Towing with a late model Ram...6.7 CTD

KRSmitty · 03-20-2017, 08:32 AM

Went on our first trip with our new Ram 2500 (posted about it in a previous thread).

Truck towed GREAT. Loved all the new features, seat warmer, steering wheel warmer, exhaust brake, Sirius radio and traffic/travel apps, more HP and torque. Truck definitely towed with more "authority" than my old 07 2500 (5.9 CTD).

For the most part, hit the Tow/Haul button, put it in drive and went. It down shifted a few times going up hills...once or twice I dropped it out of OD (6th) when it seemed to be lagging a bit going up a hill. There was a few times where it was in 5th and stayed there for awhile before it went back into OD.

Other than the higher RPM/bit more engine noise there did not seem to be much difference in 5th and OD.

Anyone else work things differently?

Thanks,

donniedu · 03-20-2017, 08:48 AM

EB should always be on regardless of towing or not. It definitely helps reduce soot on the turbo vanes. With the newer trucks you definitely need to drive it like you stole it. Around town lock it out of OD and it will run for ever.

KRSmitty · 03-20-2017, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donniedu

EB should always be on regardless of towing or not. It definitely helps reduce soot on the turbo vanes. With the newer trucks you definitely need to drive it like you stole it. Around town lock it out of OD and it will run for ever.

I agree...I like how the EB works. You keep it in the Full or Auto EB? I do see where it has a tendency of up shifting to fast. Must be a common thing. We own a Ford Edge and it does the same thing. Will use the manual shifting to keep it in a lower gear at times.

Thanks,

shorthorn · 03-20-2017, 10:56 AM

I always run my truck with Tow/Haul on and the EB on full. Only time I use automode is if I am in the hills on the interstate... Full EB is for coming to a stop. Auto EB is for holding a set speed.

Chuckinca · 03-20-2017, 03:57 PM

We put ours in Tow/Haul and drive. It takes over most of the braking when in the mtns and will slow you down more when you let off the pedal for a while on the flats.

GR8!

.

Ortep · 03-20-2017, 04:11 PM

Wondering what kind of mpg you're getting while towing and how much weight are you pulling?

donniedu · 03-20-2017, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ortep

Wondering what kind of mpg you're getting while towing and how much weight are you pulling?

13,500 pound fiver 10.5 to 11.5MPG at highway speed. Whatever that is.

shorthorn · 03-20-2017, 04:53 PM

13k lb 5er... to Pigeon Forge and back averaged just over 12

KRSmitty · 03-20-2017, 05:25 PM

My first trip with it...9-10K travel trailer loaded. 11.5 to 12.5 mpg

Pathfinder75 · 03-20-2017, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRSmitty

Other than the higher RPM/bit more engine noise there did not seem to be much difference in 5th and OD.

Just wanted to point out what some people do not realize. Both 5th and 6th are overdrive ratios. 4th gear is the 1:00 to 1 gear ratio. See: Aisin AS69RC vs Chrysler 68RFE Transmission Comparison for information on both
2007 model year launched (This should be your Transmission for non-H.O. motor)
CHRYSLER 68RFE TRANSMISSION RATIOS (1st=3.23 :1) (2nd=1.84 :1) (3rd=1.41 :1) (4th=1.00 :1) (5th=0.82 :1) (6th=0.63 :1) (Rev=4.44 :1)
or the 6.7L H.O. Trans. Introduced for the 2013 model year
AISIN AS69RC TRANSMISSION RATIOS (1st=3.75 :1) (2nd=2.00 :1) (3rd=1.34 :1) (4th=1.00 :1) (5th = 0.77 :1) ( 6th=0.63 :1) (Rev=3.54 :1)
My only point here is that you are not really straining it when it drops to 5th just keeping engine in the best RPM range.

KRSmitty · 03-20-2017, 05:58 PM

Pathfinder...I stayed with the 5.9 in my 07. So I had the 4 speed 48RE tranny.

Ahh...read your post again. I see what you are saying about running in 5th on the new one.

Thanks.

shorthorn · 03-20-2017, 06:15 PM

My '14 3500 DRW has the 68RFE and 3.42 rear gears. Below 70MPH I how in 5th. Above 70 and flat ground she does fine in 6th

KRSmitty · 03-20-2017, 06:18 PM

Sounds like it might not be a bad idea to keep in 5th for the ups and downs and go into 6th for the long straights?

shorthorn · 03-20-2017, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KRSmitty

Sounds like it might not be a bad idea to keep in 5th for the ups and downs and go into 6th for the long straights?

That's what I do... so far it works great! She will hold 6th at 60, but the RPMs are too low for my liking (1400ish). 5th puts her at 1800 and right at the torque peak

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