2022 Ram 1500 5.7 Towing gears and mileage - HELP!

[randycloud]

Just tried towing my M1101 Humvee trailer with roof top tent and gear. It weighs less than 3500 lbs total. However, the truck almost never shifts above 6th gear and is always running 3500-4500 rpm. The mileage is 6-8 mpg and I am in Oklahoma on relatively flat ground. I didn't realize that the 2022 had no way to manually override shift mode (thought the +/- on wheel would do it and didn't ask while on test drive.

Has anyone managed an override for manual shifting? What kind of RMP range and gear results do you all get with similar trailers at 75 mph?

Thanks

Randy

 

[Wire4money]

How tall is this trailer? Wind resistance is a huge factor. Trying to tow a large box at 75 is going to guzzle fuel. I suggest you drive a bit slower.

 

[Rlaf75]

What's the gear ratio of the rear differential? It sounds like you may have the 3.21 gears. There's also a lot of variables to take into consideration when towing. Post a picture of your trailer hooked up to the truck

 

[Darksteel165]

I didn't realize that the 2022 had no way to manually override shift mode (thought the +/- on wheel would do it and didn't ask while on test drive.

Has anyone managed an override for manual shifting? What kind of RMP range and gear results do you all get with similar trailers at 75 mph?

The +/- is maximum allowed gear, not a shifter.
Trucks with the GT package have paddle shifters that would allow manual shifting. I'm not sure if those could be installed aftermarket. You would likley need to replace the console to get the console shifter and then maybe flash the BCM.
When towing you probably need the strength so that's why you are in a lower gear at higher rpms

 

[Wild Bill]

I have a travel trail that weighs 5200lb loaded. Truck has a tow package and a tow haul mode. Tow haul mode reduces the demands on the engine. Second, the gearbox won't shift as much as it would regularly, which helps keep transmission temperatures as well as oil temperatures at a safe level. I'm regularly getting 12+mpg when towing however I do not drive 75mph when towing...
Just a thought, however you might not want to, but slowing down will help with your gas mileage..

 

[JF19Longhorn]

That sounds like alot of revs for such a small trailer only weighing 3,500lbs. Are you sure the trailer is rolling ok? (bearings, tires, brakes, etc)

Mine tows this @ 7k-8k lbs and with the 3,92s. I can sometimes get her into 8th gear, though most of the time it sits in 7th around 2k - 2.3k rpms.