Towing in 6th gear

[Santana Blue]

Does anyone know if there is a problem towing in 6th gear in a 2001 3500? (Towing ~ 8K). Tried it and it seems to do fine. The '95s didn't recommend towing in 5th because of some nut problem or something like that. The 2001 manual doesnot address this at all.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have about 10,000 miles of towing at or above 18,000# on my 2001 6speed ETH. The sales staff at my dealer and the factory assured me that the 6th gear is rated above 600 ft lbs torque. We have 3 of them on the road now and no problems yet. I have not noted higher than average trans temps. Time will tell. One of my friends thought he solved his trans problems by buying a new ford with 6 speed. Didnt last 40,000 miles!!

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1995 2500 5 spd US Gear 2 speed,PackBrake, bombed,big turbo, injectors CUMMINS POWER!!. 2001 ETH 3500 PackBrake, gagues,otherwise stock. 1972 "1066" International Harvester 414 ci diesel pulling tractor, big pump,turbo and injectors. Alcohol injection,BINDER POWER!! .
GONZO

 

[HC]

You'll find some info at http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/transmission/nv5600_spec.html
that indicates the NV5600 is truly a heavy duty transmission, so at 8000# I wouldn't expect any problems towing in 6th. That said, 5th is still the direct drive gear (and thus your "stongest" gear), so if I was on a major grade or planning some heavy duty acceleration I'd make it easy on my truck by dropping to 5th. Many would poo-poo the way I baby my truck, but it has paid off on past vehicles of all types in terms of reduced repair bills and long life.

 

[HC]

One of my friends thought he solved his trans problems by buying a new ford with 6 speed. Didnt last 40,000 miles!!

Which didn't last? The Transmission? The Ford? Or the Friendship? #ad

 

[Wiredawg]

I tow in 6th gear pulling my 15K pound fth wheel and no problems. Really stong setup! #ad


I enjoy driving this truck, loaded and unloaded, more than any other vehicle I've ever owned.

Happy towing,

Wiredawg #ad


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2000 4X4 SLT QC 8' bed; 6 spd, 3. 54 ; BD exhaust brake and 4" exhaust syst; TST PM2; Airlift Super Duty rear air bags; RS 9000 shocks; pyro/boost gauges in 2 gauge a-pillar mount; back preasure gauge mounted under dash; KN air filter; Brown's Welding brush/grill guard, rear bumper & headache rack; nerf bars and aluminum roll top rear cover, Warn front receiver and Hadley air horns, 20K Reese hitch.

 

[Happy Camper]

I have used 6th with a 3500lb slide in camper and it pulls real strong. The only problem I find is a straight stretch of road and a speed limit of 65 as that is where it is tacking a about 2000. On a 600 mile round trip I ran most of my top speed in 5th which will scoot you down the road. I would use what ever gear you felt you are not luging it.

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Bert
2001. 5,3500 QC 4x4, HO/6spd,limited slip,BD brake,60 gal Aero tank.

 

[K-Man]

I tow a horse trailer that max's out at about 13,500 loaded. The NV5600 does a great job. I use 6th gear just like I normally would and never have had a problem. The 5. 9 and the 6 speed is an awesome towing combination - especially with a little Bombing...

 

[Okie-Go]

I was told when I bought my truck that our transmission was made for pulling. I told the salesman that I don't tow for a living but I do plan on using it. (traded an automatic 98 in)He said to get used to the sound of the motor and if it sounds like it gets in a strain just shift to 5th and keep going. I have pulled my 30ft 5er from Amarillo, where I bought truck to Oklahoma and then to south texas where I live. Never can I recall having to gear down to 5th because of a hill. I hauled 2 and a half chourd of fresh cut firewood on a trailer from Oklahoma to south Texas and again I can not remember downshifting because of a hill. The truck is just super stout. 15,700 miles in 7 months. Hope I helped.

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2001 quadcab slt 2500 HO 6spd. LWB dk garnett red trailer tow camper special anti spin 3. 54 axle speed liner, stainless steel chicken slide 66 gallon in bed aux. tank Reese 20k hitch Terry 2000 EX 30ft. double slide 5er. 2000 20ft gooseneck for jeep, firewood and huntin stuff. 5X12 tagalong for the 4 wheeler.

 

[Scott Gray]

I have had no problems towing in 6th gear. Seems to do great from 55mph up!!!! Occasionally use it at lower speeds in flat areas.


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2001. 5 2500 ETH/DEE, QuadCab, 2WD, LWB, SLT+, 3. 54, Tow Package, Camper Package, Jake e-brake and more...
Pulling a 30', 12. 5K lb Alpenlite 5'ver

 

[Champane Flight]

Since when did they come out with a no tow warning for 95s fifth gear?I have been pulling with mine for 70000 miles with no problems.

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95 Dodge 2500 Luverne grill guard,headache rack,running boards and Amzoiled. Soon to be mildly bombed. 84 Dodge d-150, 318 Hooker headers,Edelbrok intake,mallory ignition,Carter Afb,Accel coil,and Custom dual exhaust. Boat,fifthwheel,motorcycles,and shop,job to support toys. Yuck...

 

[Santana Blue]

I saw an article in one of the TDR editions. Can't recall which one, but I will look if you want me to. I know they changed the style of nut that holds the gear in place. There may have been a TSB on it.

Originally posted by Champane Flight:
Since when did they come out with a no tow warning for 95s fifth gear?I have been pulling with mine for 70000 miles with no problems.