HI,
Just bought a 2002 Ram 1500 SLT 4X4 with the 4.7 Magnum motor. Seems to run good and smooth, 152,000 miles. Have had it on the freeway no problem. Temp gauge is normally about 2 blade widths (of the gauge) below half. On the freeway it is about 1 blade width under half.

Took out our 4500# camper and after about 10 mins on the freeway temp got to 7/8 high within the safe zone on the gauge, too high for me with such a light load. Thermostat tested fine in boiling water but replaced anyway. My old 2000 3/4 4X4 extended cab 4.7 Magnum's temp needled never moved off normal when towing the old 26' travel trailer we had.
Any advice on what to check next is appreciated.

 

Is there an auxiliary cooling fan on your truck? Is it working?

 

It has the factory engine fan but no auxiliary, shroud also looks good.
Thanks

 

1. 4500lbs isn't exactly a light load for your truck, that's over half your towing capacity.
2. Your old 2000 didn't have a 4.7, especially a 3/4 ton (try again) so you can't make that comparison (4.7 wasn't available in Rams prior to 2002 and only in 1500's), especially since it is a different platform

Only the stock clutch fan would be available unless it was removed in favor of an electric fan

 

Think I would be looking at the fan clutch.

 

To say the least, it sounds like the fan simply isn't cooling the truck enough.

 

OK, will change out the fan clutch and report back, easy enough.
Thanks for the feedback. Hope that is it.
Matt

 

Should be able to test the fan clutch. Loose or spins easily is typically the sign of a worn out one. Use google to find a procedure you're comfortable with.

 

Do you mean spin free by hand?
Thanks

 

Correct.