I'm wondering if some of the problems I read here are more towing knowledge or experience than it is Mechanical problems. I have a 48RE and tow right aroung 16k and have been for about 4 months now. We live on the road pulling a fifth wheel and have had no problems as of yet. If your tranny is locking up in a specific gear than let up on the peddle some allowing your tranny to shift. If you're pulling in overdrive than anticipate the hill that you're approaching and take it out of overdrive. I try to stay under 2500 RPMs when pulling a hill and allow the gears to shift before laying my foot down for more power. I'm always watching my tranny temps and have had an extra large tranny pan installed. I have never seen anything over 190 and that's on a hot day. Most of the time it pulls within the 170 degree range. I hope I continue having great luck with my tranny as I try not to drive the peeeeeeeeeeeeee out of it, but rather adjust my driving/pulling habits to the mechanical needs of this great truck.

 

My 48RE clangs into OD occationaly when I am going up a hill or giving it some power prior to it shifting into OD. I thought it was the tranny but a few out there has advised me that it is back pressure in the turbo in result of the sudden drop in rpms. Anyone have a similar noise?

 

No problems with my 48RE, some gear hunting at lower speeds, but no slippage. Its one of the more solid automatics for diesels Ive driven 8)

 

[quote author=cumminsho2500 link=board=20;threadid=19168;start=0#msg180386 date=1062674880]
hey i just wanted to thank all of you guys for your imput....im not as worried anymore but when i go to the dealer to get my seat and speaker fixed ill just mention something to them to at least get it on document that i said something about the trans. thanks guys
[/quote]

My '04 HO/48re has about 700 miles on it. I had test driven an '03 model and found the shifts to be a bit harsh. My '04 shifts quite smoothly and has not hunted (although I haven't towed yet). I have experienced "hunting" with transmissions but it usually occurs when I am messing with the gas (diesel)pedal when I know the transmission is about to shift. I don't know for certain, but there is a definite improvement in shift quality between the '03 I test drove and the '04 I bought. Perhaps there is asoftware issue you could discuss wth the dealer?