New Cummins owner here, with some basic towing questions.
I have never towed much before, besides small boats, utility trailers short distance.
I am also a first time diesel owner.
I just bought a brand new leftover 18 Cummins 2500 in February, and a 29FT Travel Trailer last month. About 8K lbs. loaded.
The wife and I took our first longer trip with it last weekend, 400 miles.
Before we take some more trips this summer I wanted to check in with a few questions I have.
The truck is deleted with EFI Live, and 4 power levels, +30 +60 +90 and +120HP.
I have been daily driving it in +60, and just left it in this setting for the last tow. Is this where I should be?
That's fine if you don't drive it like you have something to prove and the terrain isn't mountainous, otherwise I'd use the lowest HP setting.
I just read on this forum some mention of locking out the 6th gear when towing, which I did not do on my last trip.
Was this a mistake? My trans temp when commuting to work is around 160-165. When towing it was up to 170.
Those aren't bad but always try to remember to lock it out like Power already suggested.
I put 35" tires on the truck with the factory 3.42 rear end. I'm thinking this is a less-than-ideal setup for towing?
Should I make it a priority to upgrade to 3.73 or 4.10?
I'd do 4.10s if you plan to tow and have 35s.
Also, fuel economy commuting has been between 20-21 MPG. The trip with the camper was 12.5, are these pretty typical figures?
Those numbers are good. I always hand calculate since the evic is usually 0.5-1.5mpg off.
I am pretty impressed, but also I am new to this and I'm not sure what is normal.
Finally, not completely towing related, but driving around this truck tuned at +60HP has me a little nervous.
Don't be nervous, just drive it with care and common sense and it'll be fine.
I love the power and fuel economy from the delete, but I have been driving it really easy out of caution, especially with a load.
Should I be this worried about transmission life?
?For towing, I'd recommend you get a Trans Temp gauge and a Pyrometer gauge. PM or email me if you'd like more information or to place an order.
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