Trailer Towing
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Trailer Towing
I recently acquired my first PS Diesel. It's a 99 with the 7.3 turbo setup. As far as towing, I know there is a lot of debate concerning whether or not to use OD for towing. From what I have read, it seems that if you're going too slow in OD, the truck lugs and the transmission heats up, possibly causing damage. This would be at 55MPH or less (my guess) RPMs below 1500 or so and the transmission would constantly be (hunting) shifting in and out of OD. It also seems that if you are towing over 60 MPH at 1800-2000 RPMs, OD is the way to go. My trailer weighs in at 6800 dry, so add #1000 lbs for extras and I should be at about #8000. My target tow speed will be 60-65 mph. I go from Michigan to Fla every year and back. Any input appreciated. Im not sure of the rear end ratio on the truck.
thank you
thank you
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,904
Likes: 76
From: Wayland, MI
The only advice I have is, if the transmission is searching for a gear when in overdrive take it out. Your truck (assuming single rear wheel) should have the 3.73 gear in it. You should not have any problems going to Fl and back with the enigne you have and the weight you want to pull.
Enjoy, and welcome to FTE.
Toyman
Enjoy, and welcome to FTE.
Toyman
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
Yup, if the tranny hunts gears downbshift or get out of over drive. I also recommend downshifting just before you get to a long stretch of hills and keeping your speed up. THis way you don't loose as much momentum as you might if you let the tranny do the thinking. Oncew you loose momentum, you might get stuck in a lower gear than you would if you shifted before loosing speed.
If you are towing during hot conditions for a long time, when you come to a gas or rest stop, let the engine idle a few minutes while you do a vehicle check/walkaround. The reason is... if your turn things off right away, the tranny will dump a lot of heat into the lfuid ans since it is not circulating or being cooled, the fluid overheats and sometimes is forced out of the tranny.
You might get a lot more advice if you post in the trailering forum.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
If you are towing during hot conditions for a long time, when you come to a gas or rest stop, let the engine idle a few minutes while you do a vehicle check/walkaround. The reason is... if your turn things off right away, the tranny will dump a lot of heat into the lfuid ans since it is not circulating or being cooled, the fluid overheats and sometimes is forced out of the tranny.
You might get a lot more advice if you post in the trailering forum.
Good Luck,
Jim Henderson
