Towing ?

[rampower2012]

Hello to you all in ram land . I have a 2012 ram 1/2 ton 5.7 6 speed 4wD.i rented a 12 ft inclosde trailer to to help move some friends that was fine and dandy puling around town was ok BUT when I got on the i90 speed limit is 80 got up to speed truck well not shift from fourth gear to fifth or even go in to sixth and my tac was at 3.500 rpm so I called the dealer and ask them about it that told me my truck don't have the power to pull a 12 ft inclosde trailer I thank thay are full of **** on that. Any input you can give me on this.

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Wind resistance.... it'll do better at lower speed.

Even semi trucks struggle against wind... and they're upwards of 500 hp and 1800 ft lbs of torque.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[rampower2012]

Yes it was windy to day . it's just bums out to see this

 

[Firetruck41]

Many trailer tires aren't rated to more than 60 mph. 80mph is way above what I would be comfortable towing, even a small trailer.

 

[rampower2012]

I no most aren't rated for more then that it doesn't bother me to tow that fast used to drive for a livein

 

[RLJ10X]

It'll bother you when one of those cheap ***** tires goes pop. I drive for a living, too. There's not a day goes by, in the summer that I don't see at least one trailer on the shoulder with a flat.

Both my enclosed motorcycle trailer and my Sure Trac 16 foot tilt, have Goodyear Endurance tires. They're high priced tires. But in the long run they're the cheapest thing you can put on a trailer.

Oh, and 4.10s with that 6 speed tows great!

 

[dhay13]

Yeah it will bother you when a tire pops and flips your truck. But yeah, wind resistance is a big issue. No way I would be doing 80 towing no matter what the speed limit is. 65-70 would be pushing it for me. I had a 2007 1500 with the 4.7 (junk) and towed my 14x7 enclosed trailer to Indy. It weighed about 3500lbs and it stayed in 3rd gear almost the whole way and I was turning about 3500RPM the whole trip. Got about 7 MPG.

 

[Quyonmob]

1-wind resistance increases exponentially with speed
2-blowouts suck at 80mph

Nothing wrong with your truck. It’s doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.

 

[kurek]

Uhh i just pulled a 14 foot by 7 wide by 6.5' tall single axle 3500lb trailer from phoenix to spokane last december in my 2015 5.7l 6 speed 4x4 with 3.55 diff gears and had no trouble with 75mph other than poor fuel economy. I didn't pay attention to what gear it shifted into specifically but I'd have noticed if it was only in 4th after getting up to speed.

 

[crash68]

With the Hemi torque peak at 4K rpms, it's not surprising to see the transmission keep the rpms elevated. The transmission will downshift to match the demand, the faster you travel the higher the load.

 

[rampower2012]

I am glad that I'm not the only one who has the same thing going down the road with a trailer I thought thar was a probably or something going on that was doing that that makes me feel better on that note.and yes on the tire going pop I really shouldn't be traveling that fast shame on me . would it help if at one point I put a power programer that would have a setting for towing or not

 

[KeepRight]

I no most aren't rated for more then that it doesn't bother me to tow that fast used to drive for a livein

So, if you drive for a living then you should know. (Not sure about spellin though.)

Typical trailer speed rating. Not to drive at that speed while towing. Yes, you might be comfortable, what about the others on the road... Stopping, changing lane, you blowing around, trailer wagging etc. Your truck was telling you, 'hey this isn't the speed you really want.' Were you using the Tow/Haul truck setting?

Also, I get you saying what gear it wasn't changing. You should tow w/o overdrive, for me that's 7th gear.

Slight road incline, wind speed, tire ratings (both trailer & truck). Were all tires inflated to the proper towing psi; max psi? Did you load the trailer the right way? How much weight was in your truck? People, snacks, lead foot...

So, maybe next time you'll put others in mind when towing. Maybe, take care of your truck too. Yup, the truck can handle the rating - NOT at 80mph. What speed these days do you see 18 wheelers driving?

I'll also bet, you might rethink posting this type of question. You can get mad at me pointing all this out... Dude, slow down just a bit, and what are the rules of the road?

Omg and tell me what part of the world you live. I want my family far away from you. Adding a programmer isn't the fix.

Be a courteous driver - Shower Traffic Keep Right.

 

[Quyonmob]

7th gear is still OD

 

[KeepRight]

7th gear is still OD

Not on my truck, 8 speed w/od...I really don't see a problem the OP's truck staying in 6th. Yup, pretty high rpms, only affecting mpg, and maybe unneeded wear on the tranny.

I still say, yes trucks can pull rated weights (actually over the rates.) Yet, I do take care of my truck. It's like snow dogs... Care for them and they'll keep performing. We push them too hard...Blamo...

 

[Quyonmob]

Not on my truck, 8 speed w/od...I really don't see a problem the OP's truck staying in 6th. Yup, pretty high rpms, only affecting mpg, and maybe unneeded wear on the tranny.

I still say, yes trucks can pull rated weights (actually over the rates.) Yet, I do take care of my truck. It's like snow dogs... Care for them and they'll keep performing. We push them too hard...Blamo...

Yes, 7th is OD.
6th is 1:1 direct drive
7th and 8th are overdrive

 

[KeepRight]

Yes, 7th is OD.
6th is 1:1 direct drive
7th and 8th are overdrive

Ok, so in today's political environment... Let's agree to disagree. Do you even know what truck that I drive?

 

[Quyonmob]

Yes, 7th is OD.
6th is 1:1 direct drive
7th and 8th are overdrive

Ok, so in today's political environment... Let's agree to disagree. Do you even know what truck that I drive?

Can’t be a 8spd 1500 ram. So no, I guess not.

 

[KeepRight]

Can’t be a 8spd 1500 ram. So no, I guess not.

Do you wanna bet a coke? Come on, let's bet that I do have a ram 1500 with a 8 speed.

 

[Quyonmob]

Do you wanna bet a coke? Come on, let's bet that I do have a ram 1500 with a 8 speed.

Guess it’s a 5th gen? All 4th gens have double overdrive 8spds. I know nothing about 5the gens.

I believe you have an 8spd 1500, but I am telling you it has 2 OD gears.

Here is the spread for zF8 derivatives (specifically the 8hp70).
1) 4.71:1
2) 3.14:1
3) 2.10:1
4) 1.67:1
5) 1.29:1
6) 1.00:1
7) 0.84:1
8) 0.67:1

 

[KeepRight]

Guess it’s a 5th gen? All 4th gens have double overdrive 8spds. I know nothing about 5the gens.

Here is the spread for zF8 derivatives (specifically the 8hp70).
1) 4.71:1
2) 3.14:1
3) 2.10:1
4) 1.67:1
5) 1.29:1
6) 1.00:1
7) 0.84:1
8) 0.67:1

I live in Texas...I drink Russell's Bourbon... But will take a coke zero.

Ram truck with 8 speeds...many Jeeps too.