Forum Discussion

Rlarue's avatar
Rlarue
Explorer
Mar 14, 2015

Odd Transmission shifting in "tow mode" 2004 Ram 1500 5.7L

Recently purchased a low mileage 2004 Ram CC 1500 with a 5.7L V8. The truck runs fine in every day use, giving quite good performance and mileage both on the road and in town. However, I am very disappointed in the transmission performance in "tow mode" when pulling my KZ Spree 262RKS TT. The TT weighs in at about 6800 lbs loaded. Starting off, the xmission shifts into 2nd fine and then stays there for a long time. I virtually have to back completely of the gas to get it to shift into 3rd. Once I get it to 65MPH or so, It wants to then drop into overdrive in which the engine is only turning about 1800 RPMs. Here it's not developing enough torque to even go up a typical overpass without down shifting 2 gears and then quickly going back to 3rd. Also, the local dealer has no clue but says he can do an tranny analysis for about a $100. Does that make any sense, or is he just trying to find a way to justify transmission work? Your suggestions on how to overcome the problem and your attention is appreciated.
Tow Vehicles
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2015
    If it was too much trailer it would not hang up in 2nd and skip to OD.
    The transmission has a shifting issue not an overload issue.
    Should still upshift at maybe 3500 rpm at moderate throttle.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 15, 2015
    It's sticking in second gear because you have to have your foot so far into it to make it go. Turning off OD wont help that but will help once you have it moving. You don't want to use OD with that load.
    I'm sorry to say that I think you either don't have enough truck or at a minimum your diff gearing is too tall (probably the biggest problem).
  • Hannibal's avatar
    Hannibal
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2015
    Terryallan wrote:
    Easiest fix. Turn OFF overdrive. It will not shift so much, and will down shift a LOT less. As you see. When in overdrive it is well below the point where it makes any power. It is lugging, which can cause it to burn oil later, and does push fuel past the cylinders, and out the tail pipe.
    Turning off over drive will put the engine in the power band. That will keep the trany from building heat from shifting so much, and will even give you better MPG. It will make the motor much happier running free in it's power band, and burning all the fuel going to it.


    The '04 doesn't have the ability to lock out O/D. The '03 did. My '05 2500HD was the same as the '04. Chrysler corrected this issue with the Cummins powered '04 with a software update but not the Hemi powered Rams, the ones that really needed the software correction. It was annoying but, the 5-45RFE in my 2500HD Ram used to tow our then 10.400 lb actual weight high profile 5th wheel never showed any signs of trouble in the 120k miles I owned it. Strong transmission but very poor software program by Chrysler's drivetrain engineers.
    There IS a TSB to update the software to help prevent excessive shifting. This might help. Otherwise, just let it do what it wants to do. It doesn't seem to hurt it.
  • Winterwolf227's avatar
    Winterwolf227
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2015
    maxwell11 wrote:
    Rl,
    you may not like what I say, but:

    I think you may not have enough truck, I pull a trailer similar to yours.

    I have a 2005 Dodge diesel 2500 series, it has a 4 speed auto transmission with T/H.


    good luck,



    Sorry, I have to agree, I think it is too small of truck for that trailer combo. Was at an RV show today and over heard a salesman tell a customer that his 2013 Ford Explorer V6 will have no problem pulling a 5800lb trailer through the Cascade Range in Oregon. That salesman is being dishonest.
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Mar 15, 2015
    Easiest fix. Turn OFF overdrive. It will not shift so much, and will down shift a LOT less. As you see. When in overdrive it is well below the point where it makes any power. It is lugging, which can cause it to burn oil later, and does push fuel past the cylinders, and out the tail pipe.
    Turning off over drive will put the engine in the power band. That will keep the trany from building heat from shifting so much, and will even give you better MPG. It will make the motor much happier running free in it's power band, and burning all the fuel going to it.
  • maxwell11's avatar
    maxwell11
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2015
    Rl,
    you may not like what I say, but:

    I think you may not have enough truck, I pull a trailer similar to yours.

    I have a 2005 Dodge diesel 2500 series, it has a 4 speed auto transmission with T/H.

    I just put it in T/H mode and let that old diesel go to work, the T/H mode changes the shift points allowing, more rpm's before it shifts.

    works good, 2005 model you cannot lock out O/D, but so far, it has not been a problem as it pulls fine.

    I have the transmission oil drained, install a new filter and clutches adjusted about every 40K.

    might try that first by the dodge dealership, I would not let anyone do a transmission flush.

    if that does not work, then you may need transmission work or a heavier truck.

    good luck,
  • 45Ricochet's avatar
    45Ricochet
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2015
    We had a 2001 and it did the same thing. I chalked it up to a low torque for the 5.7 engine. Heck my current Ram I can control shifts with the skinny pedal also. BTW that truck went through the Davis Dam up into New Mexico up to Colorado into Utah, Montana, Idaho, Washington and back home to S Cali. No problems but we decided a bigger truck & RV was needed after that trip. The RV was a little Cougar 24.5 5er. Don't remember the weight but it must have been about 8500 wet. I know it had tranny problems for the buyer after we sold it :M We actually gave it to one of the kids, so I heard all about it :W What about free is not understood with these kids :(
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Mar 14, 2015
    My Ford with 185,000 miles recently needed the valve body rebuilt. Clutches are fine. Similar symptoms where the transmission seemed to forget what gear it should be in.

    Have you tried towing in normal mode?
  • ib516's avatar
    ib516
    Explorer II
    Mar 14, 2015
    I think thats just the way it works in those older models. Not 100% sure though.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 28, 2025