Correct - a Diesel generates BTU when under load, not much when unloaded.
If your cooling system is clean and functional and has a 195deg t-stat -which is good for fuel mileage - summertime, ac burning, you can watch the gage slowly creep up to 200deg, then plummet back to 180, as if you switched off the IGN, then slowly creep up to 200, then drop, etc.
This is normal for the 6.2 with a functional cooling system, as are your current symptoms, but check your t-stat - may be stuck open, or PO may have removed it.
You might put a piece of cardboard in front the radiator in winter ambients, keep an eye on the gage to see if you'll need to remove it before your destination - 200deg ECT is not a bad thing, in winter.