Towing in Overdrive?
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Towing in Overdrive?
Newbie here!
I have a 2003 F-150 STX, 5.4L, 4spd auto, 3.55 limited slip with the tow package, 2wd. Haven't towed in many years. I know way back, towing in overdrive, no matter how smooth the road, was a no-no!
I am towing about 6000lbs. The truck is rated to tow about 8500lbs.
Is towing in overdrive still not recommended? I know in hills, city traffic, etc. that OD should be off. But what about when on the highway doing 65-70 mph? With the 3.55 rear end, I figure the engine is turning around 2000 RPM. Should have enough power.
Are the new 4 spd automatics 'smart' enough to handle TOWING IN OVERDRIVE?
I have a 2003 F-150 STX, 5.4L, 4spd auto, 3.55 limited slip with the tow package, 2wd. Haven't towed in many years. I know way back, towing in overdrive, no matter how smooth the road, was a no-no!
I am towing about 6000lbs. The truck is rated to tow about 8500lbs.
Is towing in overdrive still not recommended? I know in hills, city traffic, etc. that OD should be off. But what about when on the highway doing 65-70 mph? With the 3.55 rear end, I figure the engine is turning around 2000 RPM. Should have enough power.
Are the new 4 spd automatics 'smart' enough to handle TOWING IN OVERDRIVE?
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
Towing in Overdrive?
Welcome to FTE. The modern transmissions are pretty good. Basically, it all depends on the road you are traveling on. Yes, 2000 is a bit low for your rpm range...BUT, if its a flat highway, I dont see why you will have any trouble pulling that load. If there are varying grades, you might want to get out of OD. I towed my '01 F150 5.4/3.55/auto without issues in OD.
Rich
Rich
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 3
From: South Kitsap County, WA
Towing in Overdrive?
As far as I know towing is still not recommended in O/D. While I can't find any specific references in my owner's manual about O/D or no O/D, it does say the lower gear helps the tranny run cooler and relieves some of the stresses of a higher gear. So, it should cut down on wear and tear. Of course it also says tow below 55mph.... sounds like U-haul
-Kerry
-Kerry
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: New England
Towing in Overdrive?
You might want to check out the towing forum a little farther down the page (from the main forum page). Other then that I'd suggest a trans temp gauge also. That way you can keep an eye on your temp and not have to worry about burning anything up (your trans). If you don't tow a lot or only once in a blue moon a trans temp gauge may not be needed. I pulled a 4400# trailer about 250 miles from Cape Cod to CT 2 weeks ago. When it was flat highway I used OD and did about 65 or so. As soon as there were hills I just switched it off till I was over the hill. Seemed to tow nice. I think I'm going to get a trans temp gauge though anyways.... Cheap insurance.
