Towing in Overdrive?
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 173
Likes: 3
From: Klamath Falls, OR
Towing in Overdrive?
I have a 99 V10 with a 4R100 and 4.30 rearend. I was taught not to tow in overdrive. I'm asking you guys.... if this is an old wives tale,..... or is this still a valid practice on a truck of this vintage/engine/transmission combo? I'm cruising flat land at 3000rpm in 3rd gear, about 2300rpm in overdrive.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,087
Likes: 24
From: Central Florida
I’m no expert but Mark Kovalsky is. PM him if he doesn’t chime in here.
I’m pretty sure he will tell you that it’s OK to use overdrive as long as the transmission isn’t hunting gears to keep your desired speed.
I believe the towing rpm is the most important factor. Not an issue of trans strength.
I’m pretty sure he will tell you that it’s OK to use overdrive as long as the transmission isn’t hunting gears to keep your desired speed.
I believe the towing rpm is the most important factor. Not an issue of trans strength.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 8
I'm curious about this too. With our '01 E350 and travel trailer I never had it in overdrive and cruised most times at 60 mph. In our Class C RV I will put it in overdrive on the flats, etc but kick it out going uphill to keep the rpm's higher. Haven't towed with the 06 F250 yet but it will have a car hauler behind it when I do.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
Yes you can tow in overdrive as long as it isn't constantly shifting back and forth between gears. If you had a Diesel they pretty much have to be in overdrive at highway speed or the rpms would be to high, they both use the same 4r100 transmission.
Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 2,651
From: SE Florida
The 4R100 (and the E4OD before it) were designed to tow in overdrive. As long as it isn't frequently shifting in and out of overdrive you're fine.
You'll find that there is no way to turn off the overdrive in a 2006 F-250.
You'll find that there is no way to turn off the overdrive in a 2006 F-250.
More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 698
Likes: 24
From: Houston, Tx
Most annoying thing ever, when towing heaving down the big grades I'm going too fast for 3rd and it doesn't like kicking down to 4th until I get to about 61mph. I'd love to be able to manually put it in 4th. If I put it in 3rd it usually forces it down to 4th but sometimes it kicks down to 3rd at the most inconvenient times.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 3,523
Likes: 483
From: Southern OH
Most annoying thing ever, when towing heaving down the big grades I'm going too fast for 3rd and it doesn't like kicking down to 4th until I get to about 61mph. I'd love to be able to manually put it in 4th. If I put it in 3rd it usually forces it down to 4th but sometimes it kicks down to 3rd at the most inconvenient times.
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Frmr Ford Trans Engr
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 2,651
From: SE Florida
Most annoying thing ever, when towing heaving down the big grades I'm going too fast for 3rd and it doesn't like kicking down to 4th until I get to about 61mph. I'd love to be able to manually put it in 4th. If I put it in 3rd it usually forces it down to 4th but sometimes it kicks down to 3rd at the most inconvenient times.
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