Overdrive or not?
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New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 22
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Overdrive or not?
This question may not be Ranger specific but that's what I drive. I have a 2002 Ranger Edge 3.0 liter, 5 speed auto trans with 3.73 rear end. During the season, I trailer a boat, motor, trailer combo totaling about 1600 lbs. My normal trip is about 50 miles one way. For the first three years, I locked out the overdrive figuring it would be better for the transmission. (the owner's manual doesn't really address the issue) I get 14 mpg on a typical trip.
This year, I've done the same trip three times without locking the overdrive out. The mpg is the same.
Question: Since I know I don't have the automotive expertise that many of you have, which tranny mode would you recommend that I tow in and why?
Thanks
This year, I've done the same trip three times without locking the overdrive out. The mpg is the same.
Question: Since I know I don't have the automotive expertise that many of you have, which tranny mode would you recommend that I tow in and why?
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,651
Likes: 0
From: Maine
I don't have a lot of auto tranny experience, either, but what I've always heard (and done, when driving them) is leave it in OD unless the tranny is "hunting" between OD and 4th. If it is, or, better yet, if you think it will shortly (at the base of a hill), lock it out of OD.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
I drive a stick, but from towing with our Silverado, Sierra, and our barn runner F-250, I leave it in OD unless:
1) I'm running at a speed where it's just barely in OD normally, then I'll leave it out for the power
2) hilly terrain (not much around here)
3) bad headwinds with the horse trailer (which is flat front)
In the Silverado and Sierra, I just get in and turn tow/haul on. Don't ever deal with the gears.
RP
Zach
1) I'm running at a speed where it's just barely in OD normally, then I'll leave it out for the power
2) hilly terrain (not much around here)
3) bad headwinds with the horse trailer (which is flat front)
In the Silverado and Sierra, I just get in and turn tow/haul on. Don't ever deal with the gears.
RP
Zach
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
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From: Blytheville, AR
I agree with what's been said. If it stays in overdrive, then it should be fine. If it jumps often, turn OD off. Trying to accelerate with a load can be hard on the OD. Imo, if you're getting 14mpg regardless, I'd keep it out of OD just to be safe.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 769
Likes: 12
From: Moneta, VA
I think the reasoning behind turing off OD while towing is the OD band in the transmission. It is made for cruising only, not made to pull loads and may overheat the tranny, especially warping the drum and glazing the bands.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Exactly. It will do fine but you gotta use the other gears to get it up to speed first. Save overdrive for constant speed cruising in flat areas.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: SW Va
I tow in OD if it's not hilly or lugging the engine, in which case I'll lock the OD out until things level out.
I just finished a three time tow of about 40 miles round trip each, over & through the Blue Ridge Moutains, dragging a 175 Bass Tracker with new, just installed GoodYear Marathon radial trailer tires & got 17.1 mpg on my 99 4.0L 4dr SC 5spd auto tranny.
17.1 mpg towing in the mountains isn't bad, because on the climbs I'm not in OD.
So as has been suggested, be selective where you choose to run in OD & switch it off on hills or during strong head winds, or if the engine seems to be lugging, or if it begins to shift excessivly.
If you have her loaded to the max, or in really hot or hilly country, then it's probably wiser to leave the OD locked out & let er rev, to keep things cooled down some..
I just finished a three time tow of about 40 miles round trip each, over & through the Blue Ridge Moutains, dragging a 175 Bass Tracker with new, just installed GoodYear Marathon radial trailer tires & got 17.1 mpg on my 99 4.0L 4dr SC 5spd auto tranny.
17.1 mpg towing in the mountains isn't bad, because on the climbs I'm not in OD.
So as has been suggested, be selective where you choose to run in OD & switch it off on hills or during strong head winds, or if the engine seems to be lugging, or if it begins to shift excessivly.
If you have her loaded to the max, or in really hot or hilly country, then it's probably wiser to leave the OD locked out & let er rev, to keep things cooled down some..