Towing in overdrive
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Towing in overdrive
I have a 6500 lb travel trailer which I tow with my 2004 F150 SCREW, 5.4L, 3.73 rear end. If I turn off the O/D, I only get about 8.5 mpg, but I get about 12 mpg using O/D. I haven't had any problems with excessive downshifting and I can easily go 70-75 mph on flat surfaces. Does anyone know if it is considered OK to tow this heavy a load in overdrive? Is something likely to break?
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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IMO as long as you are not going up and down steep inclines/declines causing the truck to keep shifting you are OK to tow in OD. The Service department will tell you not to but a buddy of mine works for Ford and tows his boat in OD all the time!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2004
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I've got several Ford trucks in the fleet and none of my guys turn the overdrive off when they tow. In the six years since we changed from GM to Ford we've only replaced one transmission. Some of these trucks have over 200k on them.
Last edited by industrialjunk; Jan 25, 2005 at 07:34 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Boise, ID
I just switched over from the other team. The 1/2 ton 4l60e transmission had a tow-haul mode to boost fluid pressure while towing, primarily needed when in overdrive at lower rpms. Does the F150 5.4l transmission also have a similar low pressure issue that would be the reason for the dealers recommending not to tow in OD?
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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I'm towing an 8,300 lb 5th wheel, not only weight but wind resistance. On reasonably flat roads with not too much headwind, I tow in OD. Basically, if my tranny starts shifting up and down frequently, I lock out OD.
Another thing I've noticed is that using cruise control improves towing mileage, at least for me.
Another thing I've noticed is that using cruise control improves towing mileage, at least for me.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by Mr. PC
Hey-
Ignore this if I am hijacking the thread, but could someone tell me the operational differences between the various gear ratios offered?
I'm mechanically challenged...
PC
Ignore this if I am hijacking the thread, but could someone tell me the operational differences between the various gear ratios offered?
I'm mechanically challenged...
PC
3.55 should be best for mileage with the least power to the ground.
3.73 is the middle.
4.11 is the most powerful, but least fuel efficient.
Enjoy.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 615
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From: Chesterfield, Mi
Originally Posted by MotorPsycho
Lower numbers mean fewer engine revolutions per wheel revolution. So lower numbers mean better mileage overall but less power.
3.55 should be best for mileage with the least power to the ground.
3.73 is the middle.
4.11 is the most powerful, but least fuel efficient.
Enjoy.
3.55 should be best for mileage with the least power to the ground.
3.73 is the middle.
4.11 is the most powerful, but least fuel efficient.
Enjoy.
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Elder User
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From: CT
PC,
Remember riding a 10 speed bicycle. Put the chain on the smallest front and biggest rear sprockets and you can climb Everest just not very fast - this is akin to a high number like 4.10. Reverse the chain to the largest front and smallest rear and you can go like heck but have trouble starting and going up hills - this is akin to a low number like 3.55.
Remember riding a 10 speed bicycle. Put the chain on the smallest front and biggest rear sprockets and you can climb Everest just not very fast - this is akin to a high number like 4.10. Reverse the chain to the largest front and smallest rear and you can go like heck but have trouble starting and going up hills - this is akin to a low number like 3.55.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: MA
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...39#post1914739
It might help further (at least part of the post is pertinent).
It might help further (at least part of the post is pertinent).
