4,000 - 4,200 RPM?
I have a 2004 Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.0 and 4.10 rear with about 80,000 miles on it. This is what I use to pull my 8,000# travel trailer. I have kept it well-maintained and it still seems to wor...
Forum Discussion
Yes, higher RPMs will wear it out sooner than later...but...things
(engineering science, materials science and production science) has
improved GREATLY
But, things do wear out to do NOT heal themselves. Even with the best
lubrication...things do wear...just not as much as before these great
lub's were around
Key question is when will it wear out? Most cases will not happen
in an instant. Lessening of power over time.
Higher rev's, within reason for 'that' ICE's architecture, is okay
if you need/want more power. 'Within reason' meaning that there is a
rev limiter in the computer software for a reason
Lugging it will do more harm than spinning it as noted by the OP
Gearing (transmission, transfer case and diff) multiplies the ICE's
power per the gear ratio (increase is common, but OD reduces power)
Architecture...meaning that small block can rev higher than big blocks
(this includes larger displacement diesel) because the mass (weights
and sizes) of things are smaller. Think about this: the piston/rod
some times moves close to the speed of sound...then reverses direction
180* to then go almost the speed of sound the other way.
The larger/heavier/etc the parts are, the tougher it will be to hold
them together...or from flying apart (blown engine)
Why 'over square' architecture 'can' rev higher...vs...a long stroke
architecture
Too techie?....then just do what the glove box manual recommends to
do. Use the tow/haul button. 'Recommends' or 'recommendation' is not
what you think...don't follow and they might deny warranty since you
didn't do what they 'recommend'...
(engineering science, materials science and production science) has
improved GREATLY
But, things do wear out to do NOT heal themselves. Even with the best
lubrication...things do wear...just not as much as before these great
lub's were around
Key question is when will it wear out? Most cases will not happen
in an instant. Lessening of power over time.
Higher rev's, within reason for 'that' ICE's architecture, is okay
if you need/want more power. 'Within reason' meaning that there is a
rev limiter in the computer software for a reason
Lugging it will do more harm than spinning it as noted by the OP
Gearing (transmission, transfer case and diff) multiplies the ICE's
power per the gear ratio (increase is common, but OD reduces power)
Architecture...meaning that small block can rev higher than big blocks
(this includes larger displacement diesel) because the mass (weights
and sizes) of things are smaller. Think about this: the piston/rod
some times moves close to the speed of sound...then reverses direction
180* to then go almost the speed of sound the other way.
The larger/heavier/etc the parts are, the tougher it will be to hold
them together...or from flying apart (blown engine)
Why 'over square' architecture 'can' rev higher...vs...a long stroke
architecture
Too techie?....then just do what the glove box manual recommends to
do. Use the tow/haul button. 'Recommends' or 'recommendation' is not
what you think...don't follow and they might deny warranty since you
didn't do what they 'recommend'...
nomad297 wrote:
I have a 2004 Chevrolet 2500HD with the 6.0 and 4.10 rear with about 80,000 miles on it. This is what I use to pull my 8,000# travel trailer. I have kept it well-maintained and it still seems to work like it did when it was new.
My question is, how much wear and tear would I put on it if I let it run at 4,000 to 4,200 RPM up grades to maintain 55 MPH? My habit is to try and keep it around 3,000 RPM and let it decide how much it will slow down by the time I reach the top of the grade, but I would be much less of an annoyance to those behind me if I felt more comfortable letting it run at 4,000 to 4,200 RPM, but it just sounds scary when the motor is screaming at those high RPMs.
I think the motor's peak horsepower of about 300 is obtained at around 4,000 RPM, but does that mean it is ok to run it there? What are your opinions -- expert, or not?
Thank you,
Bruce
