14K Fiver questions

[p-Bar]

I just recently bought a Carriage Cameo 32' with 2 slides . I am questioning if this trailer can be hauled with my truck (see sig) I can't back this thing up a hill to park in my property had to have my employee with his Duramax park it for me. I am questioning this whole Ram truck set up. Need some advcie froms ones hauling this size trailer. Thanks in advance

 

[JR]

Maybe you could elaborate some more as to why you couldnt back your camper in? Were you on asphault or gravel? Is your truck a 3/4 ton or 1 ton? Regardless of the 2nd quesfion, you should at least be able to back a rig up. Was your friend using 4wheel drive to get your camper where you needed it?

 

[BIGNASTY]

I had the same problem with my 04. 5 it wouldn't back up a incline. I shouldn't say WONT but I would have to really put my foot in it and it just didn't feel good, I asked our resident transmission guy on this site (IMO) and he said that is a problem with the 48RE. Now that I have a DTT trans I haven't tried it but dont suspect it will be any different. Hang on as soon as he sees transmission questions he usually addresses them.

 

[Bill Stockard]

The revdrse gear ratio is too "tall" in the 48RE at 2. 21 to 1 which makes it difficult to back heavy trailers uphill with the factory torque converter stall ratio. Your friend's Allison is 4. 49 to 1. The "tall" reverse gear was changed in the 68RFE to 4. 44 to 1 which makes it easier to back heavy trailers.

Bill

 

[p-Bar]

Thanks everyone for your input . I am 2wd we are on asphalt . I am a 3/4 ton do have supersprings . I guess I will take out a section of fence and gate it so I can back down. Another question do you think the transmission is strong enough for pulling this beast. i am totally stock? Also noticed this thing gets hot fast I have a trans gauge in the hot line to the cooler my buddies Allison got up to 160 backing it in . Also any mods you recommend?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Ive pulled some pretty heavy loads with the stock trans and it had right at 100K on it and still working like it always did, just had the opportunity to have it DTT built and did.

 

[p-Bar]

how about a new torque converter and valve body?

 

[Bob4x4]

Lol Smarty isn't stock. Heavy towing,go through the trans before you break it not out on the road and spoil a trip

 

[p-Bar]

Running Smarty on timing only would love to bump it up but know the drawbacks . Bob any recommendations on trans shop our area? maybe put some 4:11 gears in too?

 

[AH64ID]

Timing is the best thing to modify, but it can still add 40-70hp depending on how aggressive it is. Most that power is added in the 1600-2400 rpm band on SW1.

A valve body and Tq converter would be a wise investment.

 

[p-Bar]

Think it's enough?

 

[AH64ID]

If you not planning on going up in power it should be, but others know the 48RE better.

 

[p-Bar]

Part of me feels just selling the truck and buy a Chevy Duramax with the Allison . Am I crazy?

 

[AH64ID]

I think so!

Why not get a Ram with a 6. 7 and a 68RFE, or a C&C with the Aisin?

 

[JJPage]

P-Bar, another thing you may try/check, I had a cheapo trailer brake controller, I was having a hard time backing up my driveway, even in 4 wheel low. The level control on the brake controller was setting my trailer brakes uphill in reverse. Until I replaced my controller I would just unplug the trailer from my truck. Sounds ridiculous, but true.

 

[JR]

Part of me feels just selling the truck and buy a Chevy Duramax with the Allison . Am I crazy?

Just a little bit! If thats the worst of your issues, your not doing bad. Dodge no doubt has its draw backs but I think they are the best overall choice of the big 3 for a diesel pick up. The allison isnt all its cracked up to be, just check out the forums and you will see that. The duramax is a decent engine, but theyve got nothing on cummins when it comes to longevity, cost of maintenance, operation, etc.

 

[Bob4x4]

Since I can't do Dtts in house where I am at now I have been sending everybody to Mike @ Inglewood transmission in Fullerton. He is a good guy even though he drives a Duramax

 

[jgillott]

Part of me feels just selling the truck and buy a Chevy Duramax with the Allison . Am I crazy?

Yep..... 75K with my former Silverado work truck cured me of ever wanting another GM product. Don't put yourself through that.

Our '04. 5 has a ton of miles on the stock 48re. The advantage we have is using low range in the transfer case when backing up anything very heavy, so we don't deal with the issue you are having. I am with the others that suggested upgrading you current auto.

 

[p-Bar]

P-Bar, another thing you may try/check, I had a cheapo trailer brake controller, I was having a hard time backing up my driveway, even in 4 wheel low. The level control on the brake controller was setting my trailer brakes uphill in reverse. Until I replaced my controller I would just unplug the trailer from my truck. Sounds ridiculous, but true.

Thanks for the info don't think mine was doing that though.

 

[p-Bar]

Since I can't do Dtts in house where I am at now I have been sending everybody to Mike @ Inglewood transmission in Fullerton. He is a good guy even though he drives a Duramax

Thanks Bob I may call him tomorrow and get his thoughts