RPM at 60 MPH

clatla · February 23, 2015

I recently pulled my trailer to WY and back and was seriously disappointed with the truck. Now I am wondering if I have the right gears. The window sticker says 3.42's but what a pooch. I am contemplating going to try to trade it off on another Ram. I run about 1500 rpm at 60 MPH. Who else out there has the 3.42's and what rpm are you getting empty at 60 MPH?

Thanks in advance!

newdude · February 23, 2015

Thats about on the money for 3.42 and 6 speed auto. Did you have tow/haul on?

nards444 · February 23, 2015

Not sure you would want to be any lower or higher than that. personally i have the 3.73 gearing, and its not the tranny or the gearing, its the computer. I can use tow haul or not, the truck acts like besterd when towing, gets stuck in gear, etc.

That being said at 60 empty im probably around 1500 70mph is probably closer to 1800-2k. Towing with anything of descent weight tends to be 1800s or higher.

Dr. ice · February 23, 2015

I recently pulled my trailer to WY and back and was seriously disappointed with the truck. Now I am wondering if I have the right gears. The window sticker says 3.42's but what a pooch. I am contemplating going to try to trade it off on another Ram. I run about 1500 rpm at 60 MPH. Who else out there has the 3.42's and what rpm are you getting empty at 60 MPH?

Thanks in advance!

Do you have the 5.3 with the Max Tow Package?

I recently pulled my trailer to WY and back and was seriously disappointed with the truck. Now I am wondering if I have the right gears. The window sticker says 3.42's but what a pooch. I am contemplating going to try to trade it off on another Ram. I run about 1500 rpm at 60 MPH. Who else out there has the 3.42's and what rpm are you getting empty at 60 MPH?

Thanks in advance!

Do you have the 5.3 with the Max Tow Package? Also, what is your trailer weight?

I recently pulled my trailer to WY and back and was seriously disappointed with the truck. Now I am wondering if I have the right gears. The window sticker says 3.42's but what a pooch. I am contemplating going to try to trade it off on another Ram. I run about 1500 rpm at 60 MPH. Who else out there has the 3.42's and what rpm are you getting empty at 60 MPH?

Thanks in advance!

Do you have the 5.3 with the Max Tow Package? Also, what is your trailer weight?

Dr. ice · February 23, 2015

Oops......itchy trigger finger. Sorry for the multiple posts above.

nards444 · February 23, 2015

Oops......itchy trigger finger. Sorry for the multiple posts above.

5.3 and max tow is 3.73 gearing

Dr. ice · February 23, 2015

5.3 and max tow is 3.73 gearing

Your right.....I keep thinking about the Max Tow being 3.42 in the 2015 with the 8 spd. How heavy of a trailer are you pulling?

clatla · February 23, 2015

I do not have the max tow. There were none available. Trust me I looked. I have a buddy that has a 10' w/3.42's and it pulled my trailer "OK". I figured with the juiced up motor it would be better. I am not impressed at all. My 10' Ram pulled much better. I know the Ram has more HP but come on.

I tried it with the TOW/HAUL on, off and everything in between. Now that I am back it shifts funny at times. Like it learned how to shift while pulling the trailer and doesn't know what to do now.

Trailer weighs 2100lbs, 3 sleds at 500lbs each, 500lbs worth of gear so roughly 4100lbs.

Is there a programmer that doesn't leave footprints and actually works?

"Edit" 5.3L motor

Isriam · February 23, 2015

you're not being very clear. do you have the 5.3 or 6.2? 4000 lbs should tow like you dont even notice something behind you.

nards444 · February 23, 2015

Your right.....I keep thinking about the Max Tow being 3.42 in the 2015 with the 8 spd. How heavy of a trailer are you pulling?

Heaviest load is probably around 8500lbs or so.

I do not have the max tow. There were none available. Trust me I looked. I have a buddy that has a 10' w/3.42's and it pulled my trailer "OK". I figured with the juiced up motor it would be better. I am not impressed at all. My 10' Ram pulled much better. I know the Ram has more HP but come on.

I tried it with the TOW/HAUL on, off and everything in between. Now that I am back it shifts funny at times. Like it learned how to shift while pulling the trailer and doesn't know what to do now.

Trailer weighs 2100lbs, 3 sleds at 500lbs each, 500lbs worth of gear so roughly 4100lbs.

Is there a programmer that doesn't leave footprints and actually works?

as i said before shift points in this truck are horrible to begin with, and even worse when towing and even worse with tow haul mode.

Dr. ice · February 23, 2015

I agree....... I pull a 8,000 lb car hauler behind my 2009 GMC 1500 with the 5.3. While no rocket.....it gets the job done. I will admit I wanted more power and less rear end squat so I have a 2015 SLT on order with the 6.2 and Max Tow package. I think it should offer a good ride but also handle the 8,000 lb trailer with no problem. However, I also have a tandem axle Haulmark bike hauler and you know its back their when you are in the hills and pushing the wind with two touring Harleys loaded. Part of my problem is I like to tow at 75-80 mph. Probably would do a lot better at 60.

nards444 · February 23, 2015

I agree....... I pull a 8,000 lb car hauler behind my 2009 GMC 1500 with the 5.3. While no rocket.....it gets the job done. I will admit I wanted more power and less rear end squat so I have a 2015 SLT on order with the 6.2 and Max Tow package. I think it should offer a good ride but also handle the 8,000 lb trailer with no problem. However, I also have a tandem axle Haulmark bike hauler and you know its back their when you are in the hills and pushing the wind with two touring Harleys loaded. Part of my problem is I like to tow at 75-80 mph. Probably would do a lot better at 60.

I agree....... I pull a 8,000 lb car hauler behind my 2009 GMC 1500 with the 5.3. While no rocket.....it gets the job done. I will admit I wanted more power and less rear end squat so I have a 2015 SLT on order with the 6.2 and Max Tow package. I think it should offer a good ride but also handle the 8,000 lb trailer with no problem. However, I also have a tandem axle Haulmark bike hauler and you know its back their when you are in the hills and pushing the wind with two touring Harleys loaded. Part of my problem is I like to tow at 75-80 mph. Probably would do a lot better at 60.

The problem I have is not related to the engine or the gears, plenty of power, issue is with the tranny and the computer. I had an 07 with the 5.3 although not as strong, its shifting was a lot better. I got the 14 silvy because of the max tow and had the double doors for the kid I just had. My lease is up in two years and towing is very important to me. So unless GM can figure out the shifting, put the 6.2l in other trims, or add a competitive forced induction engine, Ill be moving on as the 5.3 is not the best towing machine out there right now.

Dr. ice · February 23, 2015

The problem I have is not related to the engine or the gears, plenty of power, issue is with the tranny and the computer. I had an 07 with the 5.3 although not as strong, its shifting was a lot better. I got the 14 silvy because of the max tow and had the double doors for the kid I just had. My lease is up in three years and towing is very important to me. So unless GM can figure out the shifting, put the 6.2l in other trims, or add a competitive forced induction engine, Ill be moving on as the 5.3 is not the best towing machine out there right now.

Understood!

CptMcSaug · February 23, 2015

I foresee the 8 speed hitting the 5.3 in a year or so

clatla · February 23, 2015

So just to be clear I have the 5.3L. I changed and rewrote my posts and that must have been missed. The 4100lbs on a tandem axle trailer should not be noticed but it is. Way more than it should.