Using Overdrive When Towing
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: California
Using Overdrive When Towing
I'd really like to hear from folks on using OD while towing a trailer. When I pulled with my expedition I made it a rule to never use OD, except on long down hill grades. When I stay in drive with the Exc, 7.3L, it seems to like it really wants to shift at say 60 or so. I've been using OD and it does not seem to lug on most freeway driving. Not sure I would use it otherwise. What's everyone's thoughts and experiences as I understand the trans is most likely the weakest link. I also did have an issue where the OD button on the stock was flashing and did not want to come out of drive or OD while pushing the button (sensor issue?). Thanks a head of time for any assistance. Love the Exc, love the list.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,695
Likes: 2,616
From: SE Florida
You can use OD when towing. You can't lug the engine, the transmission is an automatic and will downshift before lugging. If you find yourself in a condition where the trans is shifting in and out of overdrive frequently, press the button and turn off overdrive.
The flashing OD light means something is wrong with the transmission system. You need to get the codes read to find out what's wrong. It can be something simple or something major. There is no way to tell without the code that's stored in the PCM.
The flashing OD light means something is wrong with the transmission system. You need to get the codes read to find out what's wrong. It can be something simple or something major. There is no way to tell without the code that's stored in the PCM.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
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From: California
Thanks good info. I will follow up on the codes in the PCM. Hopefully, it's not serious. After I restarted the truck all was fine with OD control...I will post any findings. Appreciate the quick reply.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
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I've always used O/D when towing my boat. 18' or 20' fiberglass so the added weight is under 2 tons, though dual axle does add quite a bit of drag. Never had a problem.
When I bought my '97 F-105 5.4L, I was instructed that towing in O/D was fine, but if you get to a hilly area, or long incline where the tranny wants to shift in and out of O/D, just lock it out of O/D until resuming normal driving. I've applied the same rule to the Ex. Apparently, the shifting in and out of O/D is much harder on her than towing in O/D. Oh, and for me, gas mileage is about 20% better in O/D, even while towing.
When I bought my '97 F-105 5.4L, I was instructed that towing in O/D was fine, but if you get to a hilly area, or long incline where the tranny wants to shift in and out of O/D, just lock it out of O/D until resuming normal driving. I've applied the same rule to the Ex. Apparently, the shifting in and out of O/D is much harder on her than towing in O/D. Oh, and for me, gas mileage is about 20% better in O/D, even while towing.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 287
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From: Northeast OH
My 7.3 used to love to tow in OD if the rpms were 2000 or higher, which put it at 65-70. Below 55-60 mph I usually just locked out the OD. As said above you are fine as long as the trans will hold the gear.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 566
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From: Virginia
I agree with all above posts. I have used OD towing up to 9,000-10,000 lbs. As long as the tranny is not shifting in and out of OD it is fine.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
I usually lock out the OD unless I am on fairly flat terrain and the trans is not continually up/down shifting.
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From: Central Coast of CA
Do you have problems with your trans hunting on moderate hills?
Stewart
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From: Southwest VA
How long is that camper ? it looks like the perfect size......do you know the weight ?
Hotshot
Joined: May 2005
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From: Stevens Point, WI
The trailer is marked as a 24' but is about 30' with tongue and rear bumper. I am not totally positive on the weight but have always just assumed around 8000-8500 loaded based on how it tows compared to my car trailer with a 7000# truck on the trailer.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2011
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Hello Mike,
This summer, I towed a 31' camper for nearly 8000 miles with my new to me 2001 7.3l Excursion. I have a PHP FU chip with a +65hp towing tune. Towing speeds were 68-70 mph.
2 things I learned when going up the mountains:
- the engine oil temp would get to 235-240* or so, then the fan kicks on automatically and brings it right back down and stabilizes at 225*. So that was a non issue to worry about.
- when climbing the hill, I turned off the cruise control, I held the throttle at 1150* egt. As the speed bled off to around 50-55 mph, I let up slightly on the throttle, and quickly turn off the overdrive; then got right back on the throttle and brought the tgt back to 1150* and held it there. I found the truck would accelerate right back to 60-65mph, (and beyond, if desired), which is the speed I maintained until topping the hill, with the egt well below 1100*. At the top, I would go back into overdrive and reset the cruise control back to 68 or so, (that is unless I wanted to check up my speed going down a steep slope on the other side.
The engine seemed to like this procedure, and I never found, at highway speeds, the transmission temp ever exceeding 180* when it was 80-100* outside.
This summer, I towed a 31' camper for nearly 8000 miles with my new to me 2001 7.3l Excursion. I have a PHP FU chip with a +65hp towing tune. Towing speeds were 68-70 mph.
2 things I learned when going up the mountains:
- the engine oil temp would get to 235-240* or so, then the fan kicks on automatically and brings it right back down and stabilizes at 225*. So that was a non issue to worry about.
- when climbing the hill, I turned off the cruise control, I held the throttle at 1150* egt. As the speed bled off to around 50-55 mph, I let up slightly on the throttle, and quickly turn off the overdrive; then got right back on the throttle and brought the tgt back to 1150* and held it there. I found the truck would accelerate right back to 60-65mph, (and beyond, if desired), which is the speed I maintained until topping the hill, with the egt well below 1100*. At the top, I would go back into overdrive and reset the cruise control back to 68 or so, (that is unless I wanted to check up my speed going down a steep slope on the other side.
The engine seemed to like this procedure, and I never found, at highway speeds, the transmission temp ever exceeding 180* when it was 80-100* outside.
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