Good afternoon,
I am new to the site and I already have a question.
I have a 2004 Ram 3500 automatic with the diesel. I have had 2 other diesel trucks and both of them had transmissions replaced. I pull a 28 foot 5th wheel (10K) and a 20 foot Lund boat (4.5K) behind that. So to try and make this short I purchased a Ram because it is rated to pull 16K ( I called Chrysler and gave them my Vin #) anyway I have been told that I should get 3 gages to monitor the following, Exhaust, Trany Temp and Boost. My question is how do I find out the max or limitations of each of these. What is normal for a RAM when towing a load like this and were could I find out.
Thanks

 

What engine is your truck 305/555 or 325/600?

I will tell you what I know, I am sure others will provide additional specific information with loads.

On my 325/600 I have pyro pre-turbo, 60psi boost and 140-280 trans temp gauges. I dont tow much (5k occasionally) or carry heavy loads so far, so my info is not really specific to heavy loads. But here goes.

My boost will spike to 34psi and sustain 28-32psi on WOT. When towing the 5k dont see much difference. At 70mph cruise maybe 5-10psi.

My EGTs can hit close to 1200 for short periods on WOT or when towing the 5k up grade at 70mph, cruise at 70mph in OD 600-800.

My trans temp rarely gets off the 140 mark on the highway and has never been over 180 in 100* temps and city stop and go driving.

 

Towing that much weight your boost will be around 20-30 lbs of boost. Your pyro should not ever read over 1300 pre turbo that is a safe temp. Transmission temp should be below 220 F any higher than that you are risking damage to internal parts. Pulling that much weight your right foot will have to control pyro and trans temp. Boost guages are 100% neccessary although they are excellent for monitoring and diagnostic reasons. You will know immediately if you have a boost leak.

 

It depends on where you take the trans temp reading at. If it is torque converter out (the hottest point in the system), we use 350 as the abort temp and 320 as the, "I better keep a very close eye on it" mark. Keep in mind this is in Death Valley at max GCW.

I would substitute a lift pump fuel pressure for the boost pressure.

EGT limit is 1450 for abort and 1420 for "watching it closely".

I understand not everyone will let the temps go this far, but these are the numbers used by DC/Cummins.

 

My truck's temperature rises to 200 degrees during normal city driving without a load, is this ok. When do I have to worry about the temp, what amount is dangerous or to high.