OK 48RE fans....

[ulhpilot]

I really prefer an auto trans and I'm reading the reliability thread and feel better, but I still get sweaty palms when I think about those long downhill grades in western NC, VA and WV. I won't be towing at max weights (probably around 7 to 8K) but how are you auto boys slowing them heavy rigs down? Most of my towing will be North/South I-77 and them runaway ramps are there for a reason.

PS Still undecided on SB/LB

 

[NSperduto]

Don't know about brakes, I have not towed with it yet, but go LB. Short beds are a pain if you plan on hauling stuff inteh bed

 

[MO'Donnell]

The 04. 5's 48RE (which is what you will get if your order now) will be compatible with an exhaust brake, and several people on this board have successfully put them on 03's.

 

[Rosco]

Originally posted by MO'Donnell

The 04. 5's 48RE (which is what you will get if your order now) will be compatible with an exhaust brake, and several people on this board have successfully put them on 03's.

That is not correct information. As of right now no Jake Brake approval has been given to any 48re transmission.



Do a search for the thread that TDR member Carlton Bale has been posting on for accurate exhaust brake information. Carlton is "the horses mouth".

 

[XcumminsX]

04. 5's will be exhaust brake ready...

 

[RankRam]

Originally posted by XcumminsX

04. 5's will be exhaust brake ready...

I'm not picking at ya X but I would not bet the farm on that one, but then again I'm still mad that they said the same thing about the 03 that I'm currently driving and wishing I had bought the six shooter.

 

[CIverson]

I'm not saying they will be approved for sure, but in the press release about the new cummins 600 it stated they will be exhaust brake compatable.

 

[RankRam]

Early on with the 03 48RE hoopla they said it was Jake compatible as well, I hope it is but I need to see it to believe it.

 

[XcumminsX]

RankRam not to pick on you but why do you wish you had a 6 speed? i love my 48re and when i bomb it all im getting is a vb,tc and a transmission controller and ill be able to handle 550 rwhp

 

[RankRam]

I wish I'd never posted my dissatisfaction of the 48RE not having a Jake but I have so here goes.



I used to have a 99 with a 5 speed and it had a Jake on it and worked flawlessly. I then got nervous about all the emissions talk (EGR and or Cat Converter). I decided it was time to let go of my truck and get an 03 so I started looking at the changes that the 3rd generation trucks had and the 48RE was looking good, And I thought I'll take one for a ride. To my surprise I was impressed with the acceleration and how well it held overdrive locked in the mountains. I then checked the info about E-Brake usage and it was reported in writing that it was ok to use. Well we now know that this decision was a little premature.

My only beef with the 48RE is not being able use an E-Brake. Thats it, as far as the trans I think it works very well and am in no way shape or form saying it is a bad transmission.



I sound like a whiner so I'm not gonna say anymore about this again, I do want to clarify: I'm very happy with my truck, but I do miss my E-Brake.

 

[KB0OU]

Brakin transmission

Put a 3 way mystery swith in it and brake away!!!

 

[DPKetchum]

I tow 10k plus and have wih several differant trucks. I never have had a exhaust brake. TRAILERS have brakes Also. I've never had a problem slowing or stopping or riding my brakes. I keep trailer brakes serviced and adjusted. Maybe towing 20k might need exhaust brake but then again TRAILERS have brakes. My 02 worth.

 

[curatchko]

Originally posted by ulhpilot

I really prefer an auto trans and I'm reading the reliability thread and feel better, but I still get sweaty palms when I think about those long downhill grades in western NC, VA and WV. I won't be towing at max weights (probably around 7 to 8K) but how are you auto boys slowing them heavy rigs down? Most of my towing will be North/South I-77 and them runaway ramps are there for a reason.

PS Still undecided on SB/LB

I tow about 12k through the mountains in areas that you're talking about, probably 6-7 times a year and haven't had a problem stopping... . never been an issue. So far I haven't seen a reason for an exhaust brake.

 

[DPKetchum]

I have come down4/6/7%percent grades no big deal. With a 1993 W250 auto. Had a harder time going up even with a bunch of mods. Cured that with the 03. Towing 10k plus. Folks pulled and went down same grades 10/20/30 years ago with gas engines,No exhaust brakes and less power. Most of the runways I think are BIG rigs. If nervous do what I do. GO SLOW. But I've never used much brake going down. I like my trailer brakes a little tight anyway,I like to feel it hold when I have just enough on the pedal to light up brake lights. Lots of times on those grades I barely touch the brake and the trailer kind of feels like a parachute hit.

 

[RankRam]

I agree that the truck handles the mountains very well but I have to say if you have never had an E-Brake you just don't know what your missing. :-{}

 

[DPKetchum]

I understand but point bring a E/brake isn't a gotta have. Its a wanna have. As far as S/B versus a L/b I'll get flamed for this but S/B are useless as tits on a boar hog. A pretty 1500 to haul grocery's and pine straw thats great. But for using and resale its a waste of a good power plant.

 

[RankRam]

Originally posted by DPKetchum

I understand but point bring a E/brake isn't a gotta have. Its a wanna have. As far as S/B versus a L/b I'll get flamed for this but S/B are useless as tits on a boar hog. A pretty 1500 to haul grocery's and pine straw thats great. But for using and resale its a waste of a good power plant.

Agreed

 

[gonzo2]

Agreed. And I'll probably do it again .

 

[NC_Mog]

I tow trailers in the same area you are talking about and mine has performed flawlessly. Having good trailer brakes on two axles to complement the great brakes the truck has, I've never had a problem keeping things under control. One key is start slow on a steep grade if you want to end slow.



As to short or long, the short bed works well for me. More maneuverable than you long bed fellows, and the resale will not suffer. There will always be plenty of folks that want both.

 

[MO'Donnell]

Shortbed/longbed wars!

I agree longbeds are a lot nicer for hauling, but sometimes circumstances (like where you have to drive and park) force you to the shorty. Gotta learn to be creative when you haul the 4x8 sheets of drygoods, 2x4's etc. Around here, it doesn't hurt the resale. Go with fits you needs regardless of what everyone else says.