In the United States, truck speed limits are regulated in order to ensure a safer environment for drivers but also for the general population. They also help conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on vehicles. In heavy-duty trucks, such as the Ram, different speed limits may be implemented, but they are generally held at a slower speed limit where specified. For instance, through construction zones, neighborhood streets, or heavy highways, large rigs are often to move at slower speeds.
Federal agencies, as well as state and local governments, support these laws to minimize the chances of accidents, reduce emissions, and preserve roads from unnecessary wear and tear. Keeping a truck at a certain speed, like 55 mph, is part of this process because high-speed driving is dangerous for larger vehicles, which need longer distances to brake and stability control.
All this aside, the following article will break down on how to govern a Ram truck to 55 MPH while keeping with the rules.
What Does it Mean by Governing a Vehicle?
By governing a vehicle, particularly a truck, one just means putting a limit on how fast it can go. This limit is set by a device called a “speed governor” and keeps the truck from going above a certain speed, for example, 55 mph.
This is done for trucks in the United States to be safer, use less fuel, and meet company or state regulations. A speed governor is simply a device connected to the engine that begins to activate once the truck reaches its set speed limit. Thus, if a truck is governed to 55 mph, it cannot go any faster, even if you floor it on the gas.
This may seem restrictive, but it actually is a smart way of keeping trucks running efficiently and safely on the roads, especially for big rigs hauling heavy loads across long distances.
Why Govern Your Ram Truck?
Governing your Ram truck is all about safety and efficiency. It lets you maintain a constant speed with less risk of accidents, especially during peak hours. The additional thing is that when your speed is controlled, it leads to fuel economy, thereby saving some cash at the pump. And let’s not forget staying within legal limits puts you on the right side of the law.
This regulation of your truck will keep you from accidents, for you are guided to adopt a safe driving technique. This includes maintaining control of your speed, especially if you find yourself in heavy traffic or unfavorable climatic conditions.
Trucks will also guzzle more fuel, especially at high speeds, and by reducing your speed to 55 mph, you get the best possible mileage for your car, which pays out in the long term.
Several states have their versions of the speed limit set aside for certain vehicles. To operate a truck legally requires your governance to follow speed limits and thus not face the penalty of fines.
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Many insurance companies offer discounts for good driving habits. By keeping your truck under control and driving at a steady speed, you may be eligible for lower premiums.
How to Govern a Ram Truck to 55 MPH?
To drive your Ram truck to 55 mph, you will first need to set a limiter, either through built-in settings, an aftermarket governor, or by reprogramming the ECU. These enable your truck to maintain speeds that are safer, get better fuel efficiency, and adhere to road regulations, so here is a short guide on how to set them up right.
1. Using the Onboard Speed Limiter Settings
Some newer Ram trucks have an available speed limiter feature you can set through the truck’s onboard computer or infotainment system. It may appear in your manual or by contacting the dealer. If it is so, it can be as simple as inputting through the menu options and choosing to be held at a 55 mph limit.
2. Aftermarket Speed Governor Installation
For older models or trucks without a built-in limiter, you may have to choose an aftermarket speed governor. Attached to the truck’s ECU, this device allows the user to preset a maximum speed. It is usually installed by experts who will have to do custom wiring to calibrate the settings so it’s just right.
Tip: Talk to an experienced mechanic or installer who has Rams knowledge and can be satisfied that the governor is properly adjusted and set safely.
3. ECU Programming
Reprogram the ECU: This one involves changing the speed parameters directly using the right software. This can easily be done by any mechanic or dealer if they have the proper software. It is a pretty direct method to set your maximum speed and is suitable for permanent solutions. Nonetheless, it would void warranties if not done through an authorized dealer.
4. Fleet Management System (Commercial Use Only)
If this Ram is part of a business fleet, a fleet management system might already offer built-in speed-governing options. Fleet management software lets you set the speed for all trucks in your lineup, and many systems have remote controls for easy adjustments.
5. Check with Local Laws and Regulations
Always make sure that your modifications comply with the state regulations established for the trucking industry or if you use your Ram for business purposes.
These techniques all boil down to the same thing: keeping your Ram at 55 mph, but which to use will depend on the truck model, how permanent one wants the fix to be and how comfortable one is with technology.
Things to Consider
When you want to limit your Ram truck to 55 MPH, there are certain things that you need to consider to get it running as smoothly and safely as possible. Local speed regulations, the payload for your truck, and road conditions all affect how well your vehicle will hold that set speed. Governing your truck is not just about keeping the speed down but adapting to real-world driving situations while staying compliant and safe.
- Local Regulations: Understand the local traffic laws. Every state has different legal requirements for speed limits to be followed by trucks; hence, knowing them will save you from legal issues.
- Payload Effect: The heaviness of your load affects your truck’s performance. A heavier payload may make it difficult to maintain a constant speed; therefore, consider all this when ruling your vehicle.
- Road Conditions: Always take note of the road conditions. You may have your truck governed to 55 mph, but you can always adjust your speed because of road and weather conditions.
How to Remove the Governor of a Ram 1500?
Alright, now we break this down step by step. Warning here: this is a highly technical procedure; it’s pretty simple if you are trying to void the warranty. So, if you do not know what you are doing, then don’t do this or pay a pro.
Step 1: Acquire Suitable Tools and Software
Most of the new trucks these days, such as the Ram 1500, have the governor controlled by the ECU. You will be requiring the following to do this:
- Laptop
- OBD-II scanner
- ECU tuning software with compatibility for the Ram 1500
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Tuning software may include Hypertech and Bully Dog; they can override the speed limiter setting in your ECU. Note: Ensure it is a well-known brand; otherwise, you might encounter compatibility or safety issues.
Step 2: Connect the OBD-II Scanner
- Connect your OBD-II scanner to the port. Most of the time, it is usually located on the driver’s side of the dashboard.
- Attach your scanner to your computer and launch the ECU tuning software.
Step 3: Speed Limiter Adjustment
- Locate the speed limiter settings from the ECU software
- You will be able to raise the limit or totally remove it, depending on the software.
- Be careful here – you move that limiter completely, and then your truck can technically drive as fast as it may want to, but you’re putting a strain on your engine.
Step 4: Test Drive Safely
Have driven your Ram after this adjustment on a controlled environment, closed course, or empty road to make sure the tuning didn’t work as expected without problems arising.
Safe Driving Tips For Driving a Speed Governed Ram 1500
Driving at 55 mph sounds easy, but you will likely have to be attentive to safety and energy efficiency. At this speed, you will want to be aware of everything in your surroundings and avoid bunching up in other traffic, especially through heavy traffic or road work areas. The cruise control makes your drive flow smoother and maintains fuel consumption.
Pay attention to the surroundings and watch for changing road conditions, pedestrians, and other vehicles.
If your truck is equipped with cruise control, use it to maintain a steady speed. This can improve fuel efficiency and reduce driver fatigue on long drives.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Always keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you so that you have enough space and time to react should an unexpected event occur.
Be Prepared and Adjust Your Speed
The best way to handle frequent changes in speed limits is to maintain the right speed for the limit indicated on the road ahead. Be attentive to road signs. Observe construction zones that can slow you down even when the speed limit indicated may be higher.
If you are using the truck for work and others drive it, ensure them about the speed limit you have set. Teaching others to drive safely is one way of ensuring safety.
Related FAQ’s
How to Govern a Truck?
You can govern a truck by altering its ECU settings, which help in limiting the truck’s top speed. Some trucks are already equipped with built-in options for the speed limiter, and these can be set right from within the vehicle settings. But if not, it would need a mechanic or a speed limiter device to control the truck’s maximum speed.
How to Drive a Ram Truck?
Driving a Ram truck is not very different from driving any full-sized vehicle, except it is more powerful and bigger. You should keep a good eye on the truck’s handling, braking distance, and blind spots when towing or carrying a load. If you are a beginner in driving trucks, practice it in a safe area to get accustomed to its bigger feel.
How to take the Truck Speed Limiter?
Taking a speed limiter on a truck means accessing the ECU and reprogramming it. This can be done with specific tuning software or by a professional mechanic. Before you remove the limiter, check the local regulations because most states have laws that might not allow this for safety reasons.
How Fast Can You Make a Ram 1500?
A stock Ram 1500 will reach around 110 to 120 mph, depending on the engine and model year. However, aftermarket tuning and performance upgrades may make you surpass that but do not be surprised if the stress on the vehicle will not make it last as long.
What common problems you might encounter after governing your Ram pickup?
Even with a speed governor, at times, steady speed, a jumping speedometer reading, or a flashing check engine light may occur. If the limiter is not working or the truck over-speeds, find a bad ECU or get a professional mechanic to look at it. A jump in the speedometer could be a sign of an issue with the throttle or transmission, so this should be viewed by a professional mechanic. If the new fuel economy is sticking around, change your driving behavior; aggressive driving can sometimes negate fuel-saving benefits.
In Conclusion, Installing a speed limiter in your Ram truck can mean a lot in terms of safety, fuel efficiency, and following U.S. traffic laws. Whether you want to keep your vehicle in line for business or personal purposes, learning how to govern a Ram truck to 55 MPH will help you stay within the confines of the law and save you from expensive fines, as well as make your ride more fuel-efficient.
Always remember that there will always be advantages and disadvantages of every technique setting, aftermarket limiter, and/or reprogramming the ECU. So, select what works best for you. So, check up on your truck’s model and driving requirements or taste over with technology. Now, the ride will become easier with smoother and safer cruising conditions.
