Towing and Post Turbo EGTs and Engine Temperature

[Tagalong]

420-mile tow from MA to Cape May NJ. Only hills were in Conn. Drove in OD when possible, lots of shifting. Saw post turbo EGTS go to 900' and the engine temp needle moved just to the right edge of the 0 of the 190 mark (but not beyond it). Backed off the pedal and temps dropped, as they should. Is this normal towing my 5er? (see Sig. ) I'm also somewhat disappointed with the towing speed of the stock Ram. How come other stock Ram (w/AT) owners post they can run 60-65 mph over steep grades or maintain 70 mph in cruise? When I pushed toward 2700+ RPM on a grade the EGTs headed for 900'. I guess 50 to 55 mph on a grade will have to do! The AT never slipped and temp stayed in the 150 - 170 range when running the grades. I guess what I'd like to hear is if this is what I should expect from a stock CTD RAM?

Thanks!

 

[Fireman Dave]

I towed my TT over 5,600 miles to CA and back in June. My trailer is about 6,000 lbs. I kept my post turbo egts to 700-800 max. Could have gone higher, but I didn't. My trans. temp stayed about the same as yours most of the time, but I did get it up to about 250 a few times when pulling steep hills behind slower traffic. This only happened when it had to run in 2nd gear due to the slow speed. As long as I stayed locked up, no problem. My sensor is in the cooler line, by the way. My engine temp hit 205 at the highest at times, but the fan took care of that.



I don't want to start a big debate here, but I towed with OD off the whole time. This kept me in a sweeter RPM spot and also kept egts lower. With your 4. 10 rear, this wouldn't be as good for you. I kept it under 70mph - usually around 65-68. Some long, steep grades reduced me to 50-55mph, like you. Faster was possible, but at the expense of higher egts. I was happy to keep the temps down as long as my momentum would keep my speed up to where the transmission would stay locked up. I think your speeds were fine, but I'm kinda new to this thing too. I don't want to tow any faster - for the sake of safety. And remember, your trailer tires are under more heat stress at higher speeds. I'd rather take a little longer (which 65-68 really isn't slow) than lose a tire, or have an accident. I think you're right where you should be.



By the way, I averaged 10. 5 mpg over the whole trip with 8. 5 and 11. 5 being the low/high while towing. I attribute the lower mileage mostly to wind resistance of the trailer, and to strong head or cross winds at times.



Dave

 

[Tagalong]

Thanks for the reply

Thanks for your extremely informative reply Fireman. Like you I'm happy to drive between 60-68 so it sounds like things are normal for me. I know what you mean about the AT temp climbing when the TC is unlocked! I had a "lesson" in backing that took nearly 45 min. and watched the AT hit 210 So, I guess I'll just learn to be abit more patient and enjoy the "Cummins" ride!

Thanks again Fireman,

Dave

 

[Fireman Dave]

Backing!

Tag,



Yes, backing can be a real heat up for the transmission! Sometimes I just shut down and cool off for awhile. By the way, my truck has 18,700 miles on it. And remember, you're pulling a LOT bigger trailer than me!



Enjoy,



Dave

 

[Tagalong]

CDT education!

Fireman,

I've got 1,700 miles on our Ram and it's our first diesel so I've been learning something new every mile about the CDT. Thanks to folks like you and the TDR.

Enjoy the ride,

Dave (It's my name too!)