Kamper Dave
05-03-2011, 07:06 AM
2004 RAM 2500 with 5.9L CUMMINS, 3.73 Axle, Auto Trans 4speed.
TOW & HAUL or NOT? What is best? It seems to me that this Cummins loves to pull @ 2,000rpm.
So, while towing I have two choices:
1. Tow and Haul disengaged is 2,000 rpm that’s 68mph and 11-15 mpg with EGT that must be monitored.
2. Tow & Haul ENGAGED is 2,000 rpm that’s 50mph and 7-8 mpg with EGT that never seem to approach 1200ºF. A slow way to go anywhere and costly at the pump.
I tend to disengage the tow and haul, maintain about 2,000 rpm and when I see a hill up ahead give her fuel and watch the EGT (turbo input temperature) rise to 1125ºF. I slowly let off the fuel to maintain 1125ºF EGT +/-25ºF. If I make it over the hill all is well. If I lose enough rpm and speed (55mph) I must engage Tow and Haul. When heading down the other side of the hill I let off the fuel and disengage the Tow and Haul and take her back to cruising @ 2,000rpm. I do not usually need to engage Tow and Haul until I am off the expressway and into the real mountains.
TOW & HAUL or NOT? What is best? It seems to me that this Cummins loves to pull @ 2,000rpm.
So, while towing I have two choices:
1. Tow and Haul disengaged is 2,000 rpm that’s 68mph and 11-15 mpg with EGT that must be monitored.
2. Tow & Haul ENGAGED is 2,000 rpm that’s 50mph and 7-8 mpg with EGT that never seem to approach 1200ºF. A slow way to go anywhere and costly at the pump.
I tend to disengage the tow and haul, maintain about 2,000 rpm and when I see a hill up ahead give her fuel and watch the EGT (turbo input temperature) rise to 1125ºF. I slowly let off the fuel to maintain 1125ºF EGT +/-25ºF. If I make it over the hill all is well. If I lose enough rpm and speed (55mph) I must engage Tow and Haul. When heading down the other side of the hill I let off the fuel and disengage the Tow and Haul and take her back to cruising @ 2,000rpm. I do not usually need to engage Tow and Haul until I am off the expressway and into the real mountains.