Trailering and overdrive

[kenmyfam]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

You definitely have torque converter lockup in direct. There apparently was not enough load on the engine to make a difference. Try it again on a grade. If that doesn't work for you, let the tranny shift into third with the shifter in "3". At about 50 mph gradually press on the gas while watching the tach. At some point you will feel what appears to be a downshift. That is not a shift into second. That is the converter unlocking. Believe me, at 50 MPH you will know the difference between a 3rd to 2nd shift and a 3rd locked to 3rd unlocked. Even in town on a 35 -40 mph street in third you can watch the tach drop as the converter clutch engages.

Thanks for the input. I will check it out again and let you know.

Ken.

 

[642mx]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

I always kick the OD off when towing. I figure that the extra fuel burned is cheaper than a tranny overhaul. And I always use 4WD low range on the boat ramp to help keep the tranny from stressing too much.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

Not sure with the F-150 bur my Tundra has the overdrive off button on the end of the shift lever. If there are any hills or grades involved I would use that option. Luckily here in Florida it's flat and I do use overdrive.

 

[FreeBayliner4Us]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

I too do not use OD while towing over 1000lbs. The added strain on the trans isn't worth it. And besides, it helps remind you to keep your speed in check. In many state like here in VA the speed limit is 55mph while towing though it is seldom inforced.

I also use 4lo on boat ramps unless I'm towing my jon boat.

Good luck!

Mike M.
Richmond, VA

 

[dave11]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

I have a 07 F150 and tow my boat loaded probably weighs around 6k. And I dont even feel its back there. It has no problem going into overdrive. And for those in NJ that know the ( i think its the ) Perth amboy over pass on the parkway. You know how steep that over pass is. And my truck stays in overdrive and keeps pulling with no problem.

I tow a 2500# boat with a Super Duty 250 with a V10. I can tell the difference when I am towing.

Down here I can tow in 5th gear. About the only time I drop to 4th gear is climbing the Sunshine Skyway bridge. It is not really necessary, but I like to keep the RPMs up while pulling a grade.

 

[baylinerbuff]

Re: Trailering and overdrive

Not sure with the F-150 bur my Tundra has the overdrive off button on the end of the shift lever. If there are any hills or grades involved I would use that option. Luckily here in Florida it's flat and I do use overdrive.

I have this on/off overdrive feature on my F-150 which works great and helps the fuel economy big time when towing.
I just towed my Bayliner from Thunder Bay to the Muskoka's and back, let me assure you some of the hills on the North shore of lake Superior will test your vehicle and patience when stuck behind a semi when towing a 2500 lb. of boat and trailer.