Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
#11
05-16-2006 | 12:09 AM
Joined: May 2006
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RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
Yes you should tow with the over drive off. This will lock the torque converter for a stronger feel. Towing a trailer over 1000lbs with the over drive on can cause damage and over heating in the trany. I have a question for you how much did it cost to change the gears to 4.10?
#12
05-16-2006 | 11:14 AM
Champion
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,313
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RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
It is best to tow with overdrive off, or with the new Tow Haul set to use only the 0.75 ratio gear below the top overdrive.
The trans gets better cooling.
When towing a heavy load there is very little MPG advantage to overdrive as the throttle is already more open than in unloaded driving.
The trans gets better cooling.
When towing a heavy load there is very little MPG advantage to overdrive as the throttle is already more open than in unloaded driving.
#13
05-16-2006 | 07:15 PM
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From:
RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
ORIGINAL: ramman9902
Yes you should tow with the over drive off. This will lock the torque converter for a stronger feel. Towing a trailer over 1000lbs with the over drive on can cause damage and over heating in the trany. I have a question for you how much did it cost to change the gears to 4.10?
Yes you should tow with the over drive off. This will lock the torque converter for a stronger feel. Towing a trailer over 1000lbs with the over drive on can cause damage and over heating in the trany. I have a question for you how much did it cost to change the gears to 4.10?
#14
05-16-2006 | 07:17 PM
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RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
ORIGINAL: osteodoc08
First things first, when was your tranny serviced? The 46rfe trannies need to be serviced regularly and the bands adjusted properly to function correctly. Also, you might want to venture over to the 2nd generation forums and see common problems/fixes for that motor.
The 5.9L is a fantastic motor. It builds toque low and has a long record of reliability. It should be able to tow that trailer relatively easily. How tall is the trailer? You must look at frontal area as well. If it has a large frontal area, that will equal more drag. Try towing a utility trailer that has the ramp up and try towing a trailer with no ramp, you'll know what I mean.
Also, you should have no problem on Florida's flat highways. Something is wrong if you can only go 55mph with the OD on. Is this with the OD on and not shifting down or it is floored something seems to be wrong going 55mpg? How is it without a trailer?
First things first, when was your tranny serviced? The 46rfe trannies need to be serviced regularly and the bands adjusted properly to function correctly. Also, you might want to venture over to the 2nd generation forums and see common problems/fixes for that motor.
The 5.9L is a fantastic motor. It builds toque low and has a long record of reliability. It should be able to tow that trailer relatively easily. How tall is the trailer? You must look at frontal area as well. If it has a large frontal area, that will equal more drag. Try towing a utility trailer that has the ramp up and try towing a trailer with no ramp, you'll know what I mean.
Also, you should have no problem on Florida's flat highways. Something is wrong if you can only go 55mph with the OD on. Is this with the OD on and not shifting down or it is floored something seems to be wrong going 55mpg? How is it without a trailer?
#15
05-16-2006 | 07:20 PM
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Joined: May 2006
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RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
Well, I put it to the test this weekend (highway test)
Drove from Jacksonville, Fl to Jennings, Fl (135 miles)......it pulled much better with the 4.10 gears.
I was able to keep the overdrive on and travel at 70mph max @ 2,400 rpm.
(In the past I had to drive with overdrive off and would use one full tank of gas to travel 135 miles. This time I only used half a tank)
Drove from Jacksonville, Fl to Jennings, Fl (135 miles)......it pulled much better with the 4.10 gears.
I was able to keep the overdrive on and travel at 70mph max @ 2,400 rpm.
(In the past I had to drive with overdrive off and would use one full tank of gas to travel 135 miles. This time I only used half a tank)
#16
05-16-2006 | 07:23 PM
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From:
RE: Towing with the 5.9Liter / Ram 1500
ORIGINAL: ramman9902
Yes you should tow with the over drive off. This will lock the torque converter for a stronger feel. Towing a trailer over 1000lbs with the over drive on can cause damage and over heating in the trany. I have a question for you how much did it cost to change the gears to 4.10?
Yes you should tow with the over drive off. This will lock the torque converter for a stronger feel. Towing a trailer over 1000lbs with the over drive on can cause damage and over heating in the trany. I have a question for you how much did it cost to change the gears to 4.10?