Community Forums

road dogs · 07-21-2019, 09:04 AM

5500 feet is a bump in the road where I travel. I pull a 12K 5th wheel regularly over 6-8% 12,000+ passes without any issues. My truck was tuned with EFI Live by a reputable tuner 7 years ago, proper ECM tuning is the ONLY way to go. I drive by EGT and change the trans as necessary. Never had any issues, temps stay well within range.

jimcumminsw · 07-21-2019, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vanion2

Do a search for the Alison transmission kit for your Ram. It isn't cheap but the Cummins/Alison combo means you are good to go. Ram's transmission is it's weak point (upgraded Caravan tranny). I hear the Aisen is better but Alison is top shelf.

That or look at a Freightliner M2. And you don't need a CDL to drive it. 1 Million mile rig that won't even feel your 5th wheel. Cummins/Alison automatic.

Either way leave your engine stock. That Cummins will get you there reliably. As others have said you will burn your transmission up if you add more power. Check YouTube and see for yourself. First upgrade for more power is the transmission.

Really since when did Dodge/Ram start installing Alison transmission in there pickup trucks?

The poster has a 68RFE automatic transmission in his truck!

jimcumminsw · 07-21-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhooker

I completely am fine with anyone that disagrees with me. But unless your pyrometer is mounted beside the cylinder, 1200 degrees is ridiculously high just past your turbo. I am in my comfort zone under 900°, as is Cummins. !

Will when I was stock my engine would normally see between 1200 and 1450F EGT's for 20 to 30 mins every two hours or so when I was in regen. This is the normal range for the 6.7L Cummins engine with a DPF. Since I am deleted I keep the EGT'S under 1200F now. The new Cummins engines all run hotter now since the TierIV emission requirements were introduced around 2010.

vanion2 · 07-21-2019, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimcumminsw

Really since when did Dodge/Ram start installing Alison transmission in there pickup trucks?

The poster has a 68RFE automatic transmission in his truck!

It's a company in Colorado who offers the kit. They will even do the install for extra. Takes about a week.

The 68 and the Aisen are the only manufacturer's options. Too bad Ram doesn't offer it though. The Cummins/Alison combo is an awesome combo

jmlnarik · 07-22-2019, 10:16 AM

Thanks again for the comments everyone. You've given me a lot to think about.

I submitted another thread about how I get a high oil pressure indicator when taking steep grades that causes me to pull over for a bit to take care of it. If you have thoughts on this, please feel free to comment here!

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/high-...ml#post4876192

jmlnarik · 07-22-2019, 03:44 PM

Actually, this is the right thread - http://www.irv2.com/forums/f44/trans...ml#post4876698

Open to your input!

mikena · 07-28-2019, 02:57 PM

Bought a truck that had the performance and capability I needed.

Mekanic · 07-28-2019, 03:05 PM

I have to agree with post #2. And I’ll add. Turning up the power on a diesel will defiantly shorten the engine’s lifespan.

tuffr2 · 07-28-2019, 03:17 PM

road dogs - what elevation are you starting at when you make those 12,000' passes? I know it is not sea level.

cekkk · 07-28-2019, 03:43 PM

I'm not familiar with Rams, but my old 7.3 Powerstroke pulls our 10 thousand pound TT just fine. And I'm pretty sure yours has more power. As for elevation, we lived at 9000' and seldom got below 6000. It's a diesel, so elevation really isn't a concern.

But the driver is. Drive long pulls like trucks do. Let the Corvettes pass you. Be kind to your transmission by using lower gears and higher RPMs.

Ken Thompson · 07-28-2019, 04:03 PM

Buy a newer, bigger truck or leave some stuff at home. As many have said, adding horsepower adds heat. There’s no way around it. The Dodge Cummins engine is strong, but what is behind that engine are the weak links. I’m really surprised that Dodge has not fixed their transmission and rear end weakness issues. I know numerous guys that I’ve had both transmission, and rear end problems. That’s without any additional horse power increases.

SCClockDr · 07-28-2019, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oversoul

So, how much more power do those gauges give you anyways??????

Zero additional power & no melted pistons. Provided you check them frequently.

Greg2 · 07-28-2019, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluepill

Get a class A CDL and a Peterbilt tractor. Fear no incline.

You don't need a CDL unless you are towing someone else's stuff for pay. Anyone can drive a class 8 [semi] tractor with a non-cdl license. Just haul only your stuff/5th wheel, etc. Check with your driver's license office.

falconview · 07-28-2019, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 450Donn

What is your rear end gear ratio?
Heck my 2007 6.7 Cummins dually pulled my 13,500 fiver with ease everywhere we wanted to go. Of course I had a 4.10 rear end ratio. I suspect yours is more like 3.30. Changing to 3.73 or even 4.10 would be a cheap easy way to increase your towing ability.

I agree with this 200% and much cheaper that breaking something by adding more HP and torque. You would never run out of power with the 4:10 (stump puller) but you will be adding a lot of Rs. I have the 4:10 behind a V10 and love it. With stock tires 245/75/16, 2250 RPM at 65 mph.