Highest mine ever got was about 3-4 needle widths above the 200* mark. That's when the fan clutch kicked in, & scared the $**T out of me. When it locks the fan you will know it.

 

I have never had trouble with mine pulling anything always stays in the middle even pulling a 40' with 2 cars in it till just the other day when I get a code of P480 and now it climbs fast to the red mark. Need to find out where the sensor is that is doing it.

 

you do not say what rpm you are maintaining, at 62 mph up hill with the pedal to the floor. on my auto i stay in od until it drops out, then i take it out of tow haul until i crest the hill, then back to o/d. as mentioned drop down a gear and you can probably maintain 62 mph. you need to learn your gears to adjust to your load. after all it is only a truck.

 

How do I "check my fan clutch"?

 

With the AC on, the fan should engage/disengage with the compressor.

If it doesn't engage/disengage, I would say there is a problem with it.

Tony

Tony

 

I just got done towing my 13.5K 5er up a 6% grade 15-20 miles long up to Shaver Lake in the Sierras. I worry most about EGTs and drop to 3rd, drive at 35mph and keep EGTs at 1000-1100.

The temp gauge goes up to around 210-220 and stays there (except the one time my water pump went out and it shot up FAST!).

Bottom line, 210-220 is normal for my truck towing heavy up a long grade. I shut off the AC cause I think it takes some HP which I'd rather have directed to the drive train. My dad always said turn on the heater and open the windows if you're getting hot...have only done that once and saw no difference.

My 2 cents...