Towing with a Dodge diesel P/U
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Topic: Towing with a Dodge diesel P/U
Posted By: Kris B
Subject: Towing with a Dodge diesel P/U
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 1:30pm
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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?? ------------- Kris Brown |
Replies:
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:10pm
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Wow!! 105.................I think I would heat up too!
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:33pm
You may have some kind of new problem with your Dodge. Cummins is generally a kick-butt engine. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 4:56pm
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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.
------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: backin15
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 6:06pm
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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.
------------- 2015 179 2013 Xterra Pro 4X |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2017 at 6:12pm
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+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. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date 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  ), 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 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: kylekai
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2017 at 10:42pm
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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. ------------- |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 9:21am
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 4:48pm
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Norm in AZ. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 07 Jul 2017 at 7:29pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2017 at 8:38am
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Funny, I was stationed in Yuma, it's HOT. I remember they used to move the official temp station around town to find a cool spot, so the "Snowbirds" would come to the town. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2017 at 9:43am
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Yes, Yuma is one of those places. A few years ago, I spent a week in Inyokern, CA one day. When we got there, it was 118° in the shade. Going from an AC environment to outdoors felt like opening the door on an oven.
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |