I'm sure this has been addressed many times, but I thought I'd get everyone's opinion. Towing with an automatic. The truck in my sig is an auto. I tow about 6k regularly. One trailer is a 16' enclosed, the other is a 16' car hauler with a Ford 3910 tractor/brushhog on it. Question is this, I don't have any trans temp gauges yet, what are your thoughts on towing in OD? The rule I'm following now is if it will run 60-65 or faster I'll let it run in OD. I know this isn't too much weight for the truck, just concerned with hurting OD. I'm used to towing with a 5spd. Let me know your opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

Your signature doesn't state if you have the 3.54 or the 4.10 rear ratio, but I would say that your method is about the same as most folks. The most important thing is that the convertor stays in lock-up as much as possible. I tow a 10k 5er with my 3.54 rear auto and always start off with OD locked out. Once I get up to a speed where I can maintain 60 and above, I will engage OD. My trans is not completely stock, [i](TC and VB up-grades which raises my line pressures)[i]. However, I used this method when it was stock and no problems. Gear hunting and the convertor not being locked is when you will see the trans temp really sky rocket and that's not a good thing!

 

I alway's try to stay above 1500 RPMS. (I have 3:55's) Below this is where my truck would start to get luggy and if I had a temp gauge I would assume it would rise.

I don't want it to be indecisive in OD, I',m either on flat enough ground with good speeds, or not. Don't let it jump in and out (as you already know)