I have a 2001 Dodge 2500 4x4 Long Bed that I just bought used with 90K miles on it. I am having a horrible time towing with it. I had a 16 ft cattle trailer with two cows on it (maybe trailer and cows grossed 5500 - 6000lbs) that I was towing down an interstate just flat highway and the top speed I could reach was 62mph with the overdrive off and 64 mph with the overdrive on. Either way I had to have the pedal on the floor to reach either speed.What is the deal? I know it should be pulling way better and faster than that. The engine sounds just fine when running and without the trailer I can drive any speed pretty much. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Forgot to mention 5.9L Diesel.

 

ive got an 02 2500 5.9 gas and i tow my 6x12 enclosed trailer maybe #1300 and my atv #800 and i cant tow that thing for crap my atv pulls the trailer better. i cant even pull big hills i jujst bought mine with 58k 4 mths ago and im fighting with the dealer now because this thing is a dog but no one can figure out why. well good luck sorry i cant help but just figured i woul let you know your not alone

 

Thanks, it is good to know I'm not alone. What I don't get is my brother has the exact same year model same paint and everything just short wheel base and not the 4x4 edition and he can pull a 32 foot trailer loaded with cattle 75-80 mph down the interstate without any problems.

 

You'll probably get better answers in the CTD section.

 

Don't know what your problem is but that diesel should easily pull that load. Of course I wouldn't recommend any faster while towing but it should be able to. My 5.9 gas pulls a 7000 lb. trailer on flat land about as fast as I want. Hills will slow it down but even hills shouldn't bother your diesel.

 

I am taking the truck out today I will see what kind of RPMs I get and let you know. Thanks for all the help.

 

Before doing any more towing with that Cummins
go into a Cummins 'Powerstore' near your location
and have the fuel psi in front of the injector pump
checked.

If your 'lift pump' is dying
and low pressure causes the fuel injection pump to fail
you are looking at $1500-2000 repair cost.