Pulling my camper

[2000 Big Rig]

I have a 2000 F350 with diesel and automatic. I was wondering at what weight of trailer should you shut off the overdrive. I towed my camper this weekend for the first time with the "new" truck and with the overdrive off I was running about 2800 rpm on the engine. I figure my camper to be around 7500 lbs. Is it okay to engage the overdrive on flat road?

[2006PSDSD]

Leaving it in OD while pulling a hill should keep the engine in a better powerband, and keeps the tranny from getting real hot while it searches for a happy gear to be in. Its also good for downhill travel to help slow the roll. IMO, as long as it's not hunting for gears on the flats, turn it off, but it's not mandatory

[MDarrough]

After a while and a few miles of towing, you'll figure out where you truck is "happiest" while pulling the camper.

I would say leave the OD on until you get to a hill, then turn it off as the RPMs start going down.

Mark

[2000 Big Rig]

I was thinking it ran best with OD on but am afraid of damaging the transmission

[JSchuricht]

You only need to lock OD out if it starts hunting. Last time I pulled, I was at 29,000 lbs and used OD whenever possible.

[WD40]

Does your truck have a transmission temp gage, if not you need to get one. Put the truck in drive with the OD on and drive it. Just never let it get to hot. Like others said if it starts to hunt then take it out of OD.
Doug

[icysmooth]

Originally Posted by WD40

Does your truck have a transmission temp gage, if not you need to get one. Put the truck in drive with the OD on and drive it. Just never let it get to hot. Like others said if it starts to hunt then take it out of OD.
Doug

^^^^^^
Get a gauge for it...it will tell you what's going on

I pull a 12,000lb 5er up and down hills and through the mountains on the east coast and leave in OD and does great...never got over 190 degrees

But if yours is a stock set up..look into a tuner,exhaust,and DIY intake...you won't believe the difference when towing....it's night and day

But gauges are a must to protect the truck

Hope this helps

[2000 Big Rig]

Thanks for the advice. My truck is stock. Looks like I will be getting a gauge for it soon. I don't know much about trannys. What makes them get hotter shifting or running in a lower gear longer?

[2006PSDSD]

Originally Posted by 2000 Big Rig

Thanks for the advice. My truck is stock. Looks like I will be getting a gauge for it soon. I don't know much about trannys. What makes them get hotter shifting or running in a lower gear longer?

Gear hunting, long steep grades and/or real heavy loads

[icysmooth]

Originally Posted by 2000 Big Rig

Thanks for the advice. My truck is stock. Looks like I will be getting a gauge for it soon. I don't know much about trannys. What makes them get hotter shifting or running in a lower gear longer?

Sounds like you have a sweet rig in the making

It's not that expensive for our years,just a little time consuming if you're anal like I am!

When pulling loads...consider the EGT temp (Exhaust gas temp).

This is a temp to watch so you don't melt the valves to the seats-thus engine breakdown

Tranny temp gauge,it's like water boiling...don't go over 212....others on here will give input as they work on these things all the time

Honestly,do some homework and look into some upgrades to make your rig what you want....some exhaust,air intake, and a tuner will make you see a whole new truck that does what want.......

Don't take my word for it......it's a live and learn experience

When I did it....I couldn't believe the difference