Tow mode question

[iluvlcy]

We tow with a 2003 ford expedition, no tow mode but manual says when towing turn overdrive off. With it off when going up hills it downshifts and rpms go to about 3600, on our last trip we left overdrive on and when going up hill no downshift and rpms stayed at about 2500 and it just felt and sounded better, like it wasnt working as hard. We also went from 7 to 6 miles per gallon. We are not mechanics and do not know what overdrive really is? Are we overworking something by leaving it on?

Pam


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[aceinspp]

If you are encountering grades where the truck will continually down shifts you could over heat the trans and cause damage. Go with the manufactures recommendation. You are causing the trans to work harder by not removing from overdrive. Later RJD

[iowasparrow]

The overdrive gear is a pretty small ring in relation to the other gears, you will burn it up over time pulling in overdrive.

[Scotty]

Trust me, that drop in fuel mileage will be a lot less than a transmission replacement. It is better to keep the RPMs up a little and have less down shifting, hence overdrive off when towing. This is why the manufacture says keep it off when towing.