RAM 2500 Cummins diesel - Using the Tow mode, shift selector, exhaust brake.

The RAM/ Cummins combinations is the ultimate in a towing machine. Heavy loads put a lot of stress on the transmission and drive line. This video discusses shifting techniques to reduce stress and extend the life of the transmission and tow vehicle.

[@mkleyn99]

Recently acquired a 2010 2500 and have been watching every single one of your videos and find them so informative! Although there are slight differences in the years, I have found all your videos very helpful! Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@krisb4804]

Wisdom + Patience = Knowledge Very informative, thank you

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks so much.

[@tonyburns7402]

I injoy your videos thanks

[@my1zoky]

I like to manually shift when I’m towing, fourth gear is my favorite.

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, 4th is the strongest also. 1 to 1 ratio.

[@repomannv]

I burned through my first 68rfe in 75000 miles towing modestly but stupidly, everything you say here makes sense to me and I wish I would have done this from day 1

[@Yukonjackman1]

We have a 2001 5.9 little bit built and we are retired, no hurry to get there, no reason to spending, people drive around when we are towing, many behind, we pull over and let them go by no big deal , love my exhaust break .

[@Bundys]

Another great video Marion! I appreciate the help with towing and your explanation and experience behind your thinking. Cheers!

[@tedbaxter5234]

Thank you. This is the third of your videos I’ve watched. I am a slow talker too - lots of good info presented in an enjoyable Southern tempo!

[@tonyburns7402]

Yes keep up the good ram information

[@saulvaldez2640]

im new to the towing I drive 3500 2021 ram , .. these video is very helpful thank you its gonna help me not to mess up the transmission or motor 👍🏼

[@tommcadam9897]

Tow/haul comes in handy for driving curvy mountain roads where you have to slow down to corner and then have two or three hundred yards to the next corner.

[@kevinp5325]

Love the content Marion! Very informative and also very funny at times (in a dry sort of way). Yours is one of the few channels that actually provides logical and sound advice on how to maintain and run these newer diesels. I'm looking forward to hearing how your truck fares over the long run.

[@MarionBlair]

appreciate that

[@Biker758210]

Great info Thanks Mr. Blair I do like the tow/haul feature.

[@jackbolt7163]

Great informative video, I'm new to the 6.7 and this is great stuff!

[@alfonzooliviera1121]

What a great video man! You never fail to amaze

[@jdhreiss]

And my short term memory made me watch ti twice! Double the fun!

[@Kalanioccc]

just bought my first diesel, a '17 2500 laramie. thanks for the info!

[@bikermike]

looking at up grading my 1/2 ton gasser to 3/4 diesel. I totally agree with your talking points about shifting while towing. I find my gas truck is always hunting between 3rd and Overdrive while towing. I usually just slow down and tow in 3rd in tow haul. It never shifts or unlocks and still only revs at 2,200 rpms at 55mph. It really seems content when I tow like that! I know its saving the transmission that way and not even really using anymore fuel. Cant wait to get a truck like yours someday! :)

[@ColonelEMHouse]

Thanks, man. Your videos are informative. Definitely helps me understand.

[@herbermorales7468]

Awesome video.. new to your channel and already a fan.. that said, I have officially realized that I don't know a thing about my truck and how to use it.😫😫.

[@KP-rz3gk]

Thanks Marion, keep them coming.

[@aj06bolt12r]

Disclaimer is hilarious

[@keithhansen3963]

Excellent discussion and tutorial, thanks

[@johnnychoi4526]

Bought first diesel truck, ram16 megacab. Thanks for the amazing informations. God bless you.

[@themotofixery]

I love your disclaimer! Thumbs up!

[@mrtaser556]

answering all my questions, thank you.

[@roberthaberman9491]

2019 2500 When tow/haul is on going even the slightest downhill it will drop down 2 or 3 gears and overrev. Ive taken to turning off tow/haul while on the freeway. I just use it when getting up to speed and slowing down.

[@edwardnelson3304]

Great information, I love your perspective, thank you

[@rodneyhowell2703]

You have answered some of my questions. Thanks

[@skipnick]

scary moment when i realized i had rested my hand on the shift selector and it started headed down towards 1st gear while i was driving in about 4th gear. it all happened so fast but i slowed down luckily and tried to shift up. it definitely revved very high

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, that gets my attention every time. ha

[@skipnick]

Marion Blair I gotta say with music at a reasonable volume the motor rev wasn't very noticeable at first. Which was alarming

[@MarionBlair]

It's got a rev limiter so you should be fine.

[@jamesorr2404]

@@MarionBlair It will stop 3200 RPM.

[@jamesorr2404]

2017 Ram 6.7 when I tow my TT at 11.000 pounds I use Tow Mode and full Exhaust brake all the time and running on the Highways at 65 to 75 MPH I lock in 5th gear and let it Eat!! that way its not shifting back and fourth If I see a downshift coming I will back shift it and keep the RPM's up until I know it will stay in 5th. Rarely do I pull in 6th gear and I have the 3.42 rear end gears. On a 7000 mile trip I averaged 9.6 MPG. Its not called a Hummin Cummins for Nothin!!

[@MarionBlair]

That's exactly how I do it. Less stress on everything.

[@carlvin8693]

Marion, thanks for your previous answer,, on running the tow/haul mode at same time using the + and - shift selector,, my concern or question is seems like they might would contradict each other = example , tow/ haul mode might want to put truck in 5th gear and driver might put truck in 4 th or 6th gear or say driver locks in shift selector to 4th but the tow/haul might want to be putting truck in 5th gear,, appreciate any comm8

[@MarionBlair]

It doesn't matter what the tow haul thinks, you are the boss, ha. I think you can do a better job at selecting a gear than the PCM because you can see what's ahead and know more about the terrain and conditions. The PCM will often put the transmission in a gear that is too high and the transmission is shifting up and down at overpasses and inclines. You don't want this to happen. When towing, I like to use the shift like a manual transmission. As long as the RPM is between 1500 - 2000, (give or take) you are in a good range. Does this make sense?

[@BBBYpsi]

I tow travel trailers for a living. I put my in manual 5th gear most times going up a grade. Usually gets me to about 2000 rpms at 55 mph. But my coolant temp. gets very hot 2011 3500 dually is what I have. You must have a 190 degree thermastat in that truck. Mine is 200. Gets up over 230 which I am not comfortable with. I am at 747,500 miles currently.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, Mine will get up over 200 under heavy tow, My transmission also gets up there. I suspect it is a 190 Deg F however.

[@matthewsims359]

I just bought a 2020Ram 2500 4x4 cummins. I have had two other cummins trucks but both were the 6 sp manual tranny. This 2020 is my first automatic. Seems like you have a lot of knowledge on how to make the 68rfe last. I have watched several of your dodge related videos and appreciate the advice.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, The 19 and up 68RFE’s are much improved. RAM beefed it up quiet a bit. You’ll be happy with it.

[@cesarconcepcion4407]

Muchos Gracias colonel!

[@heyttsguy]

Any vehicle I've owned with an auto trans will not allow you to over-rev when down shifting. U can be going 70mph and shift into 1st gear. It will only begin to shift down when u hit the appropriate speed for each lower gear. They kind of make them "stupid proof".

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, that's been my experience also. Never have tested it on this truck however. Hope I don't ha.

[@mtz9939]

Love the intro

[@sticrzy123]

What’s the highest temperatures you e seen on yours when towing like oil , Coolant and Transmission. I just got back from a 13 hour trip from the gulf , highest temperature on transmission I seen was 174 when getting on the highway normal was about 168 . Coolant highest 215 normal around 208 running then my oil highest I seen at 220 and normal around 210 ..this is towing my 8500 pd Camper... I just lock out 6th gear when towing and seems to do great , I just roll into the throttle easy to get boost up when going up a hill so it doesn’t down shift and it keeps the torque converter locked in 😁👍🏼. I e towed to Canada 🇨🇦 all the way to the Gulf multiple times so far been a awesome truck .

[@MarionBlair]

Those temps are about exactly what I see. The very highest was Colorado pulling Monarch Pass.Coolant was about 210, Tranny, if I remember got up around 210 or so when pulling the steepest hills. Oil out west pulling 65 will run 208 or so steady. i kind of use those as y base line for max temps.

[@timrose5380]

Awesome your the man

[@sumnerkinney2166]

Your the BEST!

[@metakmoto]

Great info! Thanks!

[@flash1034]

You would think the engineers would factor in an algorithm for towing in 6th gear and letting the transmission do its thing.

[@TermiteBenny]

I really need to test drive one of these 2500’s to feel what 3.42 rear axle ratios feel like. My 5500 has 4.88 rear axle ratios and definitely does not cruise well on the highway.

[@bayonne]

The 3.42s are fine, good fuel economy and fast top end. If you run in 5th gear it’s the equivalent of a 4.10 gears.

[@rpmmustang89]

bayonne 4th gear in the 68rfe is direct gearing is 3.42. 5th and 6th are both overdriven gears. maybe in 3rd be the equivalent of 4.10

[@TruckingOut_TheMudd]

I have a 2017 ram 3500 6.7 my question is when approaching a hill and switching to 4th gear what speed should I maintain? I don’t want to burn up my transmission by testing this under a heavy load

[@roodie6749]

Hauled 13k up a mountain and it was tough but I made it. Had truck in tow haul mode, I didn't like the high rev when climbing up hill, truck down shifted causing problems. Trans hot came on twice i stopped and allowed to cool before climbing.

[@MarionBlair]

Thanks, do you recall the the tranny temp when you got the hot light?

[@roodie6749]

@@MarionBlair it came on twice, 230 and like 243 or so. It didn't last long cooled down to 180 after 5 to 10 min

[@roodie6749]

@@MarionBlair trailer and load totaled about 22k

[@peggywilson9214]

Hello Marion A friend of mine told me to to just keep the tow/haul on when I am pulling my 5th wheel. That seems fine until I slow down to make a stop or pull off the highway and then it downshifts pretty violently. On my trip from Las Vegas to New York last year I started out using it all the time and then as I started to slow down I took it out of tow haul and just used the brakes and trailer brakes. It seemed to be much better. Am I ok doing that? I never really did any training for this! Appreciate your knowledge and help!

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, that's fine. It's wear your brakes faster since you are not using the exhaust brake quiet as much. Assuming everything is working normally, the aggresive downshift won't hurt truck, assuming it's not over revving to redline. I'd leave it in tow haul the rest of the time while towing.

[@crowman5936]

One way to avoid all this is to get a manual 6 speed and do the transmissions thinking for it. All those problems will go away.

[@MarionBlair]

Yea, I had one and loved it. I probably would have one this go around if they hadn't de-rated the torque. I never had issues with mine however.

[@andysworld2188]

2018 is the last year Ram is offering 6 speed manual transmission for HD trucks . I know because i bought one 6 months ago and absolutely love it. It's like having a pet monster. I Searched the internet for 8 counties to find one 85 miles away with a G56 trans. This truck has so much power it will tear an automatic trans up over time. Doesn't matter if you tow or not. I would rather replace a clutch on a manual than do a rebuild on a automatic.

[@edwilliams8789]

I've become a fan. What is the windshield display you are using and what is it plugged into? ODC2 connector perhaps?

[@alouisschafer7212]

I'm also a firm advocate for manually selecting gears in an automatic. Automatics are a pain in the ass when they have their hiccups and so nonsense shifts or no shifts at all when you need it to.

[@cyclepath55555]

Another great video, thanks. I have a 2018 2500, i don't se the lock logo next to the gear selection but i'm guessing as long as you use the shift button on the column shifter, it is locked...?

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, in tow mode it will lock the gear you select. Too bad they don't show it however.

[@stihl29]

Hey Marion, huge fan of your videos. One question, why is it bad for diesels to run it cold? Are you talking about diesels in general or diesels with emissions equipment? Would a deleted diesel engine be affected by idling? Thanks!

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, all diesels should not be idled for long periods. They build up a varnish like substance over time that coats the cylinders, injectors etc...

[@hoopsnit]

I have a question... I had my turbo actuator replaced and know my exhaust brake is much quieter than previously used .. does anyone think that the new one wasn't calibrated correctly? The turbo feels great and gets up to 30-35psi.. the HP on exhaust brake is around 25... not sure what it was previously.. i just feel and sound is different... 16 2500 deleted

[@papis_dad1847]

So if I delete my truck and get it tuned make sure to keep the fluid coupling active 👍🏼 thanks

[@odertube]

Great video Marion, watched it twice now. What device do you use to monitor the EGT? I'd like to see mine but I also don't want to mess with the emissions or warranty.

[@MarionBlair]

That's the edge insight but I'm using the banks idash now. Neither one will void warranty.

[@matthewblack7814]

So I’m still confused. When towing out of town use tow mode and lock into 5 th gear, or when you put truck into tow mode unlock 5 th gear and let truck go.

[@MarionBlair]

Put in 5th and tow mode. You may be able to run 6th (in tow mode) as long as the transmission stays in 6th and doesn't drop down on the overpasses and hills.

[@Knuckledragnation]

I recently purchased a 2016 Ram 3500 Diesel Dually. So what you’re saying is to get the transmission to lock into any gear I select via the +/- on the shift column I would need to put my truck into tow/haul mode first while in D? Then I can down & up shift to the gear I select via te column and my truck will stay in selected gear until I feel comfortable switching to any other gear? Also when I manually select each gear does the torque converter lock up? I’m new to owning a truck such as this so I appreciate the help.

[@ZR1Terror]

I would like to use my exhaust brake on automatic all the time but it makes my transmission shift late like if I was towing. That will affect my mpg,s.

[@MarionBlair]

Shouldn't, because when the exhaust brake is on, there is no fueling from the pump. Another words, it doesn't use fuel when the exhaust brake is on.

[@supporterofsanity]

My 2017 will not downshift until the engine speed is low enough to not over rev regardless of what gear I lock out.

[@Ram-re5em]

My 2500 is down the road and gone was flawed with towing with springs in the back. Now have 3500 way better 20K towing and 4455 payload. I tow in drive like the manual says you worry to much about stuff.........

[@itruck96]

You must not have the 68rfe. 6th gear is a weak spot for the rest of us.

[@josephshelmet9277]

Hi Marion would you be able to share the complete spec sheet for your truck. I'm looking to purchase used and your truck is exactly what I'm looking for thanks joe

[@MarionBlair]

Sure, drop an email to [e-mail] and I'll send it to you.

[@danroggie8265]

Good vidio sir

[@tallonmorrison]

What speed are you are in 5th and @ what rpm. in ur ram? Cuz if I was to just 5th with the trucks my company has, we would ether have to go 70kph with out revving the sheet out them on the hwy when in 6th I'm at 2000-2150rpm @100-110 kph

[@CLTNY1]

Thanks for the informative videos! For an Aisin, would you give the same recommendations for shifting while towing? Supposedly the Aisin is more heavy duty and I am pulling an ~11k lb 5th wheel with a 3500 all over the U.S.

[@MarionBlair]

I would but I'm pretty anal. Less oil contamination and less shifting shock on the torque converter but the transmission should take it.

[@SleepyJoeisSlow]

I pull a 21000 lb toy hauler (loaded with Jeep) with my 2015 Ram HD with an aisin and 3.73 gears. The Aisin is programmed to not let your engine overwork it. Only downside is the dead pedal

[@BenjaminMedlock]

What temps do you see when you are towing your trailer in the mountains? Trans, oil, and coolant? Great video thanks in advance.

[@MarionBlair]

Ben, Depends on the ambient temp but genrally speaking, summertime travel, hilly but not pulling mountain passes or anything like that, I'll see 200 max on coolant and 208 max on oil temp. Tranny, doesn't seem to go over 180's unless in the mountains, then were looking at over 200 to 220. I back off when I get to about 215 on the tranny.

[@BenjaminMedlock]

Thank you sir. I didn't see the tranny get that hot, but I did see my coolant hit 219 and my oil got up to 230's. I have been doing some reading and it does not seem out of the ordinary from what the forums have said. I appreciate your response.

[@valdekparik392]

Thanks for your informative videos. I'm driving my first diesel, 2018 3500 with manual transmission. In terms of exhaust brake, feel free to correct me; it seems to me that using exhaust brake in snow and ice conditions may be better than foot braking since the engine is slowing vehicle more than wheel brakes on slippery roads.

[@cwilks5592]

No, when the engine brake engages you don't have control over the amount applied like you do when you apply the brakes. When you apply brakes in a slippery condition, you can apply gradually and it's applying to all 4 wheels. The exhaust brake would be like you slamming your parking brake to the floor causing just the rear tires to lock up. That would then cause you to face in the wrong direction as your rear end passes you on the road.

[@valdekparik392]

@@cwilks5592 Thanks for your reply, much appreciated. One clarification is that I am operating a manual transmission on my Ram 3500 which may behave slightly different than typical automatic transmissions. Coincidentally, I am currently on a ski trip traveling through Montana, Idaho and Wyoming in occasional sub-zero road conditions. I have had good success with the exhaust braking experience. No sudden lock up and infact, no skidding. In try to be safe and managing speed carefully in snow and icy conditions. My truck has 4-wheel disk braking which is a huge improvement compared to my earlier model trucks. I will continue to monitor winter driving methods and advise of bad experiences once discovered.

[@cwilks5592]

@@valdekparik392 Yes, manual transmissions have to be driven differently on ice. Simply letting off of the accelerator without disengaging the clutch could cause you to slip vs an automatic that will free wheel. If you are locked up in 4 wheel drive it would essentially be like applying brakes to all wheels. You are on the right track, experimentation at the appropriate time is the best way to learn. Be safe out there.

[@MarionBlair]

I'm not cold weather expert for sure but I believe it's recommended you don't use the exhaust brake on icy roads. Using the brakes you have the advantage of the ABS and traction controls whereas the exhaust brake may not.

[@allencampbell4460]

One unrelated question Marion. I have a 2018 Ram 2500 with the Cummins, and I'm pulling a 31 foot travel trailer which weighs 7000 lbs. What do you have your gain set on your brake controller? I think I saw yours was set on "7" in one of your videos. I thought I had a problem with my controller, but when I took it to the dealer, they said there were "No codes" displayed, but I have my gain set way higher on this truck than my previous truck (Ford) which had an aftermarket controller. Mine is now set on 8.5 where before on the other truck it was 3.8, and anything above a 4 would lock up the trailer brakes. This controller will not lock up the trailer brakes even if it was set on 10.

[@MarionBlair]

Hey Allen, Yes 7 is about where I usually put mine. IMO, if you set your brake too high, then your trailer brake is doing all the braking and you don't want that. You'll wear out your trailer brakes prematurely.

[@allencampbell4460]

Thanks Marion. I'll fine tune it when I take my road trip in a few weeks.

[@davidandjenniferpaulk6515]

We also have a 2018 Ram 2500 Cummins with the factory brake controller. We pull a 20ft gooseneck equipment trailer and quickly discovered that the 3.5 gain did very little to activate the trailer brakes. The trailer is new used (2016) with 8K axles. We adjusted the brakes and still found 3.5 gain too low. We now run the gain around 6 - 8 depending on load.

[@qmusn99]

Mr. Blair, Recently made a trip to west Texas and ran the truck the way you do, locked in 5th towing our 24ft camper. Truck towed like a CHAMP. Only thing i didnt like was the tow/haul mode in the mountains. It seems that if it senses a closed throttle or braking that it downshifts quickly and i just didnt like the engine doing that. I had the shifting and braking under control with the exhaust brake and manual shift. Is there any difference in running the exhaust brake and manually shifting compared to letting the tow/haul mode do it automatically? Thanks

[@MarionBlair]

No, no difference, I think I know what you mean. Every once in a while going downhill, the tranny downshifts to aggressively and RPM go up higher than I like. I've blamed it on having my cruise on but that may not be the case. I think RAM needs a flash to prevent that. It's rare and I haven't quiet figured out what's causing that but I will if I can figure out what I'm doing to cause it. You could probably prevent it by taking it out of tow haul on the down hills but then it's probably not aggressive enough and who wants to be fooling with all that stuff

[@carlvin8693]

So its ok to use the Tow/ Haul mode and also be using the + and - shift selector at same time when towing.. Another question,, do u have video on what all is involved in hooking up or wiring up that monitor gadget there on your dash you are showing

[@MarionBlair]

Yes it's okay to use a shift selector either with tow haul or without it also I have several videos on various OBD2 gauges. But the short answer is just plug it in under the dash

[@dustinjansen7283]

What’s should I expect to see for ECT towing? Gonna be hitting the snoqualmie pass with a 28 ft camper. I’ve noticed around town driving empty it’ll hit a little over 200 degrees just wondering if that’s normal. Makes me nervous to see what it’s gonna read towing through the pass

[@MarionBlair]

You'll see the fan kick on at 217 deg. That's were I usually back off. Oil will probably be 10 deg higher. I'd keep tranny below 230 deg F. But, I'm very conservative. The mountains will humble any engine so go slow and let them flip you the bird when they go by.

[@danielpyziak6537]

For Ram Cummins is button on the shifter just range select (meaning it lets the driver lock out one or more of the high gears)? Or is it like Ford where the transmission allows you to select a gear and the transmission not change up or down regardless of load, throttle or rpm?

[@MarionBlair]

On the RAM, it only locks the transmission from shifting higher. Example, if I lock 5th on the selector, it will not shift to 6th but will down shift as normal otherwise.

[@D_Cali_Life]

2017 Ram 5500 4x4 with 6.7 Diesel Mechanic Service Truck with an 11ft Knapheide Enclosed Body. Daily driven with full time cargo load, maxed out with Welder, Compressor, Tires, Tools, Parts, etc. It's been that way since New. It's now at 70k miles. Should I turn on the Tow/Haul Mode all the time ?

[@MarionBlair]

As long as it's converter locked up it doesn't matter however you got enough weight where I think I would.

[@dandavis1313]

Can you explain the windshield mounted gauge? Is that a feature that comes with the new Dodge’s or did you add that aftermarket?

[@MarionBlair]

It's an add on. Just plugs into the OBDII connector. You can use the torque app on android with a bluetooth adapter to see them also. I have a video on that also. thanks.

[@humanityfightthegoodfight8862]

so as far as you knw no 3/4 ton truck will hold their gears in manual mode? Foot to the floor they will all shift even in manual mode?

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, true. I try to pick the gear that will handle the hill. You know it won't be 5th or 6th, maybe 4th.

[@pauljack3750]

Marion sir how do you feel about the computerized oil pressure readings. Also how far off is it from for real.

[@MarionBlair]

Some say it's way higher but I think they are close enough.

[@MickEllis1972]

Marion, isn't the Tow/Haul mode primarily for the transmission shifting while towing? If you recommend to manually shift or keep the transmission in a particular gear to avoid shifting under load, does the Tow/Haul mode doing anything? Much appreciated. THX.

[@MarionBlair]

Hi Mick, Yes it is doing something and I always use tow haul when towing. The gears are identical whether in tow haul or normal however the tow haul mode increases the RPM that the transmission shifts at when accelerating up thru the gears, which helps to handle the load. So you still want to use tow haul. In a perfect world we would downshift/ up shift with no load or very little but that's not possible all the time, of course. It's just less wear and tear on the tranny if it's not jumping back and forth between gears on hills etc.. It's hard to avoid in the hills however. When it's locked in a gear, it's only locked from shifting up, not down. I wish I could lock it from shifting down also. If you watch your boost, you can get a pretty good idea of when it's wanting to shift down.

[@MickEllis1972]

Marion Blair thanks for the explanation! I’ll be experimenting with this on my next trip. 👍🏻

[@solarpoweredrainbow7591]

Sir I have a question that doesn’t have to do with tow mode--can my 2015 Ram 2500 Cummins (68rfe) be MANUALLY shifted if I’m in AUTOMATIC? Example-if I’m using the automatic transmission but want to MANUALLY shift from 4th to 5th, is this ok to do?

[@MarionBlair]

Yes, no problem. However, the PCM won't let you shift to a gear, either up or down if it will over-rev or under-rev (lug) the engine. I like to hold 4th sometimes way Beyound where it normally shift in D until I'm really for 5th. Example; I see a very steep hill ahead and I anticipate I'll need a lower gear, I'll shift to it before the hill so auto doesn't do it will I'm climbing. Saves tranny and torque converter wear when you shift with less load on the tranny.

[@solarpoweredrainbow7591]

@@MarionBlair thank you for the quick reply. I guess what I am concerned about sir is my fourth gear seems to not shift into fifth until 57 mph or 1800 RPMs (The MPH and RPM numbers are not exact but a close example.) are these Cummins engines supposed to rev high before fifth gear sir?

[@MarionBlair]

@@solarpoweredrainbow7591is that with the shift selector in D? Tow mode? if you are in tow mode with a load and heavy throttle, that's probably normal. Manually shifting to 5th from 4th at 57 mph is fine.

[@solarpoweredrainbow7591]

@@MarionBlair Shift selector in D

[@MarionBlair]

@@solarpoweredrainbow7591 Depends on whether you are in tow more and how hard you are on the throttle etc... That sounds high but depends. You can use the shift selector as you want.

[@paulg444]

I dont know, it just seems like 160 degrees is too hot for a transmission, it might be great for fuel economy, but Id like my transmission to stay under 130F but Ram says 160-170 is the operating temperature for the 68RFE.

[@MarionBlair]

160 is way within the limits of synthetic oil 260 might be a problem

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

I have a question not really related. My 1992 old diesel dually, I found information on engine RPM at 1750 the engine will be at the right torque to perform at its best?? My 2015 newer one I've have not been able to find that information. It's not an HO and has an automatic 6 speed. Do you have access to this kind of information? Thanks for all you do🤠

[@MarionBlair]

Hii, yes. Peak torque 800 ft/lbs @ 1650 RPM WITH the standard 68 RFE transmission.

[@mitchelldarnell5334]

@@MarionBlair Thanks for the information. I'll try that the next time I get on the highway and set the cruise. Have a great tomorrow.

[@MarionBlair]

Put it in 5th gear and drive whatever speed you like. 65 mph with 3.42 ratio is around 1800 rpm which works well

[@novabill]

Marion, when I've towed in "D" versus locked in 5th gear, it seems like my oil, trans, and coolant temperatures are managed pretty well and nothing seems to creep up that high. But when I lock it in 5th, it seems like oil, trans, and coolant get more elevated. Do you think it's in my head? In other words do you think going easier on the transmission by locking in 5th is creating more heat reflected in the trans, coolant, and oil?

[@MarionBlair]

Locking 5th will keep from upshifting on slight downhill and then back to 5th on the next hill or overpass. Tow mode 5th is your best bet. Not a heat issue but wear will be less on the clutches. The less shifting, especially down shifting under heavy load the less chance of failure.

[@novabill]

@@MarionBlair Thanks so much. Yeah, any time I'm hooked up, I'm in tow mode fore sure. I think I will take your advice and keep it locked in 5th with tow mode activated for all towing of my 5th wheel. Really appreciate your time and attention to this stuff. I definitely want to keep my 2014 running strong and in good shape and your videos have been really helpful.

[@PhiltheLeviteRev]

@@MarionBlair at around rpm do you shift, always makes nerveous when pulling my 5th wheel. I know i need to start using the manual shifting though.

[@captainlaz8994]

I have a 2016 ram 3500 and also know other people with same type of trucks I personally think and i hate to say this because i love my truck but this transmission they put in this trucks suck . It sticks in fourth gear when ever it wants and i personally use my truck just like you do should not be doing this on a 80k truck. Not at all

[@MarionBlair]

Agree.

[@cwmullinsfamily]

What are you measuring on the bottom right on your Edge monitor?

[@MarionBlair]

That's the DPF differential pressure. It helps me tell when a regen is getting close.

[@terenceperry3288]

Man y’all don’t know how to use your transmission tow mode is to used when you take off when you get moving take it off when you see a hill get at it when you get have way up it your truck never down shift

[@budatrox9171]

I have a 2013 ram 2500........stick shift

[@goducgo]

What are your recommendations for going down steep long 6% grades.

[@MarionBlair]

exhaust brake on, tow mode of course and a gear that will not require constant braking. It's going to be 4th or 3rd.

[@goducgo]

@@MarionBlair thank you, I’m still trying to understand how they work together. Engine braking is new to me. My concern with lower gears is RPM my first trip down as it down shifted it went pretty high about 3 grand. Braking quickly remedied that. Hopefully I will balance rpm, braking and engine brake for a easy ride down these mountain passes.

[@MarionBlair]

@@goducgo I know exactly what you are talking about. I call it a programing error by RAM. If your truck is like mine, when coming down a steep hill, instead of the exhaust brake continuing to slow the truck, the tranny downshifts to a lower gear with no exhaust brake on. It's aggravating and I constantly try to find a work around. It forces me to either come down to fast or downshift to a very low gear and stay there (3rd) which is too slow usually. A PCM flash by RAM would fix this.

[@bradleyworch6742]

what is the name of the extra gauge you have. Thanks

[@MarionBlair]

Edge Insight

[@cwmullinsfamily]

Do you use or recommend a tuner?

[@tootallsvlog103]

Clay Mullins no I don't see the benefit of a tuner unless the truck is deleted in fact I think it would probably cause problems.

[@elmuneco53]

Hey Marion new subscriber here . Ok I just bought a 2017 big horn.. I'm just getting about 11 mpg .. first time buying a diesel. The fuel filters on the dash said 25% life left. Do you think that can affect the performance or something!! Or anybody knows! Thx

[@MarionBlair]

Usually, a plugged fuel filter causes the engine to run poorly. Is that towing or running empty? Is this a 2500? thanks.

[@elmuneco53]

@@MarionBlair I tow a small trailer with a small mower on . But even when I'm not towing is the same thing!! Any advice I sure apreciate!! Thx

[@elmuneco53]

@@MarionBlair it's a 2500 big horn 6.7 Cummins

[@MarionBlair]

@@elmuneco53 wondering if your hand calculated and dash meter are pretty close?

[@elmuneco53]

@@MarionBlair I'm Goin by what the dash is telling me on the truck . Like the dash is telling me on average I'm doing 11 mpg .. but last week I fill up the tank about 27 gal. And I set my trip meter to 0 and I drove all the way close to empty and the trip meter was @ 320 miles!

[@bbb1723]

Egr does not flow at idle or at wot.

[@MarionBlair]

If you've got monitor, you can watch i open and close.

[@paulg444]

id didnt even know I could shift my transmission ? where the hell is my "shift lever"!?

[@MarionBlair]

On the shift lever

[@paulg444]

@@MarionBlair so I hold down the - (minus) button and it will down shift ?

[@MarionBlair]

@@paulg444 yes don't hold it down, just bump it each time to shift

[@patriotfighter331]

What would you consider a long idle time to be?

[@MarionBlair]

10 minutes but much more if you high idle. 30 minutes at least.

[@SaboSells]

Does Fox News help to keep it running cooler?

[@hamsterturd]

Please make more videos diesel Jesus

[@larrybakken4853]

One up for FOX news. Good listening

[@monsterram6617]

This is laughable since FOX "news" spouts more propaganda than N. Korea and Russia combined.

[@nicktattoliable]

Cars don't pass these trucks up hills!

[@MarionBlair]

Not empty but when pulling a camper, it's no competition.

[@paulg444]

Marion, you talk too fast !!!. I have to put it on on 75% speed !!

[@MarionBlair]

Finally someone noticed, ha