram HD with the 5.9 engine. Heading West last week I noticed that to stay at 65mph I had to run the RPMs up to 2200. This was constant the entire 200 mile trip. Today when we resumed our trip, lo and behold we were back to our original 65 mph at 1800 RPMs! Anyone have a good explanation for me?

Hugh Bartlett

 

[Topzide]

Sounds like you might have been fighting a headwind. I've encountered that before on the same route at different times.

 

[hcbartlett]

As I and my wife recall there were no significan't headwinds that day.

 

[Ozymandias]

Sounds like you had OD-Off enabled, running down the highway in 3rd Gear instead of forth.
That's about the 400rpm your missing

 

[hcbartlett]

I'm not very sophisticated about these things, as you can see. How do I avoid this mistake in the future?
HB

 

[hcbartlett]

I am not very sophisticated about these things. How do I avoid this in the future?

 

[Crunch]

I am not very sophisticated about these things. How do I avoid this in the future?

The button to turn off overdrive is located at the end of the gear shift lever on the steering column. The is also an illuminated indicator on the console. Turning the overdrive off is a very handy feature to have when you are pulling a heavy load. It keeps the transmission from shifting up and down when you hit steep grades and want to maintain speed. Downside is the higher RPMs that result in lower fuel economy. But that's a lot better than having to pay for a major engine repair from lugging the engine.

 

[hcbartlett]

The button to turn off overdrive is located at the end of the gear shift lever on the steering column. The is also an illuminated indicator on the console. Turning the overdrive off is a very handy feature to have when you are pulling a heavy load. It keeps the transmission from shifting up and down when you hit steep grades and want to maintain speed. Downside is the higher RPMs that result in lower fuel economy. But that's a lot better than having to pay for a major engine repair from lugging the engine.

 

[hcbartlett]

Got it! Thanks fellows.
HB