Make my 4.7 with 65rfe shift better when towing.

[Tabor1218]

I have a 2012 1500 quad cab sle with the 4.7 and 65rfe. We bought a camper last summer and the rv dealer thought the tow capacity was 7500lbs. Turns out it’s 6050. Our camper is a 27’ tip to tail 6500gvwr. The truck does the job. But I can tell she doesn’t love it. I try to help by using manual mode to downshift on hills. I don’t feel like this trans shifts at the proper times. It’s very doggy on take off. Doesn’t downshift on it’s own till I either floor it or loose 5-8mph. My question is. Can I just change the shift points of the trans? And can I make it so the shift points only change in tow haul mode. I am not trying to get the engine to make more power. I just want it to manage the power it does made better.

 

[TheEnder]

I have a 2012 1500 quad cab sle with the 4.7 and 65rfe. We bought a camper last summer and the rv dealer thought the tow capacity was 7500lbs. Turns out it’s 6050. Our camper is a 27’ tip to tail 6500gvwr. The truck does the job. But I can tell she doesn’t love it. I try to help by using manual mode to downshift on hills. I don’t feel like this trans shifts at the proper times. It’s very doggy on take off. Doesn’t downshift on it’s own till I either floor it or loose 5-8mph. My question is. Can I just change the shift points of the trans? And can I make it so the shift points only change in tow haul mode. I am not trying to get the engine to make more power. I just want it to manage the power it does made better. View attachment 210401

Highly recommend a tranny fluid flush, sonnax line pressure booster, and yes, a tune will help, but a line pressure booster will give you more snappy shifts. I’d also recommend a Sonnax rebuilt valve body. Yes, you can get a shift kit and change when it shifts, too.


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[TheEnder]

Also, how many miles, and when was your last tune up?


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[DILLIGAF]

Talk to Hemifever, A custom tune will give you great results

 

[PAChad]

I traded a 2004 1500 with the 4.7L and 3.92 gears last year. Several years ago I purchased a super chips tuner for it. It changed my shift points and the truck pulled a 5,000 lb TT well enough to 55mph. Without the tuner it shifted noticeably harder. The tuner made it bearable. My best upgrade was trading that truck for a 2500.

Hopefully you find something that makes enough of a difference with towing. I also found air bags took away the sag and provided a smoother ride while towing.

 

[Tabor1218]

Also, how many miles, and when was your last tune up?


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I purchased it at 83k. It has 97k now. I haven’t done a tune up. Just oil changes religiously. When you say tune up. What components are you talking. Just plugs ? Or plugs and coils??

 

[TheEnder]

I purchased it at 83k. It has 97k now. I haven’t done a tune up. Just oil changes religiously. When you say tune up. What components are you talking. Just plugs ? Or plugs and coils??

Plugs and coils, i can tell you that the reason your truck is not pulling well at all is because of no tune ups. All 16 spark plugs are supposed to be changed every 30K, and as you’re 2x over that, i can imagine how rough she running.


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[Tabor1218]

Been planning on trans fluid and filter change. Not a flush as I have heard those can cause issues.

 

[TheEnder]

Been planning on trans fluid and filter change. Not a flush as I have heard those can cause issues.

I hope it’s been changed before. I seriously hope it’s been changed before. Check the dipstick, make sure it’s red, and if it is, you’re good. If it’s not, then odds are your transmission is toast. The 65RFE is supposed to have fluid changes every 30K. I’m hoping yours isn’t bad!


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[TheEnder]

Been planning on trans fluid and filter change. Not a flush as I have heard those can cause issues.

Also, crack open both filters and see for metal shavings when you do change the filter.


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[Tabor1218]

I hope it’s been changed before. I seriously hope it’s been changed before. Check the dipstick, make sure it’s red, and if it is, you’re good. If it’s not, then odds are your transmission is toast. The 65RFE is supposed to have fluid changes every 30K. I’m hoping yours isn’t bad!


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I was under the impression trans fluid change was 90k. That’s what my chiltons manual said. (The truck didn’t have factory manual).

 

[TheEnder]

I was under the impression trans fluid change was 90k. That’s what my chiltons manual said. (The truck didn’t have factory manual).

I still have my 2013 manual, which also applies to you as they’re the same powertrain. Be right back.


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[TheEnder]

I was under the impression trans fluid change was 90k. That’s what my chiltons manual said. (The truck didn’t have factory manual).

According to the manual, it’s 120K for tranny fluid, but everyone knows that following that manual will always result in shorter vehicle life. In my personal experience of changing my tranny fluid every 30K, and oil every 3K, it will result in a very long lasting engine, as i have almost 500K on my truck with the exact same drivetrain as you.


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[Tabor1218]

I still have my 2013 manual, which also applies to you as they’re the same powertrain. Be right back.


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I’m not doubting you. Lol. I’m just sitting here thinking “ crap!! I thought I was ok “. Lol.

 

[TheEnder]

I’m not doubting you. Lol. I’m just sitting here thinking “ crap!! I thought I was ok “. Lol.

All good. Haha


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[Tabor1218]

Im mechanically inclined. And do my own fluid changes and brake jobs. But unsure of certain aspects. (Different story with home mechanical as I’m an HVAC tech lol). But are the coil packs necessary? Or would I get a reasonably similar result just changing plugs? Those ******** are pricey. Also is there a reasonable brand name to look for?


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[Tabor1218]

Never mind. Rock auto is reasonable. Is ngk a good brand?


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[TheEnder]

Im mechanically inclined. And do my own fluid changes and brake jobs. But unsure of certain aspects. (Different story with home mechanical as I’m an HVAC tech lol). But are the coil packs necessary? Or would I get a reasonably similar result just changing plugs? Those ******** are pricey. Also is there a reasonable brand name to look for?


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You don’t have to to the coils yet, but i’d do them once you have the money and or save up for them. NGK plugs are what i recommend.


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[TheEnder]

Never mind. Rock auto is reasonable. Is ngk a good brand?


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Yes, NGK.


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[Tabor1218]

What about ngk coils? Or Delphi?


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