Overdrive?

[loganmartin]

Hello all. My son and I are headed out today on the maiden voyage in our new A-frame popup camper. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and wondered if I should be towing in overdrive. My tow vehicle is a 2000 Sierra 1500 Z-71 rated for 6500k. I will be towing maybe 3500 including everything and everybody. I remember from days past a "D" with a circle around denoting overdrive. Is that the same as the "3" nowadays? Should I be towing in overdrive with these figures or will I be ok in regular drive?

Thanks!

LM

[saskrick]

If it shifts from 3 and 4 alot then I wouldn't use D or 4th. This is my preference. Trannies get way more hot with constant shifting vs not shifting. Going down the road with a few more revs wont hurt anything and you'll maintain your speed better. Your load is not too big though, so if it stays in 4th most of the time you should be ok.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by saskrick

If it shifts from 3 and 4 alot then I wouldn't use D or 4th. This is my preference. Trannies get way more hot with constant shifting vs not shifting. Going down the road with a few more revs wont hurt anything and you'll maintain your speed better. Your load is not too big though, so if it stays in 4th most of the time you should be ok.

Great answer!! Just thought I'd add that we towed our pop-up in overdrive all the time with an F150. There's not much wind resistance when it is sitting right behind a pickup.