When to go into overdrive?

[CumminsPuller]

I pull a forty-foot gooseneck regularly... Normally I keep OD locked out until i am at about 60mph (2400-2500rpm), then i punch the switch to drop it into OD. Once it has shifted into overdrive i back off the go pedal some then start working my speed up. Is this a good practice or not?



Jason

 

[cwsoules]

Towing in OD

Before I had my transmission modified with DTT components, I towed in OD when my speed was about 57 mph (over 1800 RPM). If I saw a hill coming where the transmission would automatically downshift out of OD I did it manually.



If you intend on doing this regularly I recommend that you get at least a transmission oil temperature gage installed. While you are at it it would help you alot if you could also monitor your exhaust gas temperature and your boot pressure. I had all three recently installed on a pillar mount and love it.

 

[Crazy Horse]

Jason-What you are doing is good-very good. I traveled almost 21,000 miles in 7 months with the camper in the bed of my 3500 and a small trailer on back. The truck did all the milage over GVW weith the load on (11,620 lb axle scale weight plus the trailer). I would only let the overdrive in only on the flats, over 60-62 mph with no head winds. The trans worked great the entire trip and we crossed the continental divide 9 times. Do get a Exhaust Temp Guage installed because that will tell you what the engine is doing before the trans temp and engine coolant temps begin to rise. If the EGT's start to rise, drop speed and get out of overdrive. Way to many people try to drive in od with a load on between 48-60 mph, and try to accelerate at these low speeds and rpm's, and I believe that is what is tearing up the torque converters. Good Luck- Enjoy The Ride!

 

[Ramboy]

When I purchased my DTT TC & VB, Bill K. told me that when towing, DO NOT shift into OD until 60 mph or above.

Phil

 

[CumminsPuller]

Thanks RamBoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Oo.