Power - What To Look For?

[myfirstCTD]

I appreciate any help you can provide.

Two trucks: RAM 4500 - 2016 - Cummins - 170,000 miles - crew cab with service body - 4.10 ratio - 6-SPD AUTO AISIN AS69RC - 225/70R19.5G

RAM 5500 - 2013 - Cummins - 80,000 miles - crew cab with dump body - 4.88 ratio - 6-SPD AUTO AISIN AS69RC - 225/70R19.5G

5500 - Loaded up well and hauling a 12,000lb trailer, has some pretty good power - up hills can maintain at least 30-45 mph.

I love this truck.

4500 - emptyishtoolboxess - hauling around 7000lbs - is pretty sad with power; even without hauling, the power seems to suck.

It starts well, runs excellent, and has no rough idle.

It seems to eat DEF compared to my other RAMs' hauling.

So my thought was maybe I have a pretty severely sooted-up DPF.

Is the axle ratio going to be that much different?

Doesn't explain the DEF consumption.

I run through 2.5 tanks on the 4500 and must put more DEF in.

That may be an exaggeration, but it seems like it.

Cheers!

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[AK Bob]

DEF consumption will increase with engine load, that’s for sure.

When towing 14k fifth wheel with my truck (see signature), I would go through 2.5 gallons of DEF every 500 miles.

When not towing, I could go up to 3,000 miles on 2.5 gallons.

I would recommend monitoring the DPF pressure differential PIDs with a scan tool to see if it’s getting full.

If so, you could perform a stationary de-soot and then recheck the DEF usage.

https://www.delphiautoparts.com/en-g...ressure-sensor

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[Aj Grubb]

Any CEL or stored codes?

The Gear ratio makes a big difference when towing or even on a heavy truck.

As mentioned, run a forced Regen or maybe even two back to back...

Also, remember that a Regen will burn all the soot out of your DPF, but over time, ash will also build up.

Ash is not burned out during a Regen; if you are clogged or part clogged with ash, you must remove your DPF and have it cleaned professionally or replace it.

Or, you know, that which must not be mentioned.

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[myfirstCTD]

Thank you both for your replies.

So, which scan tool would you guys get for doing this?

To run a stationary Regen, that is.

Do any scan tools work?

RE: DEF consumption - yeah, we go through a ton of DEF hauling and towing.

My 3500 RAM 2017 eats DEF, too, when hauling my fifth wheel.

The 4500, however, was/is eating it unloaded/no hauling.

Let's say a buddy of mine has an MM3 for his 3500.

Can I use that on the 4500 hundred to perform the stationary Regen, or should I get a scanner like this?

https://www.amazon.com/FOXWELL-NT301...%2C190&sr=8-10

Or, you know, that which must not be mentioned.

LOL, I wish I could, but there are DOT numbers on this thing.

I don't need any other headaches.

Also, there are no CEL on the 4500

Thanks!

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[Aj Grubb]

Sorry, I can't help you as far as knowing what scan tools can and cannot command a forced Regen.

At work, I use either a Snap-On or a Laptop running Cummins Insite Software.

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[AK Bob]

I am not familiar with the capability of the Foxwell scanners.

I know AlfaOBD and Autel can monitor the DPF pressure PIDs and perform a stationary de-soot on my 2014 3500.

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[myfirstCTD]

I am not familiar with the capability of the Foxwell scanners.

I know AlfaOBD and Autel can monitor the DEF PIDs and perform a stationary de-soot on my 2014 3500.

Thank you!

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