desert_rat

To follow up on this topic, today I towed our trailer from Phoenix to Hurricane, UT. A little over 400 miles. The temperature outside averaged over 100 the whole trip. I tried the manual mode when going up grades and that seemed to keep the temp down, except when in 2nd gear. If the tranmission was in gears 3-5, the temp never got over 210. I did climb one grade in 2nd gear and it shot up to 217 but made no whining noises. On another note, since having the trans fluid exchanged (properly) 2 weeks ago, the trans has been shifting much smoother even with only 33k on the original fluid. I'm guessing that the torque converter doesn't lock up in 2nd gear which would explain the rapidly rising temperatures. 2nd gear is where I have reached 231 in the past. We are currently on a 2k mile trip so this is a real test for my trans temps.

BRUTE448

i only reach 203 with my ktm in the bed from hillsboro to browns camp. i did pull 224* with cab full of guys and 5 set of golf clubs going up santiam pass east of south salem headed to bend, but i didnt lock anything out and it was back and fourth from 4/5/6. same route to go to china hat to go riding with 3 bikes on a trailer/ bed loaded with fire wood and coolers gallor on the a** end of the trailer, i locked out 5 and 6 and let her rev going up santiam, only got to 205* and pulled just fine, if i needed to pass i'd pull to 3rd and the 4valves would really get'er goin! hope this helps

Drax782

What is the actual normal operating temp of the transmission?

winchested

195-210

503PDX

Im heading to Prineville this weekend, Up and over Mt Hood here we go! It was right about Browns camp where my temp was getting up around 220*, however there was heavy traffic and I was crawling up the hills..

BRUTE448

in traffic headed west over hwy 8 , i'd jsut lock out 5/6 and possibly 4th as that would keep you deep in the torque meats of hte 5.0 to keep you pullin along vs trying to chug/lug the engine.

mark waller

My truck usually runs 199-203. Towing up an 8 mile grade outside of Bishop, CA the highest it hit was 214 towing a 5500 lb. trailer and we easily we at 55-60 mph.

redneck wrencher

I average same. About 10* difference between towing vs running empty; depending on ambient temperature and load.

w0lvez

The OE ATF Cooler are designed to clogged after several thousands of miles. Using lighter (Aluminum Alloy) & smaller rim/wheels will reduce Fluid temp, give you better towing performance and more mileage.

503PDX

UPDATE: We just returned from out 9 day stay in central Oregon. Towing the trailer from the town of Prineville up to the reservoir I saw a max temp of 232* at the top of a long steep incline. The analog gauge was not reading yellow or red. I am starting to think I may need a bigger truck.. On the way back home it never passed 216*. Never heard any weird sounds or whines either.