Trailer Towing Question
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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Trailer Towing Question
I've read in various places that your not supposed to use overdrive when towing a trailer.
Would this matter if the trailer i'm towing doesn't weigh much?
The reason I'm asking is that I have a canoe trailer that when loaded with two canoes weighs in less than 500lbs. Maybe around 300lbs.
Whenever I tow our camper the o/d is always off, but I'm wondering if with this lighter trailer, I would be able to use the O/D and get better gas mileage without doing any damage to my truck.
Thanks
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'99 XLT 4.0L SOCH - 5spd Auto
Would this matter if the trailer i'm towing doesn't weigh much?
The reason I'm asking is that I have a canoe trailer that when loaded with two canoes weighs in less than 500lbs. Maybe around 300lbs.
Whenever I tow our camper the o/d is always off, but I'm wondering if with this lighter trailer, I would be able to use the O/D and get better gas mileage without doing any damage to my truck.
Thanks
___________
'99 XLT 4.0L SOCH - 5spd Auto
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,123
Likes: 2
From: Fort Smith
Trailer Towing Question
I doubt you would have any problems with only 500lbs behind you. When people talk about running in Drive and not Overdrive when towing, they are talking about heavier loads such as large boats, car trailers, etc. I run my X in Overdrive when towing my 2 jet skis when I am on basically flat roads...
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Trailer Towing Question
I tow my popup camper in OD when I am on flat surfaces. You just need to use your best judgement and downshift to drive before the transmission starts to get bogged down. After towing a few times, its pretty easy to anticipate when you need to downshift going up a hill.
Also, I always start out in drive when merging on a freeway, highway, etc. until I get close to my cruising speed. The transmission likes to shift to OD rather quickly otherwise.
Also, I always start out in drive when merging on a freeway, highway, etc. until I get close to my cruising speed. The transmission likes to shift to OD rather quickly otherwise.
