I bought a new 2007 Dodge 2500 automatic with the 5.9 Cummins. It has the tow package. I towed my loaded toy hauler, about 10 thousand pounds, back to Colorado from California. No problems and the truck pulled all the hills like crazy. This year I made the same trip, but I've added gauges. Because I was keeping tabs on the gauges (EGT, boost, tranny temps) I happened to notice the engine temp gauge on the dash. I noticed my normal 200 degrees was way at the top nearing the red mark when climbing steep grades. I slowed to bring the temps back down. My question is there a way to make the engine run cooler, or do I just have to take grades a little slower? BTW, I've noticed that there is a computer program that apparently reduces engine power when the engine gets too hot. Does that mean it will protect you from hurting the engine? Thanks.

Rick

 

I too have a 5.9 07 and pull a 34' Gooseneck Living quarters horse trailer. Do you have some sort of a box on it??? The HOTTEST I have ever seen my gauge get while towing in the summer desert near Blythe is about 3 needle widths over the middle 200 mark. Never near or even close to the red. I did add Purple Ice to the coolant but I doubt it makes a HUGE difference. They claim it will not stop temps from rising, just cool them quicker. Might have your fan clutch looked at.

 

How were the trans temps when you were getting the hot engine? The only people I have seen complaining about hot engines were auto guys. I pull a 8500 - 9000 lb travel trailer up and down hills in SC in 100 degree weather with the A/C cranked and hammer down about every weekend in the summer and never have seen more than 200 + 2 needle widths. But I am a manual trans too. I have a buddy who pulls produce for his produce stand all summer long. His trailer is never within allowable weight specs and he also never has temp issue (manual trans also).

 

Did you hear the fan kick on? You would know it by the noise. If not there is a issue with the fan clutch and/or it's wiring. Should not have got that hot.

Was the torque converter unlocked when it was at it's hottest? That will make a huge difference. Did you have the tow haul enabled?

 

What was the Pyrometer runing at? I like to keep my EGT when in a hard pull at around 1300 . I keep it at 1300 for i am going to keep this truck a longe time. I fell this is a safe number.