Sorcerer33
Junior Member
Hi all, looking for comments on the issue. 44,500 km 2018 RAM 3500 with 15K of the 45K problem free towing a 34 foot 5th wheel -- so far... until a couple of weeks ago:
the violent downshifts happens under the following conditions:
When towing the trailer:
1) In tow / haul, deceleration under brake or exhaust brake at about 80kph
2) Out of tow / haul deceleration under brake or exhaust brake at about 50 kph
3) Smooth downshift if coasting to a stop up a slight gradient - no load on tranny
4) If using electronic shifter on the stalk to change gear still kicks me in the back...
5) Sometimes it happens when the trans downshifts on an uphill grade, I've experienced it between 4th, 5th and 6th.
Without the trailer:
Same conditions but the jolt is not as violent and seems to be mostly 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st, however today on 2 occasions, the trans down shifted at the apex of a curve, I was going a little quickly and it sent the truck into a skid on a damp road. Nothing uncontrollable but the ditch was getting closer on the 2nd one !
With the trailer, the jolt seems like it happens at these downshifts: 6th to 5th, 5th to 4th.
Without the trailer; 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to first.
Sometimes it is a dull "thud", sometimes there is an accompanying metallic clang but its like being rear ended !
Comments and experiences appreciated, its going to the dealership next week and I'd like to be as informed as I can. I've had experience of the "there's nothing wrong" "there are no codes" and the clincer "They all do that".....
the violent downshifts happens under the following conditions:
When towing the trailer:
1) In tow / haul, deceleration under brake or exhaust brake at about 80kph
2) Out of tow / haul deceleration under brake or exhaust brake at about 50 kph
3) Smooth downshift if coasting to a stop up a slight gradient - no load on tranny
4) If using electronic shifter on the stalk to change gear still kicks me in the back...
5) Sometimes it happens when the trans downshifts on an uphill grade, I've experienced it between 4th, 5th and 6th.
Without the trailer:
Same conditions but the jolt is not as violent and seems to be mostly 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st, however today on 2 occasions, the trans down shifted at the apex of a curve, I was going a little quickly and it sent the truck into a skid on a damp road. Nothing uncontrollable but the ditch was getting closer on the 2nd one !
With the trailer, the jolt seems like it happens at these downshifts: 6th to 5th, 5th to 4th.
Without the trailer; 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to first.
Sometimes it is a dull "thud", sometimes there is an accompanying metallic clang but its like being rear ended !
Comments and experiences appreciated, its going to the dealership next week and I'd like to be as informed as I can. I've had experience of the "there's nothing wrong" "there are no codes" and the clincer "They all do that".....