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Towing in O/D

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Old Mar 15, 2003 | 11:20 PM
  #1  
Farmall's Avatar
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From: Corydon, IN
Towing in O/D

Ok guys, here's my question. I have been told 10 different things by 10 different people.<br><br>Can you tow in O/D when you are on the Interstate holding a steady speed, in relativley flat ground? <br><br>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.<br><br>Thanks, Bill
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Old Mar 16, 2003 | 07:18 AM
  #2  
Bearfoot2's Avatar
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From: S W Idaho
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 &quot;Yes, but be careful&quot;.

MHO and not worth 2 cents.

Stan.
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Old Mar 16, 2003 | 10:24 AM
  #3  
Jim Shulmister's Avatar
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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-
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Old Mar 16, 2003 | 12:48 PM
  #4  
CruisingRam's Avatar
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From: Pahoa, HI USA
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!
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Old Mar 16, 2003 | 05:38 PM
  #5  
TurboAZ's Avatar
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From: Bend Oregon
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
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Old Mar 21, 2003 | 11:59 AM
  #6  
John H's Avatar
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From: Canton, Ohio
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
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