7.3 powerstroke 4 speed towing

[polarisrider800]

You guys out there with 7.3 powerstrokes, do you tow with overdrive on or off? curious cuz we just went out west with our new truck and had overdrive off the whole way and only got like 8 mpg. on the way back i ran it in overdrive and got about 11 mpg but is that bad for the tranny? thanks steve

 

[Ford428CJ]

On flat land, I tow with overdrive. Going over the pass, I tow with it off. That's with a 26' enclosed trailer loaded with sleds. JMHO

 

[theultrarider]

I run mine in overdrive if it will pull it. If I hit a hill or enough wind for it want to start shifting up/down/up/down, then I will kick it out. 200xxx+ miles and still going on the original tranny. (shouldn't have said that!)

 

[highmark18]

Yep, like they said, if conditions permit, run overdrive. I do, and that is with a 36' gooseneck.

 

[adrenaline junkey]

same as all of the above

 

[polarisrider800]

do you guys have your trucks programed or not?

 

[Blk88GT]

I do the same as the above guys, but rarely have to take it out of OD.

Truck has intake/exhaust and programmer.

 

[Surly1]

The only time you need to turn OD off is when you feel the transmission "searching" between 3 and 4. Typically this will happen when heavily loaded, going up steeper inclines, etc. Run it in OD, if it starts downshifting and upshifting alot (or your trans temps start skyrocketing) then turn OD off.

Yes you should be running a trans temp gauge in your truck, and not rely on the factory one. By the time the factory says the trans is hot, it is too late and you have cooked the fluid.

 

[polarisrider800]

thanks guys. this was very helpful