I have a 2004 Ram 1500 hemi. While towing my RV (#5000 dry) after driving for sometime the AC would blow hot, if I shut it off for 10 minutes and then turn it back on it would blow cold for a while and then back to hot, but on a warmer day this process does not keep up. I heard or read somewhere that this is normal with a Ram to prevent overheating but I dont like it and dont feel like the truck is working all that hard. I am wondering if I should flush the radiator and or run a special coolant additive or something to help improve the AC proformance while towing. Another thought is I have 3.55 gears which I believe gives me a towing capicity of #6900, maybe fully load with the kids, wife and gear I am over loaded. It is expensive and I dont think it is necessary but maybe I should go to 4.10 gears. All thought and opions are appreciated. Thank you.

 

What size tires are you running? I think I did the math a while ago, I seem to remember that 3.55s with 17" wheels is about the same as 3.92s with 20". Do you have the towing package option?

 

Stock Tires and RIms 17" And I believe it has the tow package but I bought it used and will have to double check the window sticker that I have in the glove box. It does have a hitch and wired for trailer lights

 

replace the fan clutch with a heavy duty one. New t-state. Try some purple ice in the radiator. Biggest thing re-gear. I just traded in my 04 ran 4.56 w/ 285/70/17. Never had a over heating issue.

 

UHHHHHHHHHH--------NO THAT IS NOT NORMAL. Start by checking the condenser fan to see if it is operating or becomes intermittent. The condenser is the small "radiator" next to the real radiator. The fan motors on these are known for taking a dump. Sometimes they will run for a while then shut off, cool down, start back up, shut off---you get the idea.
If that is OK, there is a good chance you are low on freon R-134a. I strongly recommend if you believe that this is the problem, get it looked at by someone that knows what they are doing. Just adding a little freon doesn't always work, and it doesn't take care of the leak, which will only get worse, and eventually destroy the cooling system

 

Agree, you shouldn't be having a problem. I occasionally tow a 7500 lb car trailer with my 2004 QC Hemi 4x4 3.92, towing option, with factory 20" wheels. I don't have any overheating problems or malfunctioning AC.

 

Thank you everyone. I will start checking into the cooling system

 

Dallas,

Keep up posted with your findings and if the issue still persists. If you'd like to review the link I added, it will provide your vehicle's towing information and the Dodge specs and recommendations.

I hope this helps.

http://www.rambodybuilder.com/yearold.pdf