I have put 400 miles on mine and it is time for me to speak my mind on MY new truck. I have owned 4 Dodges, 1989, 1994, 1996 and the 2003. All were diesels except the 1994, which was a V10. I realize I have not had it long but this truck is the best truck I have ever owned. The steering, handling, brakes, performance, turning ratio, parking just could not be better. I filled up this morning for the first time and got 19.98mpg and the trip computer stating an average of 20.3mpg. 35/65 interstate/city driiving. Now how can you beat that? It will only get better. <br><br>I realize that my truck is not perfect as I have some problems such as the shifting pattern, fan roar and thing that I don’t understand yet but I would not give it back if I could. I hope this feeling continues. The 48RE-shifting pattern is not completely understood by me because in stop and go traffic it’s shifts are sometime jerky and not smooth. When you accelerate continuously the shift pattern is snappy and pretty good but in city traffic it is not. In normal accelerating starts, it shifts at 12, then 22, then 38 and overdrive at 45mph. I can only compare the overdrive shift against my 1996 truck that took forever to reach the final gear at 52mph. This one gets there quickly. Another thing that I have noticed in comparing against my 1996 is this. I could take my 1996 to 30mph and let off the petal and it would go 28mph until it run out of fuel without touching the accelerator. When I try that with the 48RE the speed decreases and also in higher gears. I not sure what all this means but the T.C. must have something to do with this. I think this will help going down the mountain but don’t know for sure. I will let the guys that are real knowledgeable address this and I know a many of you are knowledgeable. The fan roar has been discussed earlier. I generally drive easy and do not dog my vehicles but yesterday I was doing about 20mph after a stop sign and I pushed the petal down about halfway and the truck just took off. When it got to 60 very quickly, I quit and just smiled. My truck is just a pleaure to drive.<br><br>There may be something else that I have forgotten as my mind is just full of stuff at the moment trying to get the truck rigged out. One more thing, the right side windows will fog while the left side is clear, prior to turning on the defroster.<br><br>After the hitch is installed and I start towing I will give another report. Meanwhile I am going to continue to enjoy my truck, read the forum and listen to all of you. I hope short bed/slider hitch and the towing will not present any problems.<br><br>Best to all of you.<br>

 

KenR,<br> Glad to see you are happy with your new truck. I have had mine (6sp) for a couple of months (5700 miles) and I'm still ;D <br><br>The Boss Hog<br>(Still grinning in Florida)

 

Ken,<br><br>That just tickles me pink to hear you brag about your truck. Sure didn't want you snooping around trying to find me and wring my neck. You are reflecting my feelings almost to the point. The response of the truck is tremendous, handling more like a well balanced car, and the ride is excellent considering the size and specs of my truck. <br><br>I think you will smile some more when you hook up. I sure did.<br><br>TickledBob

 

i'm in love. i would have gotten the truck a valentine gift if it wouldn't have offended the wife...<br>

 

That's a good truck, PAW PAW