Got A Decision To Make - 48RE Advice???

[RJOL]

My 2005, with the G-56, is now on factory hold. Now I need to decide if I want to buy a G-56 equipped CTD off the lot and let Chrysler fix the problem under warranty, get the 48RE auto (don't really want to do this, but I don't want a buggy manual), or just wait this out...



I don't tow full time, but I don't like the idea of an auto pulling a 12-13K fifth wheel and depending only on the truck/trailer brakes.



Need some advise from 2005 48RE owners... Can I just slow down, shift into 2nd, and hope I don't overheat the brakes on a downgrade, or stay away from the 48RE. Don't want to start a war between manuals and autos, but I do want to hear from 2005 auto owners that pull heavy trailers...

 

[Suthers]

Interested in replies also. I will tow at most 4 or 5 times a year, 8k tt. Will I have problems with the 48RE? I am a flat lander too, no mountains for 100's of miles. Just kind of depressed was really wanting the 6 speed.

 

[Gunnernmybike]

I know I have a 2004 48RE but I would wait for the 6 speed. I haven't had any problems but the transmission does have a lot of slippage and it's even more noticable when towing.



Good luck.

 

[jcarey]

I agree, wait for a bit and see what happens. I know they've finished the testing for the 48RE with an exhaust brake (See Carlton Bale's thread) and Dodge is evaluating the results. 2006 might see approval for an exhaust brake.



DMA's seem to have had some problems in the past. While a switch to a solid aftermarket flywheel might work, it might also impact transmission longevity.



Jim

 

[Bertram65]

I have almost 27k miles on mine, not one problem, I tow ocasionally about 9k lbs. If you read alot of the posts about auto vs. 6 speed there is alot of bias against the new 48re based on the previous 47re that had some issues. There have been a number of problems for both the 48re and 6 speed on the forums, seems the autos are fine stock, but once people start turing up the power they have problems, the 6 speeds definetly have less problems with more power. But on the other hand there have been a number of reports of notchy shifting and grinding going into reverse on the 6 speeds stock.

 

[mhstevens]

I upgraded from a 99 manual with an exhaust brake to a 2004 with the 48RE, under the assumption that I could get a brake for it. So much for my assumption, huh? I tow a 12,000# 5th wheel, and a lot of that is in Colorado and have made the trip on I-70 east into Denver a few times (pretty good downgrade). I do miss the exhaust brake, but I have to say I'm pretty impressed with the disc brakes on the truck so far. I haven't had any problems with the trans to this point (completely stock, 31500) and it still keeps up pretty well. I have the 4:10s and it gets up and goes even with the trailer. I did try the 6 speed, but I didn't like the constant "rowing" while in town. Comparatively, the 4:10s with the auto is pretty close to the stick and 3:73s. All in all--there are times when I miss the manual and EB, however I'm pretty pleased with the setup I have for most of my driving. And, I took it in for the 30,000 mile service and I still have about 1/2 the service brake life left--the 99 would probably be working on the 2nd set by now, so the brakes are definitely upgraded. I figure I'm going to do an end-run around the EB issue and just put disk brakes on the trailer, so that should solve that concern.

 

[klenger]

I'd wait for the 6 speed, but that's just my opinion. I like (more like really love) the 6 speed, and would not consider an auto, no matter who makes it.

 

[WNowlan]

I have the 48RE and 4. 10 gears.



I tow in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I am at 12,500 to 13,000 depending on what horses are loaded. I do not have a problem, but will upgrade to a EB when approved. Horse owners typically tow slower to give them a better expirence. I do not have a problem now. 24,500. When it goes I will upgrade to a true pulling aftermarket.



Until then it seems to me to be a waste of money. I already waste enough on my wife and daughters horses! I also spend to much on my other bad habit - my fishing boat!



I have not driven a manual since I drove Class 6 trucks 20 years ago. I can not help with a comparision on the newer style trans.



Good luck