Rufus

Once again the new guy has a question. I've got an 01 2500 Laramie with the Cummins, and an auto trans with O/D. I got the truck to pull my 23' travel trailer (kinda like shootin sparrows with cannons, but I like my stuff Heavy Duty). Yesterday, I hooked on to the trailer (maybe 6000lbs) and the truck pulled it with no problems. I turned off the O/D, and later read the owners manual where it said it was supposed to be turned off in towing situations.
Ok, so here's the question. Is the Dodge auto like the GM, where the torque converter doesn't lock up, or is the use of the O/D linked to the cooling system or what.
At about 65mph, the engine is turning about 2500rpm, and I think thats a little high, but if thats the way its supposed to be when I tow, then OK
Any body have any ideas, comments or personal stories?
Thanks and
Have fun

hamilton71801

As long as its not lugging or hunting gears, use OD. I normally turn mine off until I hit 55-60 just so my rpms will be above 1500. My sweet spot is 1800 rpms which relates to 68mph.

sheriffav8r

The TC is locked up in OD. I think the Dodge guys were covering all bases with lugging and cooling. If you can get the rpms you like (above 1700 I'd guess) you should be fine....

Rufus

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info. It seems the 1800 rpm area is where I'll want to be out on the interstate, in O/D.
While I was looking for a truck, I spoke to a guy who has a couple of Dodge 2500's he uses to pull his race cars. He said the trans in the 01 was a little weaker than the later models, and I wonder if this is what he was talking about. Apparently, he leans on his pretty strong, and I don't think I drive that hard.
Thanks again
Have fun

JPR Ram

The torque converter locks in third. Then does a quick unlock, shift to O/D then relock. Towing while using the O/D is ok. Lugging shouldn't be a problem with the stock tranny, since the ECM will down shift the tranny when needed. But if your pulling a grade, it's best to turn off the O/D.

RowJ

All good info in above posts!
6,000 lbs is nothing for your CTD or your tranny. Your biggest problem will be remembering it's back there.
The Cummins will run all day at 2500 rpm.... but it's unnecessary unless towing really heavy (20,000 lbs)

But, the big drop between 3rd and OD needs to be worked manually sometimes for best results.
When towing or hauling heavy, I also lock out OD till about 2200 rpm, so that OD engages well above 1500 rpm. (that assumes you have a 3.54 rear end).

RJ