Intense-Dakota
Landscape and Nature Photographer
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2016
- Posts
- 249
- Reaction score
- 106
- Location
- GUNTERSVILLE, Alabama
- Ram Year
- 2017
- Engine
- Hemi 5.7
I have had many trucks through the years, and about 6 months ago I replaced my 2014 2500 with a 2017 REBEL (5.7L, 8 speed, 3.92 4x4, CC, Air Suspension). I have towed a lot, but all usually within 20-30 miles, and never through the mountains. I have driving Pike's Peak and Mt. Washington so I am fully aware of engine breaking and not riding the breaks, however, those trips were in my 2007 Tahoe, and my wife's 2016 Durango (paddle shifters for win!).
I will be towing a 4K trailer (flatbed with a load) from central Illinois to southern Tennessee in the coming weeks.
My truck did come from the factory with the class IV hitch (but no trailer brake installed). Should it have the tow package trans cooler?
Sorry for the long intro, but here are my questions.
I will be towing a 4K trailer (flatbed with a load) from central Illinois to southern Tennessee in the coming weeks.
My truck did come from the factory with the class IV hitch (but no trailer brake installed). Should it have the tow package trans cooler?
Sorry for the long intro, but here are my questions.
- Engine/Transmission breaking, what are "safe" RPMs? The newer RAMs don't have a red line for the tach, but obviously, 8000 RPMs is not safe. My guess is that in a lot of the steep down-hill areas, I will be running in 4th or 5th to keep it under 60-65, but I don't want to trash the trans or brakes.
- What is a safe or normal trans temp? I have done a TON of research, and the only thing I could find was one page saying that ~195° is normal and 248° is the start of the danger zone.