What is the best towing RPM?

[brobeson]

I was told that for my currant 98. 5 24v auto, with 4. 10s that the best towing RPM was 2-300 RPM above where the engine developes Max torque.

Assuming my old engine did that at 1600 PRM, my best towing rpm would be about 18-1900 RPM. Which is about 60 MPH.

Now I am getting a new truck, 2001 with the HO, 6sp and 4. 10's and was wondering if what the best (for MPG) RPM is for this new configuation.

TIA

Bob

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1998. 5, 2500, SLT, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10 towing 35ft. 5er
On Order due May 1. 3500, SLT+, Green/Tan, HO, 6 speed, 4X4, 4. 10, towing package, camper package, E-brakes.

 

[Bob Wagner]

I perfer the RPM's in the 2300 range towing a 10K 5er

 

[Archive]

I agree with Bob... to have the power and torque at your "foot-tip", run about 2200-2300 rpms. This works for me.

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Rob Hanson
1999 "Big Red", 3500 SLT QC 4X4 6 spd, 4. 10 LSD, Braided SS fuel lines, Mag-Hytec Rear Cover, Cummins E-Brake with BD Switch, Blue Box, DD3 Injectors, Banks High Ram and 14cm Wastegated Turbo, All-steel Cowl Induction Hood, Cummins RED Valve Cover, Rhino, Rosewood Kit, Scotty System, SportComp Gauges, TorkLift SuperHitch, Tekonsha Brake Controller, Rear Flood lights, Cobra CB, DeeZee Running Boards, BD 2WD Low kit, Air Lift bags, Hitco exhaust blanket, air horns and a Geno's "I tromped a Ford" decal. Member of BOMB! (WW NW Chapter)

MyPics.com (pics updated 02/17/01)

I'd rather be... .
Cummin than Strokin.

 

[brobeson]

What is the MPH at 2300 RPM with an 3500, HO 6sp and 4. 10's?

Thanks
Bob

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1998. 5, 2500, SLT, 24V, 4X4, Auto, 4. 10 towing 35ft. 5er
On Order due May 1. 3500, SLT+, Green/Tan, HO, 6 speed, 4X4, 4. 10, towing package, camper package, E-brakes.

 

[Bill Stockard]

brobeson,

Going from an auto to a 6 speed--Good move!!You'll love it!!! That's what I did and never been happier. The 6 speed is a perfect match for towing and it works beautifully with the exhaust brake too.

Bob & Rob are right about the towing RPM--2,000 to 2300. 2300 will probably put you about 70 MPH. I tow at 65 and it's right at 2200. My truck has no engine power enhancements and does great.

Bill

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Y2K 3500QC, 6 Speed, 4. 10, SLT+, Camper & Tow Pkg. , Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, Mopar Flaps, Reese 20K Hitch, EGT & Boost Gauges, RPM 45 Gallon Aux. Fuel Tank, Highway Products 5th Wheel Toolbox, ECM Controlled PacBrake, Painless Wiring Kit, Mag-Hytec Diff. Cover, Rancho 9000, Air Lift 5000 Air Bags, TOYS: '97 Hitchhiker II 31' 5th Wheel, 2 slideouts, 19,750 GCW, '94 Lance 990 11' 3" Slide-In Camper, Torque-Lift Camper Tiedowns

 

[mbrolin]

Not sure about 4. 10s since I have the 3. 54s. In 5th going 55mph Im right at 2150rpm and it purrs like a kitten. In 6th at 65mph Im right at 1800rpm. I would think that you would be at 2100rpm at 65mph with the 4. 10s.

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB,my own design CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars,DeeZee bedrails,Isspro pyro and boost gauges,Jacobs ebrake,Reese 20k 5er hitch(more to come)

 

[Barry]

Finest towing setup I have ever had. 2000=60, 2125=65, 2275=70, It's a HORSE!!!!

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2001 2500 QC, ETH/DEE,4:10s,LSD,EZ with elbow(28psi)Stage 1 injectors from Carl,Boost/Pyro Guages,4" Turbo back,BD Brake,Mag-Hytec Cover,Kleen Wheels,Energy Release,70 gal. fuel,20K Reese. 31,000 Miles on 03/01/01(Auto/Truck/RV Dealer)Honda GL 1500 SE Pearl White for fun.

 

[Runaway]

I'm a 3. 54 person myself and I found with the "99" auto and a VA if I stayed around 1900 - 1950 rpm I was right in what I felt was the sweet spot. Wasn't bogging down in the grades and down shifting pulling the Jayco @ 16K CGVW. Won't know until this weekend what the "01" ETH/DEE will do. It also has the 3. 54 gears.

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"01" Forest Green QC/LB ETH/DEE,4x4, 3. 54LSD, VDO (boost, pyro) Westin SS Nerf Bars and Grill Gaurd, Delta tool box, K&N.
00 28' Jayco 5th Wheel, 86 "Classic 16" Alumacraft, 00 Honda Rancher
Towing with a slight "edge" on the competition!

 

[JyRO]

I did some math calcs. and these guys are right on it. You should be doing right at 70 mph at 2,300 rpms. And they're right, it should have plenty of power and be a breeze to tow down the interstate at that rpm.

Ram Ahead!

- JyRO

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Y2K 2500 Cummins ETC/DEE, SLT+, 4X4, Quad, LB, Intense Blue Sport, 3. 54 LSD, rear aux. springs (camper special), sliding rear window, all options except cab clearance lights including agate leather, totally stock engine, silencer ring removed, "stealth," mod to run fogs with high beam. (20. 8 mpg @ 70 mph) Since everybody else listed their toys, I will too.

2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4X4, 5-speed, 3. 4L V6 (25. 5 mpg @ 65 mph)
1995 Kawasaki ZX6-R, 97 H. P. @ Rr tire, 6-speed, . 6L I-4, 410 lbs. wet
- (60+ mpg @ 65 mph, but who can do that?) (For Sale)-[SOLD]
1990 Toyota Celica STX, FWD, 5-speed, 1. 6L I4 (36+ mpg @ 65 mph)
1983 Mazda RX-7 GSL Limited Edition RWD, 5-speed, 1. 1L Wankel (For sale)
No auto trannies in my home! Just say, "No!" to auto trannies.

 

[DJOliver]

Same here. Mine wants to run at 70-70mph. At 70 mph it is running at 2300prm. Does'nt want to go any slower as this seems to be the sweet spot.

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2001. 5 3500 6 spd 4x4 ETH/DEE Quad SLT Silver Metallic. Tow Group,Camper Special ,3. 54, western nerf bars, Towing 99 Damon Challenger 5ver 31' ,Jacobs E Brake . Need :Guages, aux fuel tank, tow mirrors & Cb radio.

2000 Dodge Intrepid R/T. Wife loves it.

 

[n9oig]

I just changed from 3:54 gears to 4:10 about 250 rpm diff but now the power towing seems to be lacking I pull various weights TT but does anyone know if the computer needs to be reprogramed for 4:10 gears

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2001 2500 4X4 QC SLT LWB Auto Ordered 3/16/2000 delivered to the dealer 5:30 pm CST on 5/9/2000

 

[KB0OU]

I usually run 2000 rpm, fast enough and good economy.

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96 CC 4X4 2500 SLT AUTO transmission WITH TRANS-GO KIT, PrimeLoc, ISSPRO EGT Boost transmission Temp, GUTTED CAT, 173,000+ Miles still goin' strong, Lots of Ham Radio gear, NO IGNITION NOISE!!! Love my diesel!!! # 8 TST Fuel Plate. 20K 5th Wheel, Goose Ball, Reciever with all size balls, Pintle. We Haul to Please!!!

 

[DavidTD]

I agree with most here. I upgraded to 235-85-16's like you will have factory and I turn between 2200 - 2300 at 70mph. (corrected for tire change) It pulls great here and seems to do pretty good on economy too.

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David
1998 3500 QC 4x4 5 speed 4:10, 235-85-16, VA CPC via JRE, PS Boost Module, RV 275 injectors, K&N air filter.
And ONE BIG A$$ GRIN.
Emerald Green w/tan leather. B&W turnover ball.
Pre- injectors - 1/4 mile 18. 2 @ 74. 75mph
1999 Exiss 3 horse slant, 4ft midtack, 6ft shortwall dressing.
70k miles as of 6/21/00