Cooling Options for a 2011 Ram Truck Towing an 8,000 lb Trailer
Question:
HI I have a 2011 dodge ram with 3.55 rear. I am towing a 8000 lb trailer. My temps are aprox. 214 coolant temp, 165 Trans temp and 230 oil. These are all aprox. I have tlc airbags in back. The truck seams to do ok for the most part. My question is should I install a better electric fan and what one. Also should I install a oil cooler.and what one would work. Also any other enhancements you suggest. Thank you
asked by: Jim
Expert Reply:
Based on the research I have done, it does seem like your engine oil temperature is running a little high when towing, so I would recommend at least installing an engine oil cooler. The engine oil cooler that I would recommend is the Derale Stacked-Plate Engine Oil Cooler Kit, # D15604. This cooler is only 4-9/16 inches tall x 13 inches wide x 2 inches deep. This cooler will work well if you already have a supplemental transmission cooler installed on your truck.
You could also use the engine oil cooler, # D15604, that you referenced, but I recommend checking the space available in front of your radiator or AC condenser to see if you have the space available to install the larger cooler.
Your transmission fluid does not need to be cooled at all and is operating at the ideal temperature. Your coolant is also running at an ideal temperature, but it is at the higher end of the ideal range. Typically, you want your coolant temperature to be between 190 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
After doing some research, most people towing with a Ram pickup see their coolant temperature in the range of 190 to 215 degrees Fahrenheit. Adding a stronger electric fan would not be absolutely necessary, but it would bring your coolant temperature down.
Based on your question, I am not sure if you are currently using an aftermarket electric radiator fan or if you still have the OEM fan. I have attached a link to all of our electric radiator fans for you to check out. If you are replacing an aftermarket electric fan, then you can simply choose a stronger fan. If you have the OEM radiator fan, then you will want to choose a fan that will fit in the space you have available on your radiator.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Stacked-Plate Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Non-Thermostatic Sandwich Adapter - Class III
- Engine Oil Coolers
- Stacked-Plate Cooler
- W/ Sandwich Adapter
- Class III
- 13W x 4-9/16T x 2D Inch
- With - 8 AN Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Derale Plate-Fin Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Adjustable Sandwich Adapter (Multiple Threads) - Class V
- Engine Oil Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Class V
- 9-7/8W x 9-1/2T x 1-1/4D Inch
- With - 8 AN Inlets
- Derale
more information >
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