Dumb question about towing with auto trans

[Tractorat]

Because of all the posts Ive seen about the Dodge stock trans, I've almost always towed my 4klb TT with od in the off position. (Ive tried with OD on a couple of times when I was wanted to go 75 plus, and boy was it easy to hit 85 before I knew it). And since Ive learned that my TT tires are only rated for 65mph, that has probably been a good idea.



However, I now have a trans temp guage. Here is my question. If the trans temp stays low, am I hurting my trans if I tow in OD whatever the rpm ? Or does just the fact of rpm between 15-18or 1900 cause some damage to the trans ?



Humbly,

TRat

 

[B.G. Smith]

The torque converter lock up clutch is the weak link. The transmission oil pump don't put up enough pressure at lower rpm's/lower speeds to keep the clutch locked. You can tow in OD as long as you are above about 60 mph. I had a 99 and would punch out the OD when in slow traffic but then when you get to 35mph the converter wants to lock. I would switch back to OD till I got t0 45 then switch it back off till I got up arouund 60. Lots of switching but it worked for me. I was towing a 31' 5th wheel, around 12,000#. Had 120,000 on it when I sold it. bg

 

[JDecanter]

just put her in "D" and don't worry: its called automatic for a reason. As long as the transmission is not hunting from drive to overdrive, just allow it to do its thing. I have a 2006 and tow a 34' Jayco designer: my biggest problem is on smooth roads I forget it is in tow.

 

[cwsoules]

I tow in OD and cruise control all the time. I have had the DTT mods made to my transmission and have their smart box. The smart box allows me to keep the transmission locked in 3rd up to 55 mph and at that point it will shift to OD. I picked 55 mph as the engine torque is high enough to keep the transmission from working too hard. I watch the mph, rpm, EGT, and transmission temperature. When it get hilly I watch the mph and when it starts to drop and egt gets abouve 1250 I disengage the cruise control and drop the throttle to keep the egt at or below 1200. If the mph drops close to 55, I shift manually out of OD to keep the transmission from shifting in and out of od.

 

[bmoeller]

I tow in OD and cruise control all the time.

We rev higher in O/D w/ 4. 10 gears than Trat does with 3. 54s.



Best to keep the RPMs around 1900+ to keep the line pressure up.

 

[Sky]

In my 01 I always had OD off until I hit 55mph. I am still in the habit of when ever i get in my truck I always hit the button or reach for it.