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Topic ClosedTowing with a Dodge diesel P/U - Event Date: 05 Jul 2017
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Kris B View Drop Down
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Joined: 04 Jul 2017
Location: Ivins UT
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Posts: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Towing with a Dodge diesel P/U
    Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 1:30pm

Okay, so I'm towing my R-pod with a '97 Dodge diesel 3/4 ton with a Cummins engine.  The truck heats up going up hills.   I've pulled gooseneck and pull horse trailers, no problem.   Changed the thermostat, flushed the radiator, new anti-freeze.   Our weather is hot - 105+ plus but feel that this truck should be able to handle this little trailer - any suggestions??
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
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Posts: 4508 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:10pm
Wow!! 105.................I think I would heat up too!
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:33pm
Originally posted by Kris B

Okay, so I'm towing my R-pod with a '97 Dodge diesel 3/4 ton with a Cummins engine.  The truck heats up going up hills.   I've pulled gooseneck and pull horse trailers, no problem.   Changed the thermostat, flushed the radiator, new anti-freeze.   Our weather is hot - 105+ plus but feel that this truck should be able to handle this little trailer - any suggestions??

Well, I don't think it's your trailer. A 2-horse trailer weighs more than almost any R-pod.

You may have some kind of new problem with your Dodge. Cummins is generally a kick-butt engine.
bp
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ToolmanJohn View Drop Down
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:56pm
I think the P/U engine has developed a problem, of course the problem is not a 2500 pound R-Pod.

If the cooling system has been verified as OK, then maybe it''s a plugged catalytic converter. I don't what emissions equipment a Dodge 97 Cummins has, but I know that EGR valves are on some newer diesels and have issues that cause problems with how they run.
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backin15 View Drop Down
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Posts: 65 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 6:06pm
Have you checked the temp of the hubs? The brakes could be dragging. With that truck you should be able to tow it with the brakes locked and not heat up though.
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 6:12pm
+1, I don't think it is the load, it's the truck. I take it the coolant system passed and you probably went with a 180 thermostat. I also take it you have a motor driven coolant system. Might consider an additional electric fan, I know some of my Cummings buddies have done that, they haul round bales of hay. I do not think it is emissions or exhaust as that causes an overall loss of power. Because the engine cannot evacuate exhaust. There are some really good Cummings/Dodge diesel forums on the interweb. Much like this one.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 6:41pm
Yah. That's a 20-year-old truck. I know a Cummins will last practically forever (or a little longer LOL ), but it sounds like you have something going on with your cooling system.

I have a hard time believing that an R-pod is too much for it.
bp
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kylekai View Drop Down
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Posts: 139 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Jul 2017 at 10:42pm
Several weeks ago I towed my RPOD thru Phoenix when it was 120 degrees out.  Going 65 on the freeway and my RAM Ecodiesel stayed cool enough to keep us cool inside the cab.  I was worried a bit about the tires, if they could handle the hot roads, but all went well.
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GlueGuy View Drop Down
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Posts: 2629 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 9:21am
Originally posted by kylekai

Several weeks ago I towed my RPOD thru Phoenix when it was 120 degrees out.
Eeesh. 120 ambient means the pavement is (at least) 135 or more. That is just brutal.
bp
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mcarter View Drop Down
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Joined: 07 Apr 2016
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Posts: 3419 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 4:48pm
Norm in AZ.
Mike Carter
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