Long haul Towing preparation

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Hardcore1

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One of the first drives of my new to me 78K mile 07 1500 will be a long run towing a 7800lb load from NJ to the Florida keys. Is there anything I should be doing to prepare the truck for this haul? I am thinking to drain and fill the transmission maybe 3 times in succession since the trucks service history is unknown. Anything else you would do to prepare?
 

usaf2006

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Do you have the tow package? You could upgrade to a ram 3500 trans cooler to help, I see lots of guys who tow a lot do it. If I towed I probably would.

Make sure your spare tire has air in it just in case! Also wouldn't hurt to take it down from under the bed (if you haven't) to make sure you can lol.
 
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Hardcore1

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Good Suggestions! I was thinking to add a trans temp gauge. Are there any write ups or suggestions of how to add a trans temp gauge and which one are best?
 
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Hardcore1

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Also thinking about changing the internal filters both pan and spin on when I change the fluid. Might change the pan to one with a drain plug too while I am at it for easier future fluid changes.
Anyone here doing stuff like this? Any brands to use or stay away from?
 

justin13703

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If you're changing the fluid then definitely change the filters too. Oem ones will be the best.
 

usaf2006

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Yeah use oem, I've heard too many issues with other filters not having the right flow rate, etc., causing issues.
 

Bullitt5339

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Most Mopar oil filters are made by Purolator now, so you might as well just buy the Purolator and save some money. Wix filters are also high quality and are used by many other car companies as their OEM filters, so I don't shy away from them either.
 

usaf2006

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Good to keep in mind. I want to do my trans in the next year or so..
 

Mega-Hemi

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I may know someone with a 24 row cooler for sale. [emoji848]

Also have a Superchips Flashpaq 3840.
 
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Hardcore1

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Just wanted to update this thread as to what I did and what were my results. I changed the transmission fluid by dropping the pan and changing the trans cooler. I did not power flush, or run the engine to flush out every last ounce of fluid. I did let the fluid drain overnight. While I was in there I changed both filters and installed a Doorman pan with a drain plug for future easy fluid changes. All total I used about 10 Quarts of fluid so there was definitely some old fluid still in there. The fluid that came out looked good with nice color and no smell. I did not use the mag tec or the stage 2 valve body. I felt the mag tec was over priced for the cooling it was offering and since my trans had been functioning perfectly with its existing valve body I felt I would leave well enough alone there.

I did however change out the stock 1500 hemi trans cooler for the physically larger factory cooler that is a direct bolt in replacement and comes in the 2003-2006 2500 Rams. I was able to monitor my trans temp via a cheap ebay ELM bluetooth adapter and the torque pro app. As long as used the "Tow/Haul" mode of the ram my trans temp never exceeded 145 even in the Florida sun. The one time I forgot to engage "tow/Haul" mode after a fuel stop, I noticed trans temp shot up to 170 when I restarted the torque app approximately 20 miles down the road. I immediately engaged tow haul mode and watched the temps start coming back down.

I do not know what tow haul mode does but I will tell you to make sure you use it if you are doing any kind of heavy work. All total I racked up approximately 1500 miles towing approximately 7.5K lbs from Ocean County NJ to Marathon FL over 26 hours of basically non stop driving. IMHO, The ram performed flawlessly.

Thank you everyone for your advice and help. Hope my report helps someone else.
 

LumberJakl

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Just wanted to update this thread as to what I did and what were my results. I changed the transmission fluid by dropping the pan and changing the trans cooler. I did not power flush, or run the engine to flush out every last ounce of fluid. I did let the fluid drain overnight. While I was in there I changed both filters and installed a Doorman pan with a drain plug for future easy fluid changes. All total I used about 10 Quarts of fluid so there was definitely some old fluid still in there. The fluid that came out looked good with nice color and no smell. I did not use the mag tec or the stage 2 valve body. I felt the mag tec was over priced for the cooling it was offering and since my trans had been functioning perfectly with its existing valve body I felt I would leave well enough alone there.

I did however change out the stock 1500 hemi trans cooler for the physically larger factory cooler that is a direct bolt in replacement and comes in the 2003-2006 2500 Rams. I was able to monitor my trans temp via a cheap ebay ELM bluetooth adapter and the torque pro app. As long as used the "Tow/Haul" mode of the ram my trans temp never exceeded 145 even in the Florida sun. The one time I forgot to engage "tow/Haul" mode after a fuel stop, I noticed trans temp shot up to 170 when I restarted the torque app approximately 20 miles down the road. I immediately engaged tow haul mode and watched the temps start coming back down.

I do not know what tow haul mode does but I will tell you to make sure you use it if you are doing any kind of heavy work. All total I racked up approximately 1500 miles towing approximately 7.5K lbs from Ocean County NJ to Marathon FL over 26 hours of basically non stop driving. IMHO, The ram performed flawlessly.

Thank you everyone for your advice and help. Hope my report helps someone else.

The Tow/Haul Mode disables the Over Drive (OD) and also gives you a little higher RPM to make sure the engine can keep up the power.

Glad you love it! I sure love my hemi when hauling
 

Jamesq87

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Just wanted to update this thread as to what I did and what were my results. I changed the transmission fluid by dropping the pan and changing the trans cooler. I did not power flush, or run the engine to flush out every last ounce of fluid. I did let the fluid drain overnight. While I was in there I changed both filters and installed a Doorman pan with a drain plug for future easy fluid changes. All total I used about 10 Quarts of fluid so there was definitely some old fluid still in there. The fluid that came out looked good with nice color and no smell. I did not use the mag tec or the stage 2 valve body. I felt the mag tec was over priced for the cooling it was offering and since my trans had been functioning perfectly with its existing valve body I felt I would leave well enough alone there.

I did however change out the stock 1500 hemi trans cooler for the physically larger factory cooler that is a direct bolt in replacement and comes in the 2003-2006 2500 Rams. I was able to monitor my trans temp via a cheap ebay ELM bluetooth adapter and the torque pro app. As long as used the "Tow/Haul" mode of the ram my trans temp never exceeded 145 even in the Florida sun. The one time I forgot to engage "tow/Haul" mode after a fuel stop, I noticed trans temp shot up to 170 when I restarted the torque app approximately 20 miles down the road. I immediately engaged tow haul mode and watched the temps start coming back down.

I do not know what tow haul mode does but I will tell you to make sure you use it if you are doing any kind of heavy work. All total I racked up approximately 1500 miles towing approximately 7.5K lbs from Ocean County NJ to Marathon FL over 26 hours of basically non stop driving. IMHO, The ram performed flawlessly.

Thank you everyone for your advice and help. Hope my report helps someone else.



Do you have a part # for the transmission cooler?


2006 Ram 1500 SLT Megacab
5.7/auto/4wd
2" lift,33's,minor exhaust tweak. (For now)
 
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