Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) towing in overdrive?

[firemanshawn]

Is there a problem with towing my 6000 pound trailer in overdrive if im towing at freeway speeds (60 + mph). Thanks.

 

[JGheen]

I wouldn't do it, I think the converter would end up getting way to hot, but that is the experience I have had on towing with a Chevy auto in OD.

 

[JDougherty]

i just read a post here that said you should have at least 2200 rpms to be in overdrive ... . "that way it will keep pressure on your lines"



I tow a very common load with the same truck and usually tow with overdrive off. It seems to run cooler that way.

 

[DSiemens]

That is a very good reason for a trans temp gauge.

 

[Howard Durand]

I tow in OD as much as possible.



As long as the TC is locked up, and you can maintain adequate engine rpm, there should be no problems. .

With the 3. 54 gears, I have to keep the speed around 60 to maintain good engine rpm.

I very seldom see 2200 rpm unless climbing a hill. Then it is out of OD.

 

[PaulG]

Originally posted by Howard Durand

I tow in OD as much as possible.



As long as the TC is locked up, and you can maintain adequate engine rpm, there should be no problems. .

With the 3. 54 gears, I have to keep the speed around 60 to maintain good engine rpm.

I very seldom see 2200 rpm unless climbing a hill. Then it is out of OD.

I couldn't agree more, i mean shoot i have the same gearing and everyone say "don't tow in overdrive" when i go down to Myrtle beach how can i drive 70mph and not be in overdrive and watch the tach at 2,500 RPM???? make no sense



now if your driving around town or on side roads where you MPH varies alot well then i can see that reasoning behind not towing on OD for for highway use on a long trip no reason not to... but hey what the heck do i know!

 

[jimk]

Originally posted by firemanshawn

Is there a problem with towing my 6000 pound trailer in overdrive if im towing at freeway speeds (60 + mph). Thanks.

I have asked that question several times and I will tell you what I THINK is the truth. The reason the transmission works is oil pressure. At speeds below 1750 or so the oil pump is not at rpms to develop maximum oil pressure with the 3. 8 gallons per min. The newer transmission has I think 4. 2 gallons per min. If you transmission is in good shape and doesn't have a lot of leakage that may help also. I would not use a stock transmission at below 1750 rpms when towing. I manual shift, starting in d2 letting the truck shift from first to second, next use the lock out button and manual shift using rpms to land me at 1750 in 3 gear. I always let off the throttle and ease into the throttle. Next I use rpms just like the other gears to land me at the desired rpms at 4 gear. I do this every time I tow heavy. . Now I have been told that manual shifting may not be the best for my transmission but I have 99k miles and besides a TPS switch, no problems.

I raised my pressure on the transmission by limiting the throttle lever from going back to stock position. I don't have more pressure at wide open, just a idle an part throttle. Yes this is a bunch of bs, but my transmission is stock and it still works. Do what ever you wont, but you need oil pressure to make the clutches hold. lol Jim

 

[bramage]

My first CTD was a stock 96 auto. I sold it with almost 190,000 miles (75-80 percent towing a enclosed 8000lb work trailer) and it now has over 250,000 miles on the original transmission. (I sold it to a neighbor) It is still going strong and I never once pushed the button to turn O/D off. Now my '97 auto with a #6 plate is a totally different story. If it is stock I don't think you will hurt it with your boat. Just my . 02.



Jr

 

[jimk]

overdrive button

Originally posted by bramage

My first CTD was a stock 96 auto. I sold it with almost 190,000 miles (75-80 percent towing a enclosed 8000lb work trailer) and it now has over 250,000 miles on the original transmission. (I sold it to a neighbor) It is still going strong and I never once pushed the button to turn O/D off. Now my '97 auto with a #6 plate is a totally different story. If it is stock I don't think you will hurt it with your boat. Just my . 02.



Jr

That is a very good transmission. I have a # 6 plate slid all the way forward along with 17. 5 degrees timing. To each his on. Good luck. jim

 

[Joe G.]

I tow in OD a lot. If my EGT or trans temp goes up then I lock out OD.

 

[bramage]

Yea, I toasted the convertor and clutches in the transmission on my '97 with the #6. I think that if I hadn't used my mystery switch when launching that one might have lasted longer.



Jr.

 

[Howard Durand]

firemanshawn,



The 6000# load falls well within the rated towing capacity of the truck and should not anywhere near exceed the gross combined vehicle weight rating of around 15,000# unless you have a lot of extra heavy stuff in the truck and trailer.

With that in mind, you should have no problem at all using OD as long as adequate engine rpm is maintained.

If you decide to add more power, by whatever means, then transmission modifications would be called for.



A transmission temperature gauge would be a good idea no matter what you do.

 

[Cooker]

As long as you keep your RPM's up and it is not hunting between gears or in/out of lockup on the expressway, towing in OD is fine.