Hi everyone,

I'd like to get some thoughts on this: I'm thinking of hauling an 1800 lb. U haul trailer for 10 hrs during a move. So, say, add another 1000 lbs. for the stuff inside. I have a 2008 Ram 1500 with only a V6. According to Dodge I can haul up to 3800 lbs., but it's the 10 hr part that bothers me. About 2 hrs. of the terrain I'll be travelling is hilly, the rest is mostly flat. I'm just worried about over heating or blowing my transmission. Would a transmission cooler solve the problem?

TIA

 

i would say adding a trans cooler could not hurt. if anything, in the long run it should almost extend the life of the transmission. when towing you may want to turn the overdrive off. other than that make sure all your fluids are topped up.

 

You'll have tow/haul mode on your transmission so that will help. I think all Rams should come with a trans cooler even if they don't have the towing package. I wouldn't worry about a 3k lb load being too stressful since Tow/Haul will minimize hunting and will keep it from lugging overdrive.

Which U-Haul trailer are you going to use? Since you're worried about weight I assume it's an 6x12? Don't be in a hurry to get up to speed and you'll be fine. I'd worry more about increased stopping distances when loaded. I've rented them (I'm a U-Haul dealer) to be pulled behind a Honda Pilot so if those fake trucks can do it, a Ram can do it

 

Thanks for the replies. I checked and it seems I do, in fact, have a factory transmission cooler in front of the radiator. I also have tow/haul mode on the gear shift and a wiring harness near the license plate. So I think all I need is a hitch ball and I'm good to go?

Yes, I will be hauling the 6x12 U-Haul trailer. If I were just hauling it across town, I wouldn't be concerned. But it's the 10 hrs straight that bothers me. Maybe I'll stop halfway and eat somewhere and let the transmission cool down.

 

Do you have a tow hitch? You can't hook that kinda weight up to your bumper!
Also, I thought all Uhaul trailers have Surge-stlye brakes, even the lighter one's? This will help the trailer brake when your truck is braking. While, not the best situation, its much better than no brakes at all.

 

I think the capacity stamped into my stock bumper is like 5k lbs - not that I'd want to put that much on it. I wouldn't worry about less than 3k though. A 2-inch ball is ideal.

All U-Haul equipment uses the flat 4-pin trailer plug and the large (6x12) trailer does have surge brakes.

I wouldn't worry about the sustained driving. It's not like the system gets progressively hotter; it will reach an operating temp and hold it. Once up to speed there's almost no stress on the transmission so highway driving is the best thing you could do for it.

Once you get used to having a trailer fill your rearview mirror I think the trip will go fine

 

Yeah, my bumper says it's rated for 5k lbs. And the "surge brakes" on the U-Haul trailer sounds like one more thing in my favor. So thanks guys, I feel much more confident now about doing this.

 

Hello Bobby M;just curious as to how the move went with the 6x12 Uhaul and your V6 Dodge. I have an older low mileage 94 Dodge with the V6 auto 42 RH and am considering the same. I am concerned about damaging the transmission .Thanks

 

Ive towed a boat and trailer close to the 3800# limit with a v6 Durango up to 3 hours with no issue. Ive yet to put my v6 Ram to the same test, but Id imagine its going to be fine.

I dont think you have a problem, therefore nothing to solve...I say get towing! Youre well within the specs for your setup.

 

For reference...04 v6...no sweat...45gal tank loaded