Hey everyone! Begining of March I just traded in my 99 Dakota for my first CTD. A 2001 2500 2wd auto QC. Didn't have a good experience towing close to 8.5Klbs from AZ to FL with the Dakota. After the last month or so of reading the board here I am a little confused on towing with OD. We are moving to OR in Aug, and will be getting a 24' enclosed car trailer for the DIY move. I read staying roughly around 55-60 for better MPG, but also heard that towing in OD is do to low rpms and a reduction in cooling oil in the tranny. So The trailer GVWR is 10400lbs. So when do I need to turn OD off? In the city only? Is towing in OD ok at highway speeds, or not at all? TIA.

-Bob

 

Anything below 60mph I would turn OD off. Or if the transmission seems to hunt for a gear going up hill (shifting between 3rd and OD). You can run 70 all day long. The cummins happy spot is between 1800-2200 rpm. Keep it between that and don't lug the engine and you should get decent mileage.

 

Boy, this seems to be one of the most frequently discussed and opinionated subjects posted. I really think you have to decide for yourself what feels comfortable. Personally, this is the second truck (first diesel) that I have owned with the tow/haul selection. The first truck I owned I always towed in OD until it started hunting. I put about 40k on it towing 8k lbs. from sea level to 11k passes. At the tranny fluid change of 50k miles the fluid looked and smelled good. There were also no shavings in the pan. I tow with my Cummins in OD, unless it starts to hunt or a hill is approaching. If I cook off the tranny under the warranty, Dodge covers it (I'm towing under their recommended standards). After warranty, the burden is on me. I don't abuse my vehicles and the best I have ever done with an auto is 140k miles. Its a mechanical fact of life. So, I guess it boils down to whatever "floats your boat"! Its your truck and your money.

 

Thanks guys. The Dakota I had started hunting on the trip to FL, ever since then, till I traded it in, the tranny shifted like, well just no very good. Wanted to make sure I dont do this again. Yes it does seem like a very opinionated question, however one with a common answer. Basically OD is ok as long as you keep the engine within the happy spot and as long as it isnt hunting. Thx guys! -Bob

 

I tow a 9k 5th wheel with my truck. In the hills around SW Pennsylvania where I live, I always tow with the OD locked out. On the turnpike or interstate highways, I tow in OD all of the time unless the transmission starts to hunt or if I cannot maintain 1800 rpm due to traffic or grade. If I cannot maintain at least 1800 rpm, I then lock out OD. I have had absolutely no problems so far. The only mods to my transmission are a Trans-go shift kit and sythetic ATF.