Towing question

[Cobra]

My neighbor just bought a 1995 RAM 3500 with auto trans. It replaces a Ford F250 5 spd. He pulls a 5th wheel that weighs 8,000 lbs. My truck is a 5 spd and I never had an auto so I can. t answer his questions. When pulling the 5er should he shift from 1st to 2nd to D or just leave it in D. Also it has an overdrive. Should he use it or not. Any tips would be appreciated. Oh yeah of course it is a Cummins I didn't mention that thinking it was understood. Thanks alot.

 

[tgrfan2]

I have a 95 auto with TST plate that I pulled a 9K+ TT with until last year. I always shift it manually with a load especially in traffic. The object is to keep the RPM's up and keep the transmission locked up in either drive or overdrive. I would recommend he get a temperature gauge and watch it to get a feel for what causes the transmission to heat up. I bought my truck used so I don't know how long the trans has been going. I assume it was overhauled before I bought it with 112K on it. I have run it over 70K since installing the torque plate with no problem.