You'll do fine. I would leave the truck at stock power when towing. Get gauges for the pyro, boost, trans temp and fuel pressure. I use an electric fan for my transmission, in addition to the stock cooler. You're trans temp gauges will let you know if your running hot. I like to keep my temps under 200 deg's F.

The lock-up clutch/converter in the RE48 isn't that strong. They tend to give out on big hills towing heavy. You might want to kick out the OD on the big hills, and rev the truck up. Keep the pyro under 1200 deg's as much as you can. The smarty works well in an empty truck, once you start towing, you'll break stuff.

 

electric fan for my transmission, in addition to the stock cooler. What would be a good one ??

I should I leave the trans in tow/haul mode when towing , that locks out OD , correct ??

 

X2 Good advice from Mike and ICSO.

Pacbrake PXRB is expensive but worth every single nickle IMHO. My stock pads used to heat up real fast and it is really no fun to lose your brakes in the hills. I also put in the EBC Yellowstuff pads to manage heat even better to be sure.

DD Trans pan is relatively inexpensive and did help to drop my trans temps on my stock 48re.

Firestone bags are a real cheap helper and well worth the investment.

All can be installed in your driveway.


If you do go with the smarty you have to get the gauges, no compromising there when towing. The gauges are great to have anyway as you can identify problems before you are stranded in alot of cases.

Fuel filtration - cheap insurance to save your CP3 and injectors. At the very least replace the factor fuel filter with a baldwin PF7977. https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...d.php?t=211990

Unfortunatly, the 48re isn't as tough as the cummins. Start doing your homework on the transmission.

 

Well I'd do Pac break (did it) worth the cost. Tranny well after 2 years of pulling tranny was done SW1 on Jr. ATS stage 1 made a huge difference. And Smarty Jr is at it full potential meaning I'm running less then before. Pre tranny sw3 was good now sw1 new tranny makes old setting seem like a stock. I thought first tow just running stock with ATS was well wow really this is possible.

 

I was thinking of going with the Banks Exhaust brake , any reviews on it ??

 

I looked at Banks and alot of guys have it and like it. I shyed away as they are vaccum based which seemed to be a potential source of issues.
The pac gives you a mild onboard air system that you can use to adjust bags, run horns, etc.
I can't comment on the Banks performance, havnt followed or pulled with anyone who actual uses one.

 

The BD exhaust brake would be my first choice, hands down. Pacbrake would be a close second. Banks tends to be good quality but very pricey. You can definitely do better for the money.

 

I have a 2006 with the 48RE. I drive in the FL heat a lot and have considered an electric transmission cooling fan. Does anyone have any suggestions on a particular one? Where to purchase it, and $$$. Thanks. pcm

 

I would like to know also.

 

I put a Smarty jr on mine right at 6,000 miles and have pulled my 13,000 pound trailer all over the US. I leave the Smarty on 3 almost all the time, trans in tow/haul. The gauges I have just prove the Smarty is doing its job and nothing is wrong. Never had an issue. I have the 3.73 rear with 34" tires. The only thing I have done is install a Transgo shift kit at around 45,000 miles. Installed that just because I heard good things about shift kits.

I put air bags in to level the truck. I have a single rear tire.

 

some guys just seem to luck out with these trucks. I never had decent luck. If you tow often (daily) and tow heavy, best to stay near stock as possible. The only real limit to the truck is the engines coolant temps. Let that and you pyro talk to you. These days I rather baby it and go slow than break something. Sometimes you have to run the rpm's up vs. lugging the hill.

I ran 500rwhp/1100ft*lbs and towed with my truck. I ran a daily driver set of sticks and a tow set of injectors. Common rail guys can just adjust the programmer.

Water/methanol works, helps keep the valve seat cool and turbo

 

Just get an aux Auto transmission cooler from Summit for 30K GVW and you'll be fine. It's an entire kit.

 

I put a "Derale 15800" fan powered cooler to the rear, on the left side, of the trans. I also put a "Derale 15721" thermal switch in the hose line. It comes on at about 180 and off at about 170. I also plumbed an aux spin-on filter in the line. Shop on the internet. I got both items for about $150.00 w/free shipping. Good luck John

 

That sounds like a great idea. I would love to hear more about the installation of these 2 items on your truck - difficulaty level and especially the results. Also, if you could post a few pix of the set-up, that would be great! Thanks, phillip

 

I would definetly get your rig weighed. 39' is a big fiver. Most of these that size are 14k+ empty. Make sure the trailer brakes are good & keep the bearings lubed/brake check every year. I am not sure if you can get a lock up converter option & do some downshifting for steep grades.
I think the exhast brake is not needed unless you plan a lot of mountain driving. If you got the money, it is worth while.
In my opion, the truck has enough power without the smarty. Driving 55 will help on mpg & easier to stop, way safer too.
Tires are a big issue on heavy fivers. Check them almost every day & keep them aired to max. If they are near their limit, consider a higher weight rating if possible. There are all kinds of threards on tires, do a search. The question is not if a trailer tire will fail, but when. This is usually the biggest problem Fiver owners have.
Have fun with your rig, be safe!!