towing rpm

machunt wrote:
yes the truck runs at lower rpms with tow haul mode off, but is it safe to tow in this manner? 5ver around 11,000pds. Would it effect any other componets in t/h/ mode off

I do it all the time with my 11500.I really only use t/h to help with braking in the mountains, to be honest. Trans temp isn't adversely affected, and there's no hunting for gears. I've tried using it in regular towing, and the only thing different is shift points and, I believe, fuel consumption.

wcjeep wrote:

Mote wrote:
My old Dodge with the Cummins won't even turn 2400 rpm. The govenor limits it to 2200rpm which is around 55mph with overdrive locked out. At that rpm it sure is loud.
I can run overdrive when pulling the camper most of the time when on the highway. I do have to be carefull pulling hills thou as the torque of the engine is to much for the trans to handle and it will slip.

To the OP, I would rather have 2500rpm vs 1750rpm. The truck can do either. However, the Cummins can be subject to power pulses when bogged down. The pulses can be bad for anything down line. At 2500rpm, the engine is not bogged down. The 3rd gen common rail can easily run this rpm all day. Marine applications with unlimited water run max rpm all day.

For the guy with the 96' CTD, look into the spring upgrade for rpms. Go with the 3k kit. Your 96' will easily hit 3k rpm. It will feel like adding 40hp. This was one of better mods I did to my 96'. Also recommend a steering brace for the front end.

Add 215 Bosch injectors to the list. At least 1mpg better mileage.

boogie_4wheel wrote:

john&bet wrote:

boogie_4wheel wrote:
If this is an early 04, try running with the T/H off. This will allow it to drop into 4th and would probably net you some fuel economy. Save T/H (OD lockout) for the hills.

The 04.5+ T/H allowed 4th gear operation, but 04 and older was an OD lockout feature. I don't know the specs on your FW but would at least try to pull it in OD.

With reguard to the t/h mode, if I push the button I run the ops' rpm. I put my '04.5 in D and go. I very seldom push the button. I generally run 1800 rpm on the interstate with very little down shifting and 55 mph on other roads.

Maybe I'm wrong... The T/H on the '04.5 is still only a lockout :? When you first enable T/H while under way, the truck will downshift to 3rd, but after a few seconds it will upshift back to 4th. Try it from a stop empty with T/H enabled, truck should go into 4th at ~45mph with light throttle. If it doesn't then I was wrong and the T/H with 4th enabled is an '05+ thing (not an '04.5+ thing).

For the OP, I would still try running without T/H enabled and pulling in 4th.

I don't notice mine shifting back to 4th under load. I will try what you suggested after bit when I have to go to town just to see.

boogie_4wheel wrote:
If this is an early 04, try running with the T/H off. This will allow it to drop into 4th and would probably net you some fuel economy. Save T/H (OD lockout) for the hills.

The 04.5+ T/H allowed 4th gear operation, but 04 and older was an OD lockout feature. I don't know the specs on your FW but would at least try to pull it in OD.

Correct information.
Towing down a level highway I'm at ~1800 going ~63 MPH in 4th gear.

Mote wrote:
My old Dodge with the Cummins won't even turn 2400 rpm. The govenor limits it to 2200rpm which is around 55mph with overdrive locked out. At that rpm it sure is loud.
I can run overdrive when pulling the camper most of the time when on the highway. I do have to be carefull pulling hills thou as the torque of the engine is to much for the trans to handle and it will slip.

To the OP, I would rather have 2500rpm vs 1750rpm. The truck can do either. However, the Cummins can be subject to power pulses when bogged down. The pulses can be bad for anything down line. At 2500rpm, the engine is not bogged down. The 3rd gen common rail can easily run this rpm all day. Marine applications with unlimited water run max rpm all day.

For the guy with the 96' CTD, look into the spring upgrade for rpms. Go with the 3k kit. Your 96' will easily hit 3k rpm. It will feel like adding 40hp. This was one of better mods I did to my 96'. Also recommend a steering brace for the front end.

Run in 4th and down shift when needed. You are wasting a lot of money on fuel and hearing loss!

john&bet wrote:

boogie_4wheel wrote:
If this is an early 04, try running with the T/H off. This will allow it to drop into 4th and would probably net you some fuel economy. Save T/H (OD lockout) for the hills.

The 04.5+ T/H allowed 4th gear operation, but 04 and older was an OD lockout feature. I don't know the specs on your FW but would at least try to pull it in OD.

With reguard to the t/h mode, if I push the button I run the ops' rpm. I put my '04.5 in D and go. I very seldom push the button. I generally run 1800 rpm on the interstate with very little down shifting and 55 mph on other roads.

Maybe I'm wrong... The T/H on the '04.5 is still only a lockout :? When you first enable T/H while under way, the truck will downshift to 3rd, but after a few seconds it will upshift back to 4th. Try it from a stop empty with T/H enabled, truck should go into 4th at ~45mph with light throttle. If it doesn't then I was wrong and the T/H with 4th enabled is an '05+ thing (not an '04.5+ thing).

For the OP, I would still try running without T/H enabled and pulling in 4th.

Sierra (See sig) with 3.73 gears, EATON E-locker differential, Suncoast Triple Lock TQ Converter, upgraded Allison tranny input/output shafts, performance valve body and shift kit: 1600 RPM in 6th gear direct at 60 MPH towing our 14,305lb 5'er not using tow-haul. 1750 RPM in 5th gear tow-haul.

Happy camping!!! See y'all down the road!!!:)

yes the truck runs at lower rpms with tow haul mode off, but is it safe to tow in this manner? 5ver around 11,000pds. Would it effect any other componets in t/h/ mode off

My old Dodge with the Cummins won't even turn 2400 rpm. The govenor limits it to 2200rpm which is around 55mph with overdrive locked out. At that rpm it sure is loud.
I can run overdrive when pulling the camper most of the time when on the highway. I do have to be carefull pulling hills thou as the torque of the engine is to much for the trans to handle and it will slip.