Was pulling a camper over the weekend. Tranny light started to blink...wouldn't accelerate...I pulled over to the side of the express way and could smell the oil. Sat there for a bit....started the truck up...the tran light was off, and pulled the camper the rest of the way home without a problem. When I got home I noticed the transmission is now knocking. Any idea what it could be?

1700 miles and the truck is going to service.

 

lets hope this isn't inherent to all 2004's.....as I'll be pulling a travel trailer quite frequently....keep us posted...PLEASE!


What size camper? how many #'s?

 

Yeah it sounds like something is wrong. I have to say that any new vehicle can have a problem. I have a friend with the chevy supermax diesel. He is on transmission number 2. The 1st one was covered under warranty this one isn't. He told me last night it was going to cost him or somebody $7,500.00 to get it replaced.

OUCH!

freddy

 

30' camper...I'm not sure on the weight, but I believe it is around 5000#.

I was with another guy with about the same size camper....he too has an '04...and didn't have a problem.

MY gas mileage was crap too....about 6 mpg...and am still only getting 14mpg for everyday use.

 

I don't know how true it is, but I've heard you have to break a car with only light duty (no towing or hauling) for the first few thousand miles. Just a thought. I'm sure you will be paying a visit to the dealer to check the tranny out. Hopefully it is nothing serious.

 

How did the two trucks do pulling those campers? I'm considering trading in my '99 on an '04 or '05 and will be pulling a 27' camper weighing approximately 5000#. Just curious if the new F150 is up to the task or if I should make the jump to a SD with the 6.0 Power Stroke. I know the SD would be better, but the towing will only be 10% of my driving and I want the features of the F150 for the other 90%.

Thanks.

 

I've done some work on a guy's property that has a Chevy with the SuperMax and, ironically, he's on Tranny numero three. Sounds like a HUGE issue with that truck (as well as many other GM models (ie: Blazer etc...))

RP

 

It pulled it fine...the truck barely squatted as well.

I've never heard anything about waitinga few thousand miles to pull a camper.....and was never made a aware of it. I take it in tomorrow.

The truck seems to run fine now.....but I am not having a 37K truck makes that sound...plus the damage could be done and just waiting to turn 36k miles before it totally craps out.

 

My owenrs guide says no trailer towing for the first 800 km.

 

I'm over that.

 

I still probably wouldnt pull anything that heavy until Im over 3000 mi. Just to be safe. Engine and Tranny break in is probably the most criticle part of owning your truck IMHO.

 

Most 30' trailers weigh alot more than 5000 pounds. Those things are heavy. That is a job for a F-250 or F-350. I'm not saying the 150 can't pull it, but it will take a serious toll on the light duty truck. With the rebates on the 03 F-250 now, you can get one for about the same price as the 04 150. There is no comparsion when it comes to towing something that heavy.

 

Are you kidding me? Then why is my truck rated for 9900#???

Aren't the drivetrains on the F250 and F150 pretty similar with the exception of the suspension?

You pay money for a product to do something that is was suppose to be capable to do, and yet it failed. I'm not happy.

 

Do you really think that F-150 (I have one on order by the way) can pull 9900lbs easily? I'm getting out of a F-250 for a new '04 screw, but it 150 cannot handle 9900lbs. All I'm saying is I have had both and that much weight will wear out a 150 or a dodge or chevy 1/2 ton especially in hills. I'm not knocking your (or my) truck, but that is a serious tow job.

 

I hope that 30' weighs more than 5000#...otherwise i'm trouble....I have a 20' that weighs 4800#'s with full tanks. I considered a 250....I definetly wanted a diesel, and also liked the 6 3/4' bed but I waited for the 150 because I will not be pulling that travel all the time maybe 10-20% of the time. And I just don't need that BIG of a truck. Plus I am finally buying (sick of making payments) and I get "A" plan from someone who will probably be retired by the time I get my next ride. I wanted the newest body style. That way in 4 or 5 years when the thing is paid for it's still the newer body style.

Anyway I don't blame ya for being pissed...hopefully its an easy fix/explanation. Very interested in the results....