Towing with/without Overdrive

[demarko210]

Overdrive allows the torque converter to be unlocked to save gas and make the drive more enjoyable. But trailering in OD with the torque converter unlocked causes a serious transmission heat problem. Its best to tow in the next lower gear like 4th gear and have the torque converter locked.

Agree now I know!

 

[dingbat]

Your truck pull the load under 2000 rpm when you travel?

Yes, no problem.
Don't need the rpm to generate torque.

 

[444]

Overdrive allows the torque converter to be unlocked to save gas and make the drive more enjoyable. But trailering in OD with the torque converter unlocked causes a serious transmission heat problem. Its best to tow in the next lower gear like 4th gear and have the torque converter locked.

What are you talking about? Torque converter is normally locked up when you're in overdrive in order to help save fuel. Unlocked converter = slip which costs you fuel mileage.

 

[444]

Yes, no problem.
Don't need the rpm to generate torque.

Those numbers look good on paper but in the real world those ecoboosts are turds for towing. I've towed with two and was not happy with them at all.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Most folks with Ecoboosts - especially the 3.5L - love them for towing. What didn't you like?

 

[Lou C]

Not towing in OD helps because it allows the torque converter to stay locked. In OD any added load might cause it to unlock and downshift.

 

[dingbat]

Those numbers look good on paper but in the real world those ecoboosts are turds for towing. I've towed with two and was not happy with them at all.

I have no problems and no complaints whatsoever pulling a #5,400 Walkaround or a #6,000 tandem axle horse trailer. Rated to #11,700 as configured

Beats the $rap out of the Chevy V8 it replaced.

 

[demarko210]

Not towing in OD helps because it allows the torque converter to stay locked. In OD any added load might cause it to unlock and downshift.

I can tell you one thing I burned a lot more gas with OD off than defaulting with it on. The good thing is, the trip was alot more smoother and not jumping timing going up hills.

Most folks with Ecoboosts - especially the 3.5L - love them for towing. What didn't you like?

I was looking at a 2020 F-150 last year and did my comparison on both. I just wanted a naturally aspirated V8 even though every thing I read pointed to the 3.5 was better for towing. I will still get a V8 as long as they make them!

 

[demarko210]

Yes, no problem.
Don't need the rpm to generate torque.

They must be comparing that to the old 5.4 and 4.6 engines. From what I found last year the numbers were not that far off (Torque/Rpm) with the Coyote. Fuel mileage was about the same also. I get better fuel miles with my 4.6 than 4.0 V6 that come in the 3rd gen explorer/moutaineer.

 

[dingbat]

From what I found last year the numbers were not that far off (Torque/Rpm) with the Coyote.

Its not how much, it's where the torque is generated.

 

[444]

Most folks with Ecoboosts - especially the 3.5L - love them for towing. What didn't you like?

Fuel mileage when unloaded during normal highway driving was no better than a comparable v8 truck. Fuel mileage when towing again, no better. Throttle response on both trucks was terrible. What's the point?