06 XLT Towing

[obxdivr]

I have a 06 XLT 5.4L, 3.73, HD Tow and a 4500 pound (dry weight) camper. I understand that I need to turn the OD off while towing, but I am curious if I can still use the cruise control or will this do any harm? Any other suggestions?

 

[mustangrfast88]

you will be fine using the cruise control and what is the wet weight of the trailer and the only time you really need to turn the overdrive off is going up hills. the cruise control will work fine but if you start going up big hills it might kick off and you will have to run it by foot

 

[2THWTR]

Using the cruise is just fine. I would keep you O/D turned off unless you are cruising on a flat highway at 65 mph, or more. O/D causes the fluid to heat up more and the constant downshifting for grades just adds wear. Sure, it will hurt the gas mileage, but gas is still (barely) cheaper than a new transmission.

Another thought for you to consider if you are trailering frequently, or for long distances is doing a trans flush and upgrading to a full synthetic replacement fluid. I tow a boat and am running this in mine: BG synthetic trans fluid - see the bottom of the page of this link.

 

[Rfreels]

I pull a 6800# dry camper and always run without the OD on. Unless you are on flat land running the cruise will work the engine and tranny to death. The computer will always be running full throttle to keep your programmed speed. I find it much better to "feather" the throttle. I like to gas it down the hills and let the momentum carry me over the top.

 

[pronstar]

Originally posted by Rfreels
I pull a 6800# dry camper and always run without the OD on. Unless you are on flat land running the cruise will work the engine and tranny to death. The computer will always be running full throttle to keep your programmed speed. I find it much better to "feather" the throttle. I like to gas it down the hills and let the momentum carry me over the top.

x2
High load/high throttle opening at low RPM is tough on everything. Keep the revs up to avoid what most folks would call "lugging "your drivetrain.