So, what's worse

[Billhig]

I've got a 2010 1500 5.7 and I tow a trailer around 6000 lbs. I've had the trans rebuilt with a better TC, added a bigger cooler and and aux fan for when I'm moving slow. I can keep it below 210f only by staying below 65 and keeping it in 4th gear or lower.

Towed 320 miles to cape cod last week and sat in a ton of traffic. That got me thinking, what's worse for trans temp:
A) going down the hwy at 65 towing a big sail b) sitting in stop and go for 30 minutes
C) getting off the highway and taking back road with lots of lights and hills but more open road

 

[lpennock]

Stop and go is worse. While stopped fuel is burning but you are going nowhere. Pulling off from a stop uses more fuel than going down road.

Slow down to 55 while towing on interstate will give you your best mileage.

Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

 

[Billhig]

I'm wondering about trans temp. Gas is another story.

 

[RLJ10X]

A steady speed is always easier on the equipment than stop and go.

I drive for a living, and I see guys pulling campers all day. I don't think it's a a big sail, I think you are pulling a big parachute! Lol

Im lucky. My trailer is a Sure Trac Tilt with my little 38 hp JD on back. Little to no wind resistance there. My truck always wants to go faster. Lol

 

[lpennock]

The 210f is Transmission or engine temperature? 210 on engine isn't an issue, engine these days are fine to 220. Transmission temperature that high says something is wrong in the Transmission.

Sent from my SM-T500 using Tapatalk

 

[tron67j]

There are a number of other things you need to check before you start digging back into your drivetrain. First on my list would be to load the truck with everything you normally travel with like people, bikes, scooters, whatever it is that you take on vacation and also hitch up your trailer again filled with everything that you take including food, if you fill the water tank, and all gear. Then go get everything weighed at a cat scale to find out if you are nearing your maximum towing capacities. Also, information missing includes if you have oversized tires or other modifications made to the truck that impact towing capabilities. And it would also be good to know what the numbers are on your door sticker such as gross combined weight rating etc. This information will help readers on this thread to get a better picture of what going on and offer their input. Good luck

 

[jvbuttex]

Slow down to 55 while towing on interstate will give you your best mileage.

I think your question was for Temp, not fuel mpg. Typically you can get better cooling across your cooler with constant temps. Hence the reason, cars without engine driven fan keep cycling the electric fan. So constant driving speed is better for keeping things cool.