P00AF less than 5 miles into first tow

[biodiesel]

We just don't have anything over 65mph speed limits around home to generate higher constant EGTs, nor do we have a long enough grade to make those EGTs climb enough.

Speed is one of the biggest factors we've noticed with the Ram trucks while towing. Folks are more likely to trigger the P00AF code on I-40 going through New Mexico and Arizona or I-70 going through Colorado than they are climbing some of the steeper mountain passes. The mountain passes have hairpin turns and slower speed limits, which doesn't generate the heat.

What a lot of people don't know is that OEMs are allowed to drive as slow as 40 mph on the 11.4-mile Davis Dam SAE J2807 towing test. This is how the Gladiator EcoDiesel has a very high tow capacity despite the cooling issues. The difference between driving 40 mph vs 50 mph is substantial in terms of engine cooling.

The hottest temps I've recorded in my 2020 Ram EcoDiesel is towing in mountainous terrain at 62 mph. Otherwise, the temps are very manageable when climbing mountain passes at 20 - 30 mph, which is oftentimes the posted speed limit.

If folks would slow down, they would find that the EcoDiesel does a good job of towing and managing heavier loads. The problem is that most people don't want to drive at slower highway speeds.

Sponsored

 

[FC1]

Speed is one of the biggest factors we've noticed with the Ram trucks while towing. Folks are more likely to trigger the P00AF code on I-40 going through New Mexico and Arizona or I-70 going through Colorado than they are climbing some of the steeper mountain passes. The mountain passes have hairpin turns and slower speed limits, which doesn't generate the heat.

What a lot of people don't know is that OEMs are allowed to drive as slow as 40 mph on the 11.4-mile Davis Dam SAE J2807 towing test. This is how the Gladiator EcoDiesel has a very high tow capacity despite the cooling issues. The difference between driving 40 mph vs 50 mph is substantial in terms of engine cooling.

The hottest temps I've recorded in my 2020 Ram EcoDiesel is towing in mountainous terrain at 62 mph. Otherwise, the temps are very manageable when climbing mountain passes at 20 - 30 mph, which is oftentimes the posted speed limit.

If folks would slow down, they would find that the EcoDiesel does a good job of towing and managing heavier loads. The problem is that most people don't want to drive at slower highway speeds.

This is what I have found out. Mine throwed the code one time in lower Florida in a 100 degrees temp. I was pulling my camper and was not paying attention to the speed. Traveling about 80+ throwed the code. After that. We have pulled the camper 5000 miles plus in the same heat with no problems. Only differences is my speed. I won’t pull over 65 anymore.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Speed is one of the biggest factors we've noticed with the Ram trucks while towing. Folks are more likely to trigger the P00AF code on I-40 going through New Mexico and Arizona or I-70 going through Colorado than they are climbing some of the steeper mountain passes. The mountain passes have hairpin turns and slower speed limits, which doesn't generate the heat.

What a lot of people don't know is that OEMs are allowed to drive as slow as 40 mph on the 11.4-mile Davis Dam SAE J2807 towing test. This is how the Gladiator EcoDiesel has a very high tow capacity despite the cooling issues. The difference between driving 40 mph vs 50 mph is substantial in terms of engine cooling.

The hottest temps I've recorded in my 2020 Ram EcoDiesel is towing in mountainous terrain at 62 mph. Otherwise, the temps are very manageable when climbing mountain passes at 20 - 30 mph, which is oftentimes the posted speed limit.

I wasnt towing and I wasn't on mountain freeways like I70 either, I was on I90 heading across Wyoming and South Dakota. Mine popped once in Wyoming where theres long gradual grades going through the prairies, and once in Chamberlain, SD where the highway climbs out of from the Missouri River. But I do have weight from the RTT and such and I'm probably sitting right at the line for GVWR when loaded up with gear.

If folks would slow down, they would find that the EcoDiesel does a good job of towing and managing heavier loads. The problem is that most people don't want to drive at slower highway speeds.

I get it, but thats not always a safe option. I'm not going to become a hazard doing 60mph or lower on I90 across South Dakota and Wyoming when other traffic is doing 80+. Even big rigs are at least 75 on that stretch. I have no issues with slowing down on winding mountain roads, and to be honest it's expected, but in many places, especially I90 thats just creating a danger to yourself and others.

But I will say towing I limit myself to max 70mph. Our trailer isn't huge, so 70 is reasonable for it. But as stated, I wasn't towing when mine popped. I do plan to start going through the interior of SD and Wyoming from now on. Not so much because of this issue, but I90 just sucks and burns a ton of fuel.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

More times than I care to remember going across Iowa, Nebraska, SoDak, etc. I've watched folks come screaming up behind us when doing 65-70 and slam on the brakes before darting around. I used to tap the lock icon on the Wolfbox to save the recording, but I got sick of doing so.

 

[FC1]

I’m retired finally. Now I can slow down and smell the roses and see the sights

 

[Idlethunder]

Towing with the JT diesel is much different than I expected. I've been towing travel trailers for almost 45 years with everything from a 4 cylinder Ford Ranger to 1 ton diesels but the Gladiator ecodiesel is unlike any tow vehicle I've ever used.

After dragging the little trailer over 200 miles yesterday and Saturday, I think I've got it figured out. I'm leaving later today for New Mexico and will update the thread later. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience. If you happen to see a white Gladiator on the shoulder of I-40 with the hazards on, honk when you go by!

 

[Vtur]

Yeah, most of those guys didn't have any issues until they towed for the first time or at least towed in hilly terrain for the first time. Some of the higher mileage trucks simply didn't do any towing until later on in ownership.

I did my first big towing trip at 300 miles. I was fortunate not to have the faulty actuator. We do a fair amount of towing in mountainous terrain, plus we've been logging a good 6,000 - 8,000 miles per year.

If you know anyone have a failed gen3 actuator, i'd love to buy it. I'm setup for this kind of tinkering and pretty sure i can fix it.

 

[biodiesel]

I get it, but thats not always a safe option. I'm not going to become a hazard doing 60mph or lower on I90 across South Dakota and Wyoming when other traffic is doing 80+. Even big rigs are at least 75 on that stretch.

I don't tow any faster than 63 mph, even on roads with 75 and 80 mph speed limits. Just because others are flying doesn't mean that I need to. Even at 63 mph, I still catch slow semi-trucks, RVers or older decrepit vehicles. I want good control over my tow vehicle and trailer. I feel that 62-63 mph is a good speed to balance fuel economy, stopping power, and manage engine temperatures while maximizing efficiency in an ideal RPM range.

I love towing through California with their 55 mph towing limit. It seems slow at times, but I enjoy the fuel economy, cooler trailer tires, cooler oil temps, etc.

I use cruise control 95% of the time, but there are certain sections of the road in which cruise can create shifting behaviors that ultimately spike engine temps.

I also lockout 8th gear when towing. This allows the truck to stay in an ideal RPM range while limiting the frequency of downshifting.

 

[biodiesel]

If you know anyone have a failed gen3 actuator, i'd love to buy it. I'm setup for this kind of tinkering and pretty sure i can fix it.

Unfortunately, Mopar wants it all back as part of the warranty process.

 

[Rusty PW]

Off topic somewhat.........Question.........what is the speed rating on your rv tires? Most are rated to 65 mph. And some of you are towing faster than that?

 

[Chance575]

Ha, mines equipped with light truck tires

 

[biodiesel]

Off topic somewhat.........Question.........what is the speed rating on your rv tires? Most are rated to 65 mph. And some of you are towing faster than that?

10 years ago, most of the smaller trailer tires were rated for 65 mph. Today, the technology and trailer tire offerings have evolved quite a bit. I haven't looked at the low-end trailers to see what they are running, but most of the mid-level and high-end trailers now have a speed rating of N, which is 87 mph. For example, my ST225/75R15 Goodyear Endurance tires have the N rating.

 

[biodiesel]

After dragging the little trailer over 200 miles yesterday and Saturday, I think I've got it figured out.

As long as the weight distribution hitch is setup correctly, then I think you'll be in good shape. Post a picture when you get a chance.

I'm leaving later today for New Mexico and will update the thread later. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience. If you happen to see a white Gladiator on the shoulder of I-40 with the hazards on, honk when you go by!

We won't be too far behind you. I hope to be going through Moriarty on Saturday.

 

[Idlethunder]

You've got a big hill coming out of Santa Rosa, otherwise, it shouldn't be too bad. I still think you'll trigger the P00AF code, though. There's 2,400' feet total elevation gain between Santa Rosa and Clines Corner. Vehicles typically run hot going across New Mexico on I-40. Keep us posted!

The trip has been great so far. 475 miles today and stopped in Tucumcari for the night. No issue with cel or limp mode. I’ve been trying to stay around 65 mph but a few times have dropped down into the 50s to keep EGTs down. The stretch you mentioned leaving Santa Rosa tomorrow will be the test.

 

[biodiesel]

I am bringing it in to the dealer today. Hopefully they can pull the cab with all the stuff I have done.

Did they get you approved and scheduled for turbo warranty?

I do like the idea of getting a new turbo with 100k warranty, probably a smart idea. Just concerns me what else they will fuck up while literally doing open heart surgery on my jeep.

The Garrett turbos on the Gen 2 EcoDiesel have been known to last 400,000+ miles. The key is to let the turbo cooldown before shutting off the engine and service the air filter regularly. With that said, I wonder how long the actuators will last on the Gen 3 engines. We do have a few 200,000- and 300,000-mile Gen 3 engines in the Ram. Those are all running the factory turbo with no issues.

Stellantis doesn't see the actuator as being related to safety, so they haven't issued a recall for the turbo actuator. A turbo actuator isn't considered a wear item, either. This probably explains why the part was never intended to be sold separately.

We don't see actuator issues on the Gen 2 EcoDiesel. So, it will be interesting to see if the actuator on the Gen 3 will degrade faster than the Gen 2. So far, mine has held up with no issues and I've been averaging between 6,000 - 8,000 miles per year of towing since the truck was new.

Sponsored