I have a 30 foot travel trailer that weighs in at 6100 lbs. Once the wife gets her stuff packed we come close to 7500 lbs., most likely less. I haven't done anthing to my truck except add the K&N filter. My questions about towing are, when I'm towing the camper, I have to leave the truck with OD/Off. With my current setup, 5 speed auto, 2WD, 3.73 diff, and LT265/70 17 tires, I should be able to tow 9300 lbs., but it seems like the motor turns too many RPMs. I tested it, 2500 @ 60 MPH. Is this too much? Will it hurt the engine to take it on a long trip? What can I do to improve the power or is it just designed this way?

Thanks for your help and if I need to provide anything more I will be happy to.

Steve

 

The newer ones have a tow/haul setting. I would run it off while towing. It will make the transmission last alot longer.
2500rpm won't hurt to run the Hemi at all.


Oh, and welcome to the forums

 

Seeing as how gas engines always get the best of their power in the higher rpm range as opposed to diesel. At what point do the rpm's become dangerous? What if you were cruising at 3500rpm?

 

thats not dangerous. use the o/d off. thats what it is there for!! it will help a ton! the higher the rpms the better when towing or hauling. people are too scared to take our V8s in the higher rpms. if u have changed ur oil regularly its fine!!

 

I regularly have my engine at 4,000+ on long grades.

 

Sounds good guys, thanks.

Why should I turn the overdrive off?

 

Because you don't want it to shift into 5th gear while towing. Lower gears give you more torque, which you need when pulling more weight. I don't know about your year, but since you don't have a tow/haul mode like I do, the OD off might also change shift points.
As a side note, I would recommend an electronic brake controller if your trailer has brakes. It will help braking distances and prevent premature wear on your truck brakes.

 

OD not designed for towing heavy loads. It helps keep the transmission alive by turning it off while towing. Plus keeps the engine in a better powerband.

 

If your truck doesn't have a tow/haul mode, you'll definitely want to turn OD Off. It will be better for the truck.

 

You're gonna love the mileage.