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02-24-2013, 06:31 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 204
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Transmission Temp. & Towing
So I am planning on pulling a 20ft trailer that will weigh about 5000lbs when full of "stuff" between the trailer and other "stuff" in the box of the truck.
I plan on driving with it for 22 hours breaking it down over 3 days, we have a little one and it would be to much to do in two days.
What transmission temperature range would or is acceptable for towing?
Is there a critical temperature that I should not let it go above?
Cheers
Jim
__________________
__________________________________________
2010 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 186BH
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, 5.7L Hemi, 3.92 axle.
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02-24-2013, 06:44 PM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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I wouldn't classify my TV/TT combination as the norm, and I'm sure different drivetrains may differ..... but...., my tranny temp when towing runs at approximately 180 - 190 degrees, but will rise a little on a long grade with high outside temps. I also found that if towing conditions allow me to tow in 'overdrive' my tranny temp will drop almost 10 degrees.
I get a little nervous if my tranny temp gets above 210 degrees for an extended period of time, and if the temp continues to climb I pull off for a cool down. This has only happened on two occasions during a long 5-7 mile grade towing in the mountains out west.
Also, since my TV is used for towing 90% of the time, I change my tranny fluid/filter every 30K miles.
Bob
Some more good stuff on temps:
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...smission+temps
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...smission+temps
http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...smission+temps
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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02-24-2013, 06:50 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 3,204
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Jim, as you probably know excessive heat will toast any transmission. Does your Ram have an external transmission cooler? If so, you're probably OK. When I tow with my F-250, my transmission temp seems to be around 200 to 210 towing 9200 lbs. Hope this helps, Terry
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02-24-2013, 06:55 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Central California
Posts: 2,283
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I'm no expert, in fact asked a similar question a while back. My experience when using our previous TV (1/2 ton) I would consistently see 100* above ambient temp, with a 170* min. Now with the 3/4 ton I have yet to see anything above 180*. If your transmission Fluid is mainatained properlly I wouldn't be worried till sustained >220* and would stop towing before hitting 230*
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 5.7L
2007 Chevy Duramax LMM/Allison (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 29QBH (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 26BH (Sold)
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02-24-2013, 07:17 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Kansas City
Posts: 289
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I like below 190. At what ever temperature, the hotter it is, the worse off you are. Anything over 210 makes me nervous.
X
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...she started talking about how I never listened to her or somethin, I donno, I wasn't really paying attention...
2017 Jayco 287BHSW
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02-24-2013, 07:24 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Aubrey, Tx
Posts: 103
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Is there an aftermarket gauge that can be added to monitor transmission temps?
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1981 Jayco jdove -sold
1989 Coleman Columbia - sold
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2013 Jayco X23B
2013 Ram 1500 Crew Cab
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02-24-2013, 07:31 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Central California
Posts: 2,283
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ScanGuage II, is what I use on TV w/o trans temp on the dash. Uses OBDII port and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle. Also very useful if you throw a code that turns on the CEL. It can read & clear codes.
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 5.7L
2007 Chevy Duramax LMM/Allison (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 29QBH (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 26BH (Sold)
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02-24-2013, 07:33 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Central California
Posts: 2,283
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Quote:
Originally Posted by xkuzme1
I like below 190. At what ever temperature, the hotter it is, the worse off you are. Anything over 210 makes me nervous.
X
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I do too, but with our '04 1500 I found when towing in CA central valley summer temps of 102+ staying under 200 wasnt possible.
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 5.7L
2007 Chevy Duramax LMM/Allison (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 29QBH (Sold)
2012 Jay Flight 26BH (Sold)
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02-24-2013, 07:50 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 204
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TCNASHVILLE
Does your Ram have an external transmission cooler? If so, you're probably OK.
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It has a cooler Terry, just not 100% sure of temps, etc. This will be the first vacation using it and I just want to make sure I got as much info as possible before the gas pedal gets pressed.
__________________
__________________________________________
2010 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 186BH
2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport, 5.7L Hemi, 3.92 axle.
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02-25-2013, 11:32 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,714
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[QUOTE=Rustic Eagle;118876]I wouldn't classify my TV/TT combination as the norm, and I'm sure different drivetrains may differ..... but...., my tranny temp when towing runs at approximately 180 - 190 degrees, but will rise a little on a long grade with high outside temps. I also found that if towing conditions allow me to tow in 'overdrive' my tranny temp will drop almost 10 degrees.
I get a little nervous if my tranny temp gets above 210 degrees for an extended period of time, and if the temp continues to climb I pull off for a cool down. This has only happened on two occasions during a long 5-7 mile grade towing in the mountains out west.
Also, since my TV is used for towing 90% of the time, I change my tranny fluid/filter every 30K miles.
Bob
When the tranny temps get above 220 change it as soon as you get home..... also if you still have a lot of driving to do pull the dipstick and check the level... if the fluid is black or has a burnt smell to it change it immediately.
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days boondockinig in2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
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02-25-2013, 01:52 PM
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#11
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Seann,
I also have my transmission fluid tested by the GM transmission tech at every engine oil change.., one of the main reasons I have the synthetic engine oil/filter changed at my GM dealership.
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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02-25-2013, 01:59 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Friendswood
Posts: 917
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Transmission Temp. & Towing
Keep trans temp under 215 degrees and change it every 25 to 30 thousand miles and your transmission will last a long time.
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02-25-2013, 04:44 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Southern Indiana
Posts: 3,204
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Jim, if you can't monitor transmission temps via the trucks on board info screen, [if applicable] just keep an eye on the temperature gauge in the instrument cluster. Make sure it stays in the normal range because engine coolant is primarily responsible for cooling the entire power train. Remember, as stated above, outside air temps and terrain will play a big role in how hot the transmission will be. Again, check it when you stop for gas or something and make sure it doesn't smell burnt as Seann said. Also, make sure you stay within the trucks payload capacity. Payload; Sticker weight-people-hitch-gear etc. One last note: 5000lbs is no match for your hemi!
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02-26-2013, 05:12 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Twin Falls
Posts: 930
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Here is a guide I found when I used to pull my trailer with a 1500 Suburban, my Suburban had an auxillary transmission cooler and kept the oil changed regularily. I also had the Scangage II to monitor my transmission temperature.
Because of the Scangage and this temp guide, I realized the transmission on Suburban was the weak link on my vehicle and ended up selling the Suburban and buying my Ram 2500. I no longer have transmission temp problems.
__________________
2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins
2012 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 297 BHS
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02-27-2013, 10:55 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tacoma, WA
Posts: 102
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One thing to consider is where your trans temp is being measured. If you are getting a temp from the pan, then what you are measuring is not the hottest the fluid is getting. You want to make sure to allow for this. My Ram doesn't have a gauge (yet), so I just take it easy and closely monitor the fluid condition. Our Tahoe liked to hang around 180* to 200* with a bit higher (up to 210*) on long grades. One thing I learned was that dropping a gear to increase RPM's also increases flow through the tranny cooler and I saw my temps drop off pretty quickly. Keeping overdrive off helps a lot too (and is recommended for towing with many rigs).
Your rig is pretty new, but it doesn't hurt to be pro-active with the tranny fluids. I do a drain and fill every other oil change or so. This only gets about 1/2 the fluid, but I figure none of the fluid should be getting to old or "used up" using this method.
With 5k and the 3.92 the Hemi shouldn't even be breaking a sweat!
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2012 Jay Flight 29QBH
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins H.O. 48RE
Equalizer 4-pt sway control hitch
Honda EU1000i
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02-28-2013, 07:25 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Brandon, FL
Posts: 348
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle
Also, since my TV is used for towing 90% of the time, I change my tranny fluid/filter every 30K miles.
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Bob...and others,
When you change the tranny fluid/filter do you just drop the pan and change the filter and what fluid is lost there, or do you have all of the fluid pumped out and replaced?
Thanks,
__________________
Ken Smith
2016 Heritage Glen 272RLIS
2017 Dodge Ram 2500 6.7 CTD
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02-28-2013, 09:12 AM
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#17
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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Ken,
I incorrectly stated "change" in my post, but I actually have my transmission "flushed" (pumped) at my GM dealership. One can have their tranny fluid changed in a single session, but I believe it leaves behind the old fluid in the torque converter and possibly some of the trans cooler (it may very with each vehicle).
Bob
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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03-03-2013, 08:57 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
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hey! I am not familiar with transmission temperature but getting to know it since we'll be towing this summer and wanted to know what the normal temps were
We are at 56 000 km (a little over 30 000 miles) and we had the transmission flushed at the Dodge dealer. I have been looking at the transmission numbers on the EVIC and although it is cold here right now, around 35 degrees outside, the transmission temp were up to 185 degrees without towing, driving on the highway. This seems high. Is that normal?
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03-03-2013, 09:00 AM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 17,091
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boubou
hey! I am not familiar with transmission temperature but getting to know it since we'll be towing this summer and wanted to know what the normal temps were
We are at 56 000 km (a little over 30 000 miles) and we had the transmission flushed at the Dodge dealer. I have been looking at the transmission numbers on the EVIC and although it is cold here right now, around 35 degrees outside, the transmission temp were up to 185 degrees without towing, driving on the highway. This seems high. Is that normal?
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To be that cold out and not towing 185 is high IMO. What kind of temps were you seeing when towing in warm weather?
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2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2018 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2l CCSB
2010 Jayflight 28BHS (sold)
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03-03-2013, 09:15 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 626
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Hey! I got this from a guy in Ram forums : "That's normal range. When you consider you engine operates around 200F, it's not bad at all."
So how about when towing, would I expect temps to go up much or does the Transmission (heavy duty on the Ram 2010) cooler kicks in?
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