Towing in OD or Drive for my 5th wheel

[JOHNFAK]

There must be other factors at play because I get better mileage going 63 in overdrive at 1550 to 1600 Rpm's than I do in 3rd at 2000. I have found that I get the best mileage at 12 lbs of boost in OD vs 20 lbs in 3rd to maintain 2000 rpm's. It is also a lot quieter in the truck in OD!! Most of the stuff I tow I would have a hard time getting to 2000 rpm's in OD.

This "seems" the same for me too. I try to stay in OD as much as possible. When with OD off - around 1900-2100 rpm I get worse mileage. This is the same DD on the lieometer. I don't stay out of OD long enough DD to know for sure tho. Boost seems similar also - just based on observations. I only ever drop out of OD for a BIG hill - or when I feel/hear the engine start to really lug - maybe 1300 rpm.

[Trflex]

I know this conversation has been around forever, but while asking people what to tow my 5th in, I get about a 50/50 split on answers, so I am asking here. I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins, Quad Cab 4x4 with the 3.54 ratio. Only mod's to the motor are the SuperChip set to "tow-safe mode" and a K&N air filter. My 5th weights about #9500 and I dont tow my 5th under 55mph with OD. My problem comes in when I hit the interstate and run 65mph. My motor will scream if I leave it in Drive. What is the correct towing procedure??????

I tow my 35ft. 5th wheel in OD (15,000 lbs loaded) it`s always on, In town I don`t go fast enough to get to OD. On the interstate I keep it in OD with the cruise on, at 65mph. it is about 1600 or so rpm and when I hit a steep grade it down shifts and the rpms go to 26 1/2 to 27 still holding at 65 mph, once it tops the grade it shifts back to OD. All this is done smoothly. I can`t see what the fuss is all about. It`s pretty simple with an automatic. 134,000 mi. No problems. I cannot tell you if I do it right however.

[pepsi71ocean]

my advice is to buy a shift kit, and get a billet accumulator for 2nd gear. between those two you should be more then good to cover for the weakness in the truck.next step is a billet single.i did the above to my truck and i felt an immeadiate change in how she drove, she tows heavy campers and boats now with less issue in o/D

[John Benson]

I know this conversation has been around forever, but while asking people what to tow my 5th in, I get about a 50/50 split on answers, so I am asking here. I have a 2001 Dodge Cummins, Quad Cab 4x4 with the 3.54 ratio. Only mod's to the motor are the SuperChip set to "tow-safe mode" and a K&N air filter. My 5th weights about #9500 and I dont tow my 5th under 55mph with OD. My problem comes in when I hit the interstate and run 65mph. My motor will scream if I leave it in Drive. What is the correct towing procedure??????

I have an 01 3500 4x4 Dually with an Automatic running 279xxx miles, same trans, pull a 32' travel trailer,I do run OD until shifting is a constant! I am up and down the East side (Adirondack Mt, and I live in AL in the foothills of the Smokeys so I do work it, I run a DD pan and amsoil fluid with no issues if that helps?

[cajflynn]

Tow in OD. When you are going up a hill try turning off OD at 53mph which will make it downshift. Turn OD back on at the top of the hill. With OD off I try to keep a constant 50mph.

[IBMobile]

I drive mine the same way as CAJFLYNN does, OD and cruise control on for most of the tow and OD off for hills.