Towing with OD off

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Jun 25, 2005 | 02:45 PM

flyguy2

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Arizona

Towing with OD off

I'm going to be towing a travel trailer with a GVWR of 4500 Lbs using a weight distributing hitch. My truck is a 2001 F-150, 5.4l, 3.55 rear end, auto trans and a trans fluid cooler . Ive been told that I should not use the OD when towing. Is this true and if so how does towing in 3rd gear affect hwy towing if at all?

Thanks Flyguy

Jun 25, 2005 | 03:08 PM

bulrydr_1

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From: Accokeek, MD

According to my ownwers manual on my 2000 F150, when towing and climbing steep grades (mountain) turn the O/D off. Still keep it in drive and let the auto tranny do the work. Your fuel consumption will increase, but that's a price you pay to tow...

Jun 25, 2005 | 03:49 PM

fordman311

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Yea, tow with OD off. Even on flat grade in low rpm's there's still a lot more stress on the tranny when towing. How far are you planning on towing?

Jun 25, 2005 | 04:19 PM

Torky2

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Joined: Sep 2003

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I always tow with O/D off. With it off, will have higher engine RPM at high speeds, and probably more gas useage. But lower gas mileage is cheap compared to a cooked trans!

At interstate speeds I think the frontal area and aerodynamic drag of the trailer is going to be much more significant than the actual trailer weight, as far as engine load.

Jun 26, 2005 | 11:19 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

My 01 at highway speeds gets better mileage towing with OD off because it stays around 2500 rpm which is where peak torque occurs. This makes the engine more efficient when loaded. I was towing about 7000lbs and got 15.9mpg. I was shocked!!

Jul 11, 2005 | 12:02 AM

wolfdog1

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From: Missouri

I have a 99 F150 with the 5.4 2wd, towing package, r70 transmission, and I agree with Lxman, I pulled around 6000 and also got about 15-16, so it should be fairly efficient, just not cruising unloaded down the highway efficient.

Jul 11, 2005 | 01:35 PM

bumpzter

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Ditto for O/D off when towing.

Jul 13, 2005 | 08:45 PM

flyguy2

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From: Arizona

Thanks everybosy for all of your input. I really appreciate it. It's nice to be able to ask questions and not have to wonder about whether I'm getting info from people who are not very expierenced. Thanks a gain.

Fly guy