Tips on towing with an automatic?
 

I just sold my Ford PSD and picked up a new to me 2005 2500 QC 4x4 with an automatic tranny.. I have never towed with an automatic before and don`t want to sound stupid but can you guys give me some tips? Should I always have the tow/haul button engaged when I`m towing my travel trailer? I pull a 2000 26` Four Winds Lite... Thanks for any advice!

I know your trans is newer and different than mine, but I generally just try to keep the pedal in a good position to keep the Torque Converter locked. If it comes unlocked, I let it unlock and speed up some until I can back off the throttle and get it to lock again. I leave my Overdrive button on, but I believe your tow button does something different.

Number one thing is to get a Trans temp gauge...keep the temp as low as you can.

Hmmm, an '05. Your 48re is going to do a fair amount of hunting even in T/H mode.

When I tow I always have T/H engaged. Even with that the tranny tends to shift into OD sooner than I prefer. Since the '05 48re cannot lockout OD, it is stuck hunting between 3rd (with or without TC locked) and OD.

Generally I have had good luck towing uphill and keeping the TC locked even for long periods of time. The easiest way I've found to do this is, if it shifts into OD, is to double-click the T/H button. The 48re with downshift into 3rd and then lock. If I am pulling on any kind of grade it usually stays in TC lock until I back off on the throttle or the grade levels out.

It takes some getting use too. There are after-market fixes for the '05 that are pretty cool. I have left mine stock and learned to work with it. The 06's and up have the better setup since they have T/H and can lockout OD.

I always have the T/H button on when towing. I believe my setup is a tad lighter then yours, my boat & trailer empty is #6300. You may be another #1000 lbs heavier but at that the truck should be no problem. Just try not to be too heavy footed when towing in the city. I have found a few heavy starts in the city will bring my transmission temps up a little. But just get lighter on the pedal or up to speed for the tranny to lockup and your fine. My vote is for a transmission & EGT gauge I could go without them but they sure is nice for normal shutdown temps and towing tho.:cool:

Thanks for the replies...I`m looking forward to giving it a go this weekend!

enjoy. our setup is 17000 to 19000 # depending if we're pulling doubles. you'll be fine. by the way i always drive with tow/haul on.

All that I have to say is " Put in a SHIFT KIT" best money you will ever spend.

My 2007 might be different, but I just turn on tow/haul and use a firm/steady medium peddle to accelerate when towing. Even with my 5th wheel the trans only down shifts on steep hills with the cruise set at 60-65 mph.

Dont do this..
 

My friend has an 04 Dodge with auto transmission, he was towing about 15,000 down a pass in Colorado and eventually his electric brakes faded enough that he was going too fast. At about 60mph and going faster..he pulled the tranny into 2nd gear and blew out all his seals in the transmission.
He learned the hard way..
He should of gone slow enough to not have gathered all that speed but he said later he was in a hurry.

....that can be changed with a DRB.