Normal Engine Temperature Rise?

[JBain]

Hi, everyone, I'm wondering what the normal temperature rise is for my 2004.
I'm driving in 95F 50% plus humidity weather and my engine temperature while towing about 13000 lbs is 200 to 212. Is this normal? That puts the temperature rise for the engine at 117F which does not seem too out of line but don't know.
Unloaded the temperature is 190 no problems with that.
I'm getting ready to take a trip to Pagosa Springs Colorado so it's going to be hot to say the least.
The temperature is very stable ie. it does not fluctuate but a few degrees depending on engine load.

Thanks,

 

[cerberusiam]

For those conditions it doesn't sound bad. Mine are very similar with the same variables.

 

[JBain]

For those conditions it doesn't sound bad. Mine are very similar with the same variables.

Thanks I'm just not wanting to get stuck out there with my horse on the side of the freeway.

 

[CrewCabDiesel]

I am at the same place on temps pulling a 34' 5th wheel at 72 mph

 

[GrantP]

Mine will run at 210 pulling a long hill at 75 mph with the AC on unloaded in 100+ temps. Sounds pretty normal.

 

[AH64ID]

The 03-07 5.9's have 190° thermostats. The thermostat cracks open at 190°±3°, but isn't fully open until 207°. Max allowable temp (from Cummins not Dodge) is 225°. The fan doesn't start to come on until 210° but doesn't really do much until 215° or higher.

At 15K GCW and under I normally pull hills at 205-207° and above 15K GCW around 213-215°. Ambient temp, trailer design, hill grade, etc all play a factor. It's very very rare for me to break 215°.

The most I have ever seen without a trailer is 205° and that was last month pulling a 7 mile 6-8% grade at 70-75 mph with the temp at the bottom 113° and 110° at the top. Otherwise I don't know the last time I even got above 197° without a trailer.