Towing Tomorrow For The First Time w/EXP.

[studebakerjim]

I will be towing a 20' trailer with a 1949 John Deere A. I know the overdrive must be turned off BUT do I need to run it in Drive or 3rd? I will be going 60 miles at speeds of 60mph.

Thanks
Jim

 

[trdragons44]

I will be towing a 20' trailer with a 1949 John Deere A. I know the overdrive must be turned off BUT do I need to run it in Drive or 3rd? I will be going 60 miles at speeds of 60mph.

Thanks
Jim

You should be fine with it in D. Just like you said OD must be off. what year expy are you running? I think if you have PRND321 you either have a 5 or 6 speed. if that is the case 3 is a reduced gear= higher engine rpm's. D with OD off should put you in your 1:1 gear which is ideal. Whew that was a mouthful.

 

[Ridaz]

I have towed similar size cargo utility trailers and weights to what you have indicated here. Like the above post I would keep it in D. One key thing to towing is don't be in a hurry. you said you will be traveling at speeds around 60. I wouldn't go any faster your first time around. Have you seen Ice Road truckers? Act like you are on the ice and everything will be safe and sound

 

[scottk]

According to Ford (at least for my '08 Expedition):

Driving with an automatic overdrive transmission
If your vehicle has an automatic overdrive transmission, towing may cause excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lower gear – especially in hilly areas. If this occurs, we recommend locking out the overdrive gear. This helps eliminate the shifting and can provide steadier performance (see your Owner Guide for more information). If you do not notice excessive shifting, use the overdrive gear to optimize fuel economy

 

[hotdog88gt]

When I tow with my 06EB I'm out of OD at all times. As far as speed is concerned, 60 mph, give or take, is what I'm comfortable with. Then again, I'm never in a hurry when towing, especially with the Expy. It may have the same engine, tranny, and gear ratio as my F-150 but it sure doesn't tow like one. I think a solid axle would help greatly.

 

[toms89]

I always have left my overdrive on for fuel economy while towing. Many times you are coasting and this avoids excessive engine rpm. I only turn it off going up inclines to aviod excessive shifting or downgrades to help slow vehicle as per the owners manual.