To O/D or not to O/D

[Rockypointers]

New to towing and driving with a higher RPM just sounds so....different. Just wanted to ask opinions of whether or not people tow with the overdrive feature turned on or off. I have a 2010 F150 5.4L V.8.....so the "overdrive" is actually a "Tow/Haul" button on the side of the gear shift lever.

Brought a 26RLS home last weekend from the mountains for the first time and I had the "tow/haul" feature engaged (overdrive off) the entire trip home.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[tinlizzie23]

Unless cruising on a level flat interstate-like highway, my overdrive is off. But the important thing is to keep your engine from lugging down when pulling hard, as in up a hill. The rpms must stay up in a "normal" range. Lugging down can do severe damage to your engine, particularly to the crankshaft. Thus, just try to listen to your engine, and turn tow/haul off and on as changing conditions warrant. Think of it this way - in riding a bicycle, would you want to go up a steep hill in high gear, or would you downshift to be easier on your legs ? Hope this helps.

[Macrosill]

I put the truck on Tow/Haul mode and drive. If I need more power to go up a hill I step on the gas a bit more.

[exjay1]

i always tow with OD off, then again im pulling with a 6cyl suv.

[OurJayco]

I always tow with overdrive OFF.

[2edgesword]

Originally Posted by OurJayco

I always tow with overdrive OFF.

I've always followed the advise of my RV dealer and tow in "tow/haul" mode. I'm also guessing GM included it in the tow package for a reason.

[exthemius]

O/d and tow/haul are not the same things on the newer Fords. If you have the factory tow package, it also integrates the computer antisway controls, as well as adjusts the shift points. We have towed well over 29k miles towing and always have it enabled.

[Tanker42]

Originally Posted by OurJayco

I always tow with overdrive OFF.

X2

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Rockypointers

snip....... I have a 2010 F150 5.4L V.8.....so the "overdrive" is actually a "Tow/Haul" button on the side of the gear shift lever.........snip

Check your F150's owners manual to confirm the actual function of "your" Tow/Haul feature. In the case of the Tow/Haul feature on my GM TV, when engaged it will add about 500 rpm to the top of each gear before shifting to the next gear. I do know that there are some Tow/Haul systems tied in to the overdrive gear, but check your manual.

If you find that your transmission is "searching" for gears often, then it's best not to tow in overdrive.

If your F150 5.4L drivetrain's Tow/Haul is strictly for adding RPM to the gear shifting range , IMO always tow with it engaged.

Also, most gas engines will produce some RPM's (within the torque curve) when towing through the mountains, especially when towing a heavy load.

Bob

[MikeNChelle]

Originally Posted by exthemius

O/d and tow/haul are not the same things on the newer Fords. If you have the factory tow package, it also integrates the computer antisway controls, as well as adjusts the shift points. We have towed well over 29k miles towing and always have it enabled.

Exactly correct. OD and Tow/Haul modes are very different. OD is just the final drive gear and Tow/Haul again adjusts your shift points trying to maintain at least 1500 RPM so the engine and trans will not get hit when you want power and mash the gas. Also in Tow/haul mode the trans will use the engine to help slow the vehicle when coming to a stop.

[Rockypointers]

Thanks everyone. Seems to be unanimous. I guess I really showed my ignorance regarding RPMs and engines/trannies. On level surface, I was running between 1800 and 2000 RPMs and 58-62 MPH where I was most comfortable. Sounds like I just have to come to the realization that the engine isn't being "harmed"...it's just doing its job. All these new noises to get used to and trying to find a new "norm". Appreciate all your help!

[MikeNChelle]

Eventually, when you get up to cruising speed the trans will hit it's final drive gear and stay there until the computer says so. LOL I use cruise control as much as possible when towing, it makes for the best fuel mileage. And since gas just hit $4.00 here overnight, we need all the help we can get.

[dmax_83]

I put my truck in drive and hit t/h and exhaust brake buttons and go. The transmission is smart enough to pick a gear.

[kjohn73]

I use a 1997 Suburban and the fellow at the transmission shop told me, "Do NOT pull a trailer in OD. Run it in 3rd." I'll put it in OD if going down a long hill, that's all.

[bayleightucker]

old Ford f150......o/d off

[clutch]

One of the problems when towing in OD is that the rpm's are low which results in low line pressure in the transmission. Low line pressure will allow the transmission to slip and over heat the fluid. You may not notice the slipping and over heating but your transmission will let you know when it has had enough.

[dmax_83]

Originally Posted by dmax_83

I put my truck in drive and hit t/h and exhaust brake buttons and go. The transmission is smart enough to pick a gear.

I should clarify my response, my truck is equipped with an Allison trans and both 5th and 6th are O/D. I don't tow fast enough (68mph+) to drop into 6th so my truck stays in 5th, which is still O/D, by default.

When I owned a 1/2 ton, I never towed in O/D.

[sirrealone]

I tow with a Buick Rainier and the manual says that it's OK to tow on OD under flat driving conditions, but the guy at the tranny place I use said that it should still be in 3rd. So that's what I do

[gcloss]

I have the Tow/Haul mode and OD Off. Transmissions are expensive and driving in OD will heat it up and kill it.

My truck performs much much better with OD Off. I'll cruise at about 58-60mph and 2400 rpm. My Hemi loves to run a 2400 rpm .... it's her sweet spot .....

[Derek700]

I do OD off on my F150 it revs way too low in OD at hwy speed.