I've always left the overdrive on while towing only occasionally taking it out when a steep hill comes up. I didn't think this a big deal until a guy here at work started flipping out saying that you should NEVER tow while in overdrive. It was his tone that got me to wonder, soI thought a poll was in order.

What are your thoughts? Yay or Nay ??

Explain ....

 

I would say, it all depends on the driving conditions. I live where it's very hilly and nothing but, snake roads. I leave OD off when pulling a load through these area's.

Now, if I was traveling down the interstate on a long hual.... I would use it.

Leaving it on just causes the trans to cycle from 3rd and OD to much with roads where I live. It also doesn't help keep the RPM's up while towing.

my vote.... occasionally ;-)

 

I have no choice [:@]

 

Wadda ya mean ??

 

I just turn on Tow Haul mode (well now that it works LOL) when I tow the boat. I also have OD lockout, but I don't think myboat taxes the CTD and the tranny enough to warrent using it.

Steve, Why no OD lockout? Is it because of the aftermaket VB from Sun?

 

I don't have a "tow mode" on my selector.

hmmmm ....

Never saw that before. I'll hafta check out my Pop's Ram when he get's back to see what it looks like.

 

because dodge tranny engineers are dumb. and they wont fix it. all '05's got a tow/haul mode with now way to lock out OD. I found out the hardway coming down a moderatly steep trail... was in 4x4Low, 2nd was too slow so I popped it into 3rd...held 3rd until I hit the gas than it immediately jumps to OD. there is a wire going to the tranny that I can cut into and put a switch on it to lock out od... I just ahvent done it yet.

 

Here's my thought, not that it matters....lol. I use OD on the highway. As soon as my EGT (pyrometer), gauge starts to creep up, I know the load on the motor and tranny are increasing. If the EGTs stay below 1200, I leave the overdrive on. Ifthey exceed 1200 ish, I turn OD off. I use an ATS 5 disc tc. I never have to worry about the lockup clutch slipping. With the lockup being 100%, I put the juice right to her.....lol.


The gauges tell you everything. And seriously, that how I drive, watching the gauges, and by exhaust and turbo sounds.


Good luck with ALL our rides.

 

I'm in tow mode when the trailer is on, I don't have the OD lock out but in the flat land it doesn't mater.

 

cruise at 70 look at rpm's then pull out of od amd look at your rpms all of that engine spinniung reduces life of motor and drops mpg