Towing in O/D - Dodge Diesel

Farmall · 03-15-2003, 11:20 PM

Ok guys, here's my question. I have been told 10 different things by 10 different people. Can you tow in O/D when you are on the Interstate holding a steady speed, in relativley flat ground? I have been told yes with no problem, yes but be careful, no it will burn itself up, no it just won't work. So what's the answer. I have always towed with it off in my other vehicles, but this dang thing I can only get about 56 mph out of it loaded in drive. Thanks, Bill

Bearfoot2 · 03-16-2003, 07:18 AM

Farmall,
Most important...watch the gauges !! Keep the water temp in the normal range at all times. Don't let the pyro get over 1250 at any time. Use a good diesel fuel additive every fill up.

So..............
IN MY OPINION ... travelling on level roads would not require driving in direct but, if pulling a fair amount of weight, at the slightest incline I would down shift- even if it seemed to be pulling OK. 1. It's easier on the engine. 2. It's easier on the tranny. 3. It's easier on the mileage - important with the condition of my wallet and the price of fuel.

I guess I would concur with the answer "Yes, but be careful".

MHO and not worth 2 cents.

Stan.

Jim Shulmister · 03-16-2003, 10:24 AM

I would say Listen to your transmission. Trans temp gauge will tell you if it likes to pull in o/d or not. -RATCHET-

CruisingRam · 03-16-2003, 12:48 PM

I guess OD for auto trannys are the problem? I towed for years in OD on the Getrag, and it only now began to make noises, but I have worked this thing like a beat dog!

TurboAZ · 03-16-2003, 05:38 PM

Farmall. I tow a cab over camper that weighs in at about 2800 loaded. I run in OD 90 percent of the time. I run 65mph on the roads in OD and when my speed drops to 50mph I take it out of OD and will keep about 10 to 15 lbs boost till tans temperature start to climb to about 160f - 175f then I will shift into 2nd gear run 10lbs of boost and enjoy the climb. I do run an aux trans fan which helps somewhat but the best way is to back off and take it easy. 50mph is where I shift out of OD and that has worked for me. No problems with transmission even towing is 115f summer desert heat. I have the tranny serviced regulary also. Jim

John H · 03-21-2003, 11:59 AM

I asked the same question a while back. After reading all the replies, I decided to use the following when pulling my 8000# trailer. If I can drive at 70mph or above, even at WOT, I use overdrive. If I encounter a hill, and I can stay above 60mph at less than about 3/4 throttle, I use overdrive. If I have to drop below 70mph at WOT or 60MPH at 3/4 throttle, I come out of overdrive. I also watched my temp gage to make sure I didn't overheat. During December I drove 5000 miles in a 2 week period and didn't have any problem that I know of. I changed the tranny oil before I started, and checked it during my run, and when I got back, I checked it again, and it was still OK. Not burnt in anyway. John

03-16-2003, 07:18 AM	#2
Bearfoot2 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: S W Idaho Posts: 314 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Towing in O/D Farmall, Most important...watch the gauges !! Keep the water temp in the normal range at all times. Don't let the pyro get over 1250 at any time. Use a good diesel fuel additive every fill up. So.............. IN MY OPINION ... travelling on level roads would not require driving in direct but, if pulling a fair amount of weight, at the slightest incline I would down shift- even if it seemed to be pulling OK. 1. It's easier on the engine. 2. It's easier on the tranny. 3. It's easier on the mileage - important with the condition of my wallet and the price of fuel. I guess I would concur with the answer "Yes, but be careful". MHO and not worth 2 cents. Stan. __________________ THE SILVER SHADOW 98.5, 24v, 2500, SLT Laramie, LB, QC, DTT 89%Auto, 354, 265/75 R16, K&N, Edge EZ, Boost, Pyro and Tranny Temp guages, Lund Stainless Weather Front, Deflect-a-Shield, Vent Shades, Pendaliner. KDP Died a violent death! High Speed Idle from Harold Bowers Turbo Cool Down Timer from Howard VanFleet Mystery Switch Tag-A-Long 2000 19' Wilderness Ricers: Honda Accord Toyota T-100 (Her Ride)

03-16-2003, 10:24 AM	#3
Jim Shulmister Muted User Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 188 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Towing in O/D I would say Listen to your transmission. Trans temp gauge will tell you if it likes to pull in o/d or not.<br> -RATCHET- __________________ 1992 dodge 3500 dually ctd 68,000 original miles hx35w turbo 12cm, 3k gov spring, 4" exhaust 13" k&n cone, Timing adv. 1/8"

03-16-2003, 12:48 PM	#4
CruisingRam Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Anchorage, AK, USA Posts: 131 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Towing in O/D I guess OD for auto trannys are the problem? I towed for years in OD on the Getrag, and it only now began to make noises, but I have worked this thing like a beat dog! __________________ 67 Valiant racecar with stroked 400&gt500ci, 98 Dually SLT Quad Cab, 3500 dually, Auto, some unknown mods from previous owner- exhaust is not stock, air cleaner is not stock. Sold since joining: 85 Ramcharger, 93 Ram CTD dually Now have motorcycle customization business, some auto (cage) work too.

03-16-2003, 05:38 PM	#5
TurboAZ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Bend Oregon Posts: 89 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Towing in O/D Farmall. I tow a cab over camper that weighs in at about 2800 loaded. I run in OD 90 percent of the time. I run 65mph on the roads in OD and when my speed drops to 50mph I take it out of OD and will keep about 10 to 15 lbs boost till tans temperature start to climb to about 160f - 175f then I will shift into 2nd gear run 10lbs of boost and enjoy the climb.<br><br>I do run an aux trans fan which helps somewhat but the best way is to back off and take it easy. 50mph is where I shift out of OD and that has worked for me. No problems with transmission even towing is 115f summer desert heat. I have the tranny serviced regulary also.<br><br>Jim __________________ 1992 LE D250, Auto, 3.54's, LS, Trans. Temp, Tach, Boost and Pyro Gauges, Bilstien Shocks, Michlien XPS's with Centramatic Balencers, Roadmaster Active Suspension Springs and Heavy Duty Trans cooler under the bed.

03-21-2003, 11:59 AM	#6
John H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Canton, Ohio Posts: 242 My Photo Gallery My Classified Ads	Re:Towing in O/D I asked the same question a while back. After reading all the replies, I decided to use the following when pulling my 8000# trailer.<br><br>If I can drive at 70mph or above, even at WOT, I use overdrive.<br>If I encounter a hill, and I can stay above 60mph at less than about 3/4 throttle, I use overdrive.<br>If I have to drop below 70mph at WOT or 60MPH at 3/4 throttle, I come out of overdrive.<br>I also watched my temp gage to make sure I didn't overheat.<br><br>During December I drove 5000 miles in a 2 week period and didn't have any problem that I know of.<br>I changed the tranny oil before I started, and checked it during my run, and when I got back, I checked it again, and it was still OK.<br>Not burnt in anyway.<br><br>John __________________ 2012 White 3500, 4X2 dually, HO, Laramie, Quad cab, long bed, 6 speed auto, 4.10 LS rear axle. Hard tonneau cover. 2011 38' Carriage Cameo 5th Wheel.

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