Very first timer question

[paesan]

I now own a 4x4 3500 dually auto and am consideringa new 3500 6 speed.



I heard and read about over drive all the time. Frankly on my auto I never push the button and always towed my puny enclosed 20" 7000 lbs trailer with ease at any speed.



So my question is



What does Over drive do? How does it work? What about in a manual 6 Speed is it worth using it? Does it limit the rpms?



Any help would be appreciated, I am new at this and I am a driver that just gets in the car and drives, now I am trying with your help to get a better knowledge and being a better driver, keep the posts coming

 

[rono]

Overdrive lowers the RPM's while keeping speed. Better milage etc... The sixth gear in a six speed is the overdrive. Fifth gear is a 1/1 ratio. From what I've read, most that pull regularly have noy problem pulling in sixth gear, as the HO has plenty of power. If you are pulling with ease now, the 6 speed HO will be much more fun to drive. As far as limiting RPM's, you will not be limited, you will just be able to go faster at a lower RPM. I hope this helps.

Ron

 

[RBachant]

5th gear in the 5 speed is the same ratio as 6th in the 6 speed and the share the same ratio for 1st. The difference in the number of gears in between, obviously.

 

[RCone]

I believe you should always keep RPM's bove 1800. I tow a 8500# dry 5ver and I run in 3rd, overdrive locked out at about 2300 R's. Seems to be the sweet spot, and I average bout 12mpg one way or the other.



Roger