Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

[toomuchclub_1113]

Just wondering about this, I've heard that keeping it on is a big no no. For example if I'm on the highway for a long period of time and it's flat does this still apply?

 

[JB]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

If you are going to go with an "Always" rule, Sunny, leave it off.<br /><br />I have towed 3 boats with my ML320. It has a computer controlled 5 speed automatic. 5th is an overdrive.<br /><br />My 11 footer probably weighs about 500lb. I let it use all gears.<br /><br />My 17 footer weighs about 2,000lb. I let it use all gears as long as it doesn't get into downshifting on hills, then I lock it to 4.<br /><br />My 18 Outrage weighed closer to 2800lb. I only used 4 when towing her.<br /><br />You don't say what your boat package is or what you tow with. Without that we can't make any recommendations.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

jb summed it up. i usually keep my off - 4000lb tow with a tacoma. i've heard that if your engine needs to downshift to get up a hill, turn it off. long flat trips, and you ma realize a gain in fuel economy if you leave it on. good luck-

 

[toomuchclub_1113]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

Yep sorry about that, it's a 21ft Wellcraft Cuddy, weighs about 2600 dry, all loaded up it's got to be close to 3500 with trailer. This is only my second season with the boat and last season I didn't have to trailer it. One because I didn't have anything to pull it, and two because I kept it in the water. Sound like OD off is the preferred method. I did just have the tranny cooler installed with a class 3 hitch so I should be all set.<br /><br />Thanks guys

 

[jlshields]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

SunnyRochester, better head for the scales and get ready for a surprise. I used to have a Celebrity 20' cuddy and it scaled 5010# including trailer ready to go to the lake. I now tow a Monterey 256, 8080# with a 96 F150, 5.8, 355 rear and NEVER use OD. Keeps the rpm up about 2600.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

The reason for keeping OD off is threefold--<br />1 in many auto trannies the od is a light duty gear only meant for low load cruising, so the strain of pulling will wear it out<br />2 if you are in OD and you start slowing on a hill, the torque converter will unlock heating up the trans fluid a lot, whereas if the od is off you may be able to stay in 3rd gear with the t.c. locked, that keeps the trans fluid cooler<br />3 Better engine braking, when pulling a trailer you can never have too much braking!!! Since the rpms will spool up faster if you are not in od it helps to keep you from going too fast.

 

[golfer]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

Yes, keep o/d off!!!Even on long flats, the damage to the vehicle will be far more expensive than the gas savings. Plus, if you are with someone with limited mechanical knowledge, you can bring up the fact that you keep the o/d off, explain reasons why, and look like you really know what the hell your doing!!!And if this impresses any woman, I want to date her sister.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

Here is where I show how little I know about my truck, 2002 Suburban.<br /><br />Overdrive, is the D with the circle around it on the gear shift indicator. How do you turn it off, do you just drive in "3". I also have a tow/Haul mode. What does it do? <br /><br />I am towing a 25' pontoon boat. 4000# give or take.

 

[Ghost]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

Jollymon, D is overdreve and the tow mode gives you more power by holding the rpm range higher between shifts.<br /><br />I think you need to look at the load, vehicle power and road conditions before creating hard rules like OD should remain off. My vehicle a V6 with 4500 towing tows my 1500# boat motor trailer combo to NC from Ny with OD in full service.<br />If the load is lite, road is flat and the vehicle has enough power that it is not constantly downshifting its OK to stay in OD. You just need to look at the conditions.

 

[jollymon]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

Ghost,<br /><br />Most of the time when I tow, there is no down shifting, the only time it does, is when I am going up hills. I guess at that point I should just drop it down to 3?<br /><br />Thanks

 

[JRJ]

Re: Should Overdrive always be off when trailering??

It depends on conditions, engine, transmission, load, and skill. ie flat or hills? town or country? BIG or little engine? auto or stick? Gross weight of the tow. Your skill level. Since you asked, I would recomend you not use OD, and<br />not exceed 50mph. As you gain skill and confidance<br />you may make adjustments. Be safe!