Oil Coolant and Tranny Temps

[zeus2120]

A 180 degree thermostat and good 5w-30 synthetic oil could lower your temps a bit. I used to get those temps when the truck was new while towing with the stock thermostat and 5w-20 oil. Removing active grill shutters (if you have them) has been reported to lower coolant temps, which should help to keep oil temps down.

I tow about as much weight as you pretty often in the summertime. My temps only spike now when I go up long grades. I also have 3.92 gears. I typically try to drive 72 mph. I occassionally go faster when I need to make up time.

What oil are you using and what is the condition of your coolant?

I run full synthetic (whatever type the Ram dealer uses). Coolant is fresh -- just had a coolant leak a couple months ago that was repaired along with a full flush and refill. I'm interested to see the performance this upcoming summer. As long as I don't get to a point of doing any damage, I'm ok with making it sweat.

 

[Shawn Burns]

The ram dealer likely uses 5w-20 because that is the grade that the EPA approved. You would have to request a different grade.

 

[CamperMike]

I would not worry a whole lot about those temps . I assume you have an enclosed trailer as the wind resistance makes the truck work a bit. In summer towing our travel trailer I usually see oil temps in the 240s or low 250s. And i don't drive much over 70. If going up a grade I watch temps. If they start increasing I slow down. Otherwise i will let it run all day like that. Coolant on the other hand rarely goes much over 220 unless something is wrong. And if it starts climbing up slow down. Overheat warning is around 240 but less than that blew the head gasket on mine.

 

[joesstripclub]

I'm with CamperMike, the cargo trailer is like dragging a giant sail behind you. Definitely makes the truck work hard. Another thing to consider is what the trailer tires are rated for. I think mine are only good for 77mph or something like that, so I personally slow down especially when loaded to make sure I don't have any tire issues.

 

[healthyrx]

Not exactly identical to you but just so you have an idea in similar temps.
I have a 17 1500 cc with 6.4 ft bed, 35s and 3.92 gears. I had about 1k in the truck this weekend (500lb motorcycle in bed plus me, my girl and 2 dogs in the cab) and in 41degrees I was driving on i24 west from Chattanooga going up the 4-5% grade at 60 in 7th gear. I had been driving for 9 hours at this point and mid way up the climb my temps were
Oil: 203
Coolant: 206
Trans: 188
Oil pressure 52 psi

 

[06 Dodge]

I run full synthetic (whatever type the Ram dealer uses). Coolant is fresh -- just had a coolant leak a couple months ago that was repaired along with a full flush and refill. I'm interested to see the performance this upcoming summer. As long as I don't get to a point of doing any damage, I'm ok with making it sweat.

I would ditch the dealers oil for some good 5w30 synthetic like Mobil One Truck SUV or Rotella T6 5w30 if you can find it

 

[caulk04]

I can help with the trans temp, lol. Seems everything is working as intended really, even if they seem scary. Knowing these engines, I'll never run 5w20 in mine.

The RPM is driving the trans temp up for sure, load and RPM both contributing to the oil temp. Grille shutters are a non-issue here, they're wide open.

 

[2019RamInSC]

Grille shutters are a non-issue here, they're wide open.

I am interested in this discussion. How would one test to make sure the GRILL SHUTTERS are open and working properly?

 

[caulk04]

The system is pretty sensitive, you'd get a CEL if it wasn't functioning as intended.

 

[2019RamInSC]

The system is pretty sensitive, you'd get a CEL if it wasn't functioning as intended.

Thanks. Appreciate it.