Towing heavy with auto/3.54

[L_Rutigliano]

I'm towing a 19' boat that weighs approx 4000lbs with the trailer and fuel. But I have 3700-3800 lbs worth of camper in the bed. I'm towing over 6% grades in Central and Eastern Oregon in 110F ambients and absolutely loving my stock 2001 with auto and 3. 54's.

 

[PHuckleberry]

When we pull our 25' mallard 5'er the truck will go most any sane speed anywhere here out west (mostly Ut. Id. andWy. ). When we're pulling doubles(5'er and 12'enclosed 4wheeler trailer) I lock out od and set the cruise at 60. We could pull it faster but I'm not in that big of a hurry. Good luck!

 

[Farmall Hauler]

Hello to all!



When my brother hooks his trailer and tractors up, he can get a GCWR of between 21000, and 26000. This depends on which onews he wants to hall. I think he is waiting for the stock transmission to fail!



Happy holidays to all!

 

[rweis]

Talk to a transmission guy, as that is the weak link in the system. What I get is use 1800 rpm or more to keep the transmission coolant flow, lube circuit pressure up, and clutch pressures up.



I am talking to a XXX transmission guy as to how to keep my stock transmission in the best shape until i can get it modified next spring. After the XXX modifications it seems that the transmission will work MUCH better, tow better, cooler. transmission heat seems to be the best gauge to manage it with and the hottest place to put the gauge is the crossover line at the transmission end.



Seems transmission mods first then engine mods or it blows the transmission with the engine mods.



Good Luck



Bob

 

[jbone]

Steve, As you can see by sig. I now have 'Fat A$$', but my previous truck was just like yours... . with same trailer as posted... my 3/4 pulled it just fine--but---this one just 'feels' more stable and the 4. 10's leave no doubt about pulling just about anything I want..... I have already started my 'transmission-replacemnt-fund'---and believe all of our auto's will eventually give out long before the mighty Cummins... ... ... . my 2 cents... ... R, J. B.

 

[Steve M]

I rolled over 28,000 miles on my auto this week. Tonight while running empty, it started hanging up in second both upshift and downshift. It would start off in second or it would hang onto second up to 2k rpm under light throttle. A couple of times it felt like it couldn't make up it's mind if it wanted 1st or second. I supose it's time to go see the dealer for some warranty work.

 

[Steve M]

Not so bad after all. I went to the local Chrysler dealership this morning. Parts man said that's a common problem. It's iether the speed sensor or possibly a governor. They'll take it in Monday at 7:30 and fix me right up.

 

[Steve M]

Got my truck back all fixed and shifting properly again. The mechanic said the transmission looked fine and saw no signs of overloading from towing our 5th wheel. Problem was a governor pressure switch and governor sensor. I guess I'll cancel my order for a dually with 6spd and HO.

 

[Wolfgang]

When I first got my truck I had the same problem as you do. I added an EZ and my EGT's actually went down some because it was taking less power to stay in the upper gears at lower RPM. I think you will find that with that simple mod you won't have any problems