general towing question

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May 27, 2004 | 02:22 PM

luttersj

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From: Woodbury, MN

general towing question

I've gone over a few of the threads in this forum and this is the conclusion that I've come to.

If you're not sure if you should switch OD off or leave it on, just take off down the highway. If it's constantly dropping in/out of OD, then just shut it off. But if it only turns off when going up long or steep hills, then it's OK.

This weekend I'll have a 440 lbs motorcycle in the bed and be pulling another 440 lbs bike on a smaller 1 place trailer. Add in the gear for the weekend and we're looking at about 1500 lbs or so. To me, that's kind of in the gray area when it comes to using OD. So I'll just use the "wait and see" method.

does that sound about right?

btw: '02 F150 SC FX4 5.4 L with towing package. No idea on the gears. Is there anyway I can find that out?

May 27, 2004 | 05:18 PM

johnsdiesel

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From: Denton,TX

I think you will be fine in OD, but if it starts seeking take it out of OD. You should be able to find out your axle ratio by looking at the axle tag. Otherwise, there is an axle code on your door sticker that you can decode.

May 27, 2004 | 06:38 PM

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

Looks to me that you have the idea, if it's only occasional, it's fine, but happening frequent, like minutes apart, no od.

May 27, 2004 | 09:26 PM

luttersj

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From: Woodbury, MN

OK, thanks for the feedback!

May 28, 2004 | 10:26 AM

jim henderson

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From: So Cal

1500 isn't much load. Trailer Life magazine considers the F150 as a decent tow vehicle for up to about 5,000# depending on drivetrain etc. 1500 is way under.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson