This question more than likely has been asked before on here, but is it safe to pull in both overdrives, 5th & 6th gears, on the TorqShift 6 transmissions? I've been around the Ford's AOD and E4OD transmissions which were trans that Ford used in their late '80's through early 2000 model year trucks, and that yes the owners manuals back then said to lockout the overdrive while towing. I have read my owners manual cover to cover on my 2014 F350 and no where did I find anything about towing in overdrive concerns. I pull a heavily loaded gooseneck from time to time which can weigh around 15,000+ lbs. at times. The last time I pull our gooseneck I was in 5th gear with the pedal to the metal for over a mile and I was wondering if I was hurting the my overdrive in my TorqShift 6 transmission. At the time I was in the (D)rive mode and not in the (M)anual mode with the tow/haul mode on. I also was thinking that if the truck's computer thought I was over loading the trans, it would automatically shift to 4th gear underdrive. Lastly, I can't find anything online that can tell me anything on this topic, so now I'm hitting the forums which can be based on ones opinions rather than true facts. Opinions are great, but I'm after the facts about towing with the TorqShift 6. Ignorance can be a costly mistake.

 

You shouldn't have an issue. I have a 2012 6.2 work truck that I haul our loader in OD. However, at least with the gas engine, I usually lock out 6th to give me better response.

 

Towing in overdrive has been addressed many times. Shift down if the transmission hunts, otherwise forget it. The reason you did not find anything in your manual addressing concerns about using overdrive is because it is not an issue. The transmission will shift down if necessary.

Steve

 

When I am towing on relatively level interstate (eastern CO/western KS? lol) I will get up to speed with tow/haul engaged. Once at speed I release it so that the truck will find the highest gear it is happy with for best fuel economy.

 

I now think I've heard it all.
Ford creates a tow/haul mode to tow or haul. It affects tranny shifting points, aggressive downhill exhaust braking, etc.
I'm shocked to find some people feel it's better to ignore these features to help with towing and hauling, and potentially protecting the drivetrain, to "find the highest gear it is happy with for best fuel economy." Pulling a 41' trailer.
Nevermind those engineers and technicians to offer a better, safer, and hopefully, longer lasting product, to save a few cents on fuel.
You're kidding, right?

 

I would suggest going by the owner's manual recommends. Folks haul a lot of different things across a lot of different terrains.

Steve

 

I ran my 7.3 250,000 miles till it got so much cancer I couldn't take it anymore. the transmission was still original. I always towed with overdrive unless in an area where I was going a little too slow for it to stay in od. never pulled more than 24,000lbs. I pulled 18000lb boat into a headwind at 65 for 10 hours in od. those transmissions are tough. change your oil regularly and your filter once in a while

 

Steve,
You are being way too polite.

 

Here is a tip with the new 6 speed and 6.7 psd. Use the manual mode when towing.

Not that you can't use tow/haul and drive but the turbo does not provide the engine braking like the previous generations.

Using manual mode takes care of the issue. At the same time there won't be any gear hunting.

 

I generally just don't shift to overdrive.

 

I try to use good sense with the transmission and the OD ranges, just don't lug the engine rpm down too low - flat ground I'll just let it run 'easily'. I do use the tow/haul feature as much as possible especially when in hilly areas, particularly when I had the V10 gasser. I haven't had the 6.7 long enough but with the additional torque, found that I forgot about the feature, going up some hills this past weekend hauling our 5er. The retard feature in tow/haul as pointed out, doesn't seem to work quite as well with a trailer hooked on as with the gasser, but I did give it a several mile downhill trial where it held ~60 mph without a load. I don't believe you will hurt the transmission in OD as long as you keep engine rpm in a decent range and watch the transmission temp gauge - but tow/haul is really the best way if in doubt.

 

As my dear old Tennessee granny used to say " you can't help being ugly, but polite is a lot cheaper than plastic surgery", or something like that. Smart lady that granny!

Steve