Pulling a trailer and overheating

Tiny
MUSGROVES
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
We have a 2002 dodge ram van 1500 (56000 mi) V8 5.2 that we bought to pull a trailer (1100 empty + 800 lb motorcycle) and the van runs just at or under the red section of hot on the gauge. Replaced thermostat, no difference. Would a transmission cooler that u-haul sells improve this?

Friday, February 4th, 2011 AT 6:01 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
DOCFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,828 POSTS
Think radiator and an electric assist fan would help solve overheating
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Friday, February 4th, 2011 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 34,330 POSTS
Hi guys.

I would check the thermostatic fan clutch and be sure the cooling fins on the radiator are not blocked with a butterfly collection and they're not rotted away from road salt. I drag around a 4,500 pound enclosed tandem axle trailer with my '88 Grand Caravan and don't have an overheating problem. What you're trying to pull is a flea on a camel. You shouldn't even notice it's there.

Caradiodoc
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Friday, February 4th, 2011 AT 10:26 PM

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