1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Towing in O/D

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-15-2003, 11:20 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Farmall's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Corydon, IN
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Towing in O/D

Ok guys, here's my question. I have been told 10 different things by 10 different people.<br><br>Can you tow in O/D when you are on the Interstate holding a steady speed, in relativley flat ground? <br><br>I have been told yes with no problem, yes but be careful, no it will burn itself up, no it just won't work. So what's the answer. I have always towed with it off in my other vehicles, but this dang thing I can only get about 56 mph out of it loaded in drive.<br><br>Thanks, Bill
Old 03-16-2003, 07:18 AM
  #2  
Registered User
 
Bearfoot2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: S W Idaho
Posts: 314
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Towing in O/D

Farmall,
Most important...watch the gauges !! Keep the water temp in the normal range at all times. Don't let the pyro get over 1250 at any time. Use a good diesel fuel additive every fill up.

So..............
IN MY OPINION ... travelling on level roads would not require driving in direct but, if pulling a fair amount of weight, at the slightest incline I would down shift- even if it seemed to be pulling OK. 1. It's easier on the engine. 2. It's easier on the tranny. 3. It's easier on the mileage - important with the condition of my wallet and the price of fuel.

I guess I would concur with the answer &quot;Yes, but be careful&quot;.

MHO and not worth 2 cents.

Stan.
Old 03-16-2003, 10:24 AM
  #3  
Muted User
 
Jim Shulmister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Towing in O/D

I would say Listen to your transmission. Trans temp gauge will tell you if it likes to pull in o/d or not.<br> -RATCHET-
Old 03-16-2003, 12:48 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
CruisingRam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Pahoa, HI USA
Posts: 398
Received 50 Likes on 35 Posts
Re:Towing in O/D

I guess OD for auto trannys are the problem? I towed for years in OD on the Getrag, and it only now began to make noises, but I have worked this thing like a beat dog!
Old 03-16-2003, 05:38 PM
  #5  
Registered User
 
TurboAZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Bend Oregon
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Towing in O/D

Farmall. I tow a cab over camper that weighs in at about 2800 loaded. I run in OD 90 percent of the time. I run 65mph on the roads in OD and when my speed drops to 50mph I take it out of OD and will keep about 10 to 15 lbs boost till tans temperature start to climb to about 160f - 175f then I will shift into 2nd gear run 10lbs of boost and enjoy the climb.<br><br>I do run an aux trans fan which helps somewhat but the best way is to back off and take it easy. 50mph is where I shift out of OD and that has worked for me. No problems with transmission even towing is 115f summer desert heat. I have the tranny serviced regulary also.<br><br>Jim
Old 03-21-2003, 11:59 AM
  #6  
Registered User
 
John H's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canton, Ohio
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Towing in O/D

I asked the same question a while back. After reading all the replies, I decided to use the following when pulling my 8000# trailer.<br><br>If I can drive at 70mph or above, even at WOT, I use overdrive.<br>If I encounter a hill, and I can stay above 60mph at less than about 3/4 throttle, I use overdrive.<br>If I have to drop below 70mph at WOT or 60MPH at 3/4 throttle, I come out of overdrive.<br>I also watched my temp gage to make sure I didn't overheat.<br><br>During December I drove 5000 miles in a 2 week period and didn't have any problem that I know of.<br>I changed the tranny oil before I started, and checked it during my run, and when I got back, I checked it again, and it was still OK.<br>Not burnt in anyway.<br><br>John
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
edonald849
Towing and Hauling / RV
3
02-22-2009 04:44 PM
Trusty Steed
Towing and Hauling / RV
8
02-24-2004 07:11 AM
gunracer1
Towing and Hauling / RV
3
03-21-2003 05:14 PM
NJDiverDan
Towing and Hauling / RV
3
03-19-2003 06:46 AM
furious70
Towing and Hauling / RV
12
03-13-2003 06:26 PM



Quick Reply: Towing in O/D



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:23 AM.