I have a 2014 ram mega 3500 cumins single wheel with 82k miles. It is stock engine and drive train. I purchased this truck new in ‘14 with 40 miles on it.
This last weekend I took our fusion toy hauler (5th wheel 38’) on a camping trip. We go on a long camping trip at least once a year and close trips multiple times a year. I live in Oklahoma and have pulled this truck/trailer combo to Colorado multiple times, Yellowstone and Mount Rushmore separate years. However this was the first pull this year and the truck does not feel right. In general it felt like I was not holding pressure for some reason on turbo and exhaust brake.
Heading out everything felt pretty normal. Exhaust brake held and I had power available like always. We drove 4 hours to our spot. 4 lane half way and 2 lain the rest.
Now coming back home was a different deal. Same roads. The exhaust brake felt very weak, no matter the rpms or gear. It felt like it was not holding at all or very little at most. Normally there is a noticeable amount of noise when it kicks in and you let off the throttle. I could not hear it this time. The factory gauge said it was doing 64hp peak, which would be about what I’ve seen when it was working on other trips.
I also experienced a noticeable loss of power. The truck did not shift when you stayed on the throttle up a hill like it would before and we would slow down. I use to power on up the long hills and never loose speed on the same hills and road. When pulling from a full stop, take off felt like I was not in tow/haul. And power loss was really felt. The boost pressure showed 28 lbs max. Going highway speeds throttle did not have a noticeable response. Peddle to floor use to have a rpm change and shift up or down, now nothing. I could gain some speed on flat but nothing on an incline. Turbo was much quieter than it generally would be in same situations.
Fuel mileage seamed to drop a lot. This trip I would normally average 10-12 mpg with a heavier load and more wind. This time I was in the 7-9 range.
I do not remember a noise or event on this trip I could point to like blowing a boot or seal. The factory gauges have generally normal numbers for what I was doing but performance was real bad. No smoke or fluids leaking. No overheating and no codes or check lights/warnings. Outside Temp was 72 and no rain. I haven’t drove without the trailer when we got home yet because I was/am so frustrated.
Can the factory gauges be lying and I have a leak somewhere? Surely not transmission related? Turbo sooted up that fast? Fresh oil and fuel filter change last week before trip. I assume the turbo and exhaust brake inter act on how/where the pressure is being held. I’m just trying to get an idea before I take to the dealer and they say nothing is wrong. I still have some factory extended warranty left and this would be the time to use it.
Sorry for the long post. Any thoughts welcome.
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