Towing in Overdrive

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Feb 13, 2003 | 08:50 PM

SSN621

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Okeechobee

Towing in Overdrive

Does anybody tow a load with their Auto Transmission in Overdrive?? I have the 4R100 tranny. I live in Florida (pretty flat) and have a 7000lb (Loaded) travel trailer. I currently do not have a transmission temperature gauge but eventually plan on getting one. Thanks

Feb 13, 2003 | 10:37 PM

FDNY13

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: Orange County, NY

Towing in Overdrive

Although this post may be better suited for the TOWING FORUM in which you may find a more technical answer, I can tell you that after 20 years of towing similar weights and higher, my rule of thumb has always been... if the transmission is frequently "searching" (shifting)... stay out of overdrive to prevent transmission overheating and possible failure. I've never experienced trans failure following this rule.

I regularly tow a 6000 lb trailer through the Adirondacks and Catskill mountains with the same drivetrain configuration as yours and the transmission very rarely downshifts towing in overdrive. No lugging/vibrations either. The trans temp guage never moves off the center mark. Only difference may be that I've programmed a SCMT in the lower hp towing mode. An EGT guage is my next project and one you might consider also (in addition to trans temp guage) as an extra measure.

Hope this helps.....

Feb 14, 2003 | 06:20 AM

jschira

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Joined: Nov 2002

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From: Mansfield, TX USA

Towing in Overdrive

I towed a 6500 lbs. trailer down I-20 from Dallas to South Carolina, my 7.3L and 4R100 never had to downshift. The only time that it downshifts is going through the hills of northern TN and southern KY. I always leave it in OD. Puts the RPMs right in the PSD sweet spot between 55-70 MPH.

If the transmission is searching in and out of overdrive a lot, you need to kick it out of OD. That constant searching is hard on the transmission.

Feb 15, 2003 | 07:11 PM

GRUMPY_ FD

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Joined: Mar 2002

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From: DALLAS TEXAS

Towing in Overdrive

What they said lol if your not climbing tall hills and its not shifting back in forth leave the thing in overdrive and let her run.take care cya

Feb 16, 2003 | 07:45 AM

augydog

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Central Alabama

Towing in Overdrive

I received my 2003 sd beginning of dec. 2002 with the new 6.0L diesel and 5 spd. auto trans. cant say enough good about the new trans. In tow mode it pulls off fast and at interstate speeds it shift into od unlike my 99 SD w/ 4 spd. auto, it holds out of od ands rums high rpms. the new trans shifts smooth under load or no load. I regularly tow a 5 ton boat and a trailer pulling from 5 to 6 tons of lead, BUT DO NOT GET THIS TRUCK WITH THE 6.0L DIESEL UNTIL FORD WORKS OUT PROBLEMS(TURBO AND INJECTORS) MY TRUCK IS IN MIAMI BROKEN. ITS BEEN TWO WEEKS NOW, NO TIME OF REPAIR FROM DEALER.

Feb 16, 2003 | 10:11 AM

hodgekuter

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: Kentucky

Towing in Overdrive

I have a PSD '01 SC auto 4R100, 44000 miles and I tow our 12900 lb. 5th wheel just about anyplace I want to go and it rarely shifts out of OD. If I see what may be a little more grade than what I feel is OK, I simply shut OD off and let it do it's thing til we get to the top. This avoids the surge in rpm when downshifting from OD.

Love that PSD

Bill B.

Feb 16, 2003 | 09:12 PM

SSN621

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Okeechobee

Towing in Overdrive

Sounds like towing in overdrive is no problem. Thanks for everyones input. I'm running the 3.73 limited slip rear end vs. the 4:10 but I wouldn't think that would make too much of a difference as far as Overdrive is concerned.