I own a 2007 Dodge Ram 1500 that is in deperate need of a TRANNY change. I got 76,000 miles on the truck but over the past 6 months I have been towing a 6000lb camper with the truck. On a five hour trip back home it got a little hot outside (94Degress) and I started to get a propane like smell coming from the truck at the tail end of the trip. No engine codes and no overheating problems thanks to the transmission cooler and slowing my speeds down. My question is that I can't afford the AMSoil and/or Royal Purple and I need to put something in the transmission to help with the high summer tempertures and extra load from towing my camper on the transmision. Dodge dealership recommended Mobile 1 ATF+4 but guess what you can only buy that at the dealership. I found a Mobile one synthetic that is designed for high heat and Vavoline makes an ATF +4 as well. What are your thoughts before I go and buy 17 quarts of tranny oil? Also I am aware of the recommended 30,000 mile transmission change.

 

I thought you could get ATF+4 on store shelves

 

An aftermarket transmission pan would be your best investment. Get one that is aluminum, finned, and has a drain plug. Use regular ATF4, just change it more frequently, like every year.

 

HD trans cooler if you dont already have one would also be a good investment

 

I use Val ATF +4 Stock trans pan. Stock trans cooler. Tow 8k travel trailer regularly, through Oregon and Utah. Never had a problem. Take it slow, you can't run the hills at 70 like diesels. I do run Mobile Synthetic high mileage in the engine. And mobile gear oil in the diffs.

 

i just bought a over sized pan " 4 quarts" over stock for towing and snow plowing to prevent that from happing. still waiting for the big brown truck to bring it though

 

Now cool it down with a trans cooler lol hint hint

 

Yeah p38251, I do believe I was driving a little too fast as well. Once I slowed down a bit the smell subsided. I will most likely go with the Vavoline ATF+4 or mobile Synthetic. I am also going to replace the pan for one with a drain plug so i change more frequently. Also looking at Edge Insight CTS to monitor the tempertures.

 

Ghost1. I usually tow between 60-65. Pulling a really long hill, may go down to 40-45. I try not to beat the truck up to get to the top. I always use tow/haul mode as well. Usally on kick it down to 3rd to pull up a hill. Drain plug big plus. I usually don't go to 30k. Look for color changes in the fluid, if it start to get dark, change it. Cheap insurance IMO. Good luck, enjoy the truck.

 

any suggestions on which ones to look at ?