tranny (seeking)
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: azusa usa
tranny (seeking)
Ive read alot in this forum about towing in od or not because of the tranny seeking between gears. I tow a 21' TT fully loaded weighing in at about 7200. Ive always towed with the od off, my thoughts are better safe than sorry. But my problem is my truck seems to be seeking alot between 2nd and 3rd. I tow up pretty good sized hills in S. California. Should I downshift and leave it in second over these hills, and how many rpms is to many? Appreciate any info, I definetly dont want to break this tranny.
98F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
5.4L 3/73 limited slip
98F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
5.4L 3/73 limited slip
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 7,298
Likes: 45
From: Southern California
tranny (seeking)
Thanks for joining us in the Towing forum! 
If it's seeking a lot between 2nd and 3rd, I would downshift to second. I don't know if you're engine has a rev limiter, but it probably does. Most all of the newer gas engines list their max hp over 5,000 rpm, so you probably can't hurt it. I would just find a speed that seems comfortable, 50-55 mph. You'll know when it's time to shift back into 3rd.
Did your truck come equipped with a transmission cooler? If not, one is definately advisable.
BTW, if you're in Azuza you must be towing in the San Gabriel's or over the Grapevine. The Grapevine is my regular run at least once a month. My axles are geared 3.54 and it's a definate handicap on that hill!
Scott
If it's seeking a lot between 2nd and 3rd, I would downshift to second. I don't know if you're engine has a rev limiter, but it probably does. Most all of the newer gas engines list their max hp over 5,000 rpm, so you probably can't hurt it. I would just find a speed that seems comfortable, 50-55 mph. You'll know when it's time to shift back into 3rd.
Did your truck come equipped with a transmission cooler? If not, one is definately advisable.
BTW, if you're in Azuza you must be towing in the San Gabriel's or over the Grapevine. The Grapevine is my regular run at least once a month. My axles are geared 3.54 and it's a definate handicap on that hill!
Scott
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: azusa usa
tranny (seeking)
Thanks for the info. Im going to try shifting manualy more, instead of waiting for the truck to do it. Ive towed over the grapevine a couple times but cajon pass is the one I travel over more often. Both of those hills are pretty big though. How long can I stay in 2nd gear?
98 F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
98 F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
tranny (seeking)
I agree with horsepuller, if you don't have a transmission cooler get the largest one you can find installed. I think the reason your transmission is seeking is that your trailer is really pushing the limits of your truck. Just take it easy and don't try to win any drag races.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 36
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From: azusa usa
tranny (seeking)
Thank you, Ive got a tranny cooler on the truck now and will be looking to see if I can find a bigger one in the future. I never drive over 60 with the trailer, whether I can do it or not. I just dont feel thats safe. I usually try to keep it at 55. Thank again for the reply.
98 F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
5.4L 3/73 limited slip
98 F250 ld s/c xlt 4x4
5.4L 3/73 limited slip
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