Anybody towing with an early 2003.

Looking at a one ton dually with the standard output engine and the 47re tranny. Has the 3.73 rear end.

The HO with the 48re would be better but this one's in really good shape and low mileage.

Help.

 

I'm towing our 10,400 lb high profile 5th wheel with mine. We run along at 68- 70mph with no problems. It'll downshift to 3rd if a steep enough hill slows us down to 55mph. Of course I'd rather have a HO/48RE but not because our SO/47RE isn't doing an outstanding job. I just did the first tranny fluid and filter today at 38,000 miles. There was the usual silt on the magnet and some black to wipe out of the pan but no particles or glitter. Other than the slight vibration above 65mph, I'm happy with it.

 

JKA
I have the same setup only a 2500. I have had no problems. I had a "99" with the same tranny and all went well. I sometimes wish i had the HO+48re but by watching this site I see they all have problems sometimes....

 

jka
Look at my signature. Have not had any problems pulling the 5er. I have a little over 30K miles, about 5K pulling. The rest as daily driver.
I am glad I have the SO, seems to have fewer problems then the later HO's.

 

SBishop and xyzer:

Since you both are running the 3.73's which is the same as whats in the truck I am looking at, I was wondering if your trannys ran in overdrive most of the time?

The fifth wheel that I'll be towing is probably going to be around 8000 lbs. (Titanium 28E33B)

I'm hoping the truck will be able to stay in OD climbing the overpasses on the interstates and 400 series highways.

Love these Dodge trucks. Thanks for everyones reply.

 

jka,
I tow in OD at 65MPH and above. If I can't travel at that speed, I drop it into 3rd and hold at about 60-62MPH. Overpasses or grades have not presented any problems at the above stated conditions.

 

My 03 S.O was a late 02 build. I bought it in May 03. I tow a 5K TT, with a Quad in the bed, and all remaining space filled in with firewood and it pulls it great. My odometer only reads 7k, but I have yet to encounter any problem. I just got back from western Pa, and ran 72 mph steady, with the longest (and steepest) hills on 76 taking me down to 65. I turn od off below 55. That said, I am very pleased with this truck,engine, trans, and 3.73 rear.