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garycq's avatar
garycq
Explorer
Jun 26, 2015

Pulling a 5th wheel on level highway

I have a 30' 5th wheel and pull it with my Dodge diesel truck. The rear end gearing is 4:10 and the trans is an automatic which has been rebuilt for heavy towing. I was told recently by an experienced RVer that I should never tow my 5'ver in over drive. I usually tow at 55mph or less and I do use over drive on level highways. He told me he has torn up a couple of trans by using overdrive. I was curious about other peoples experience about towing with an automatic. When going up any grade the over drive goes off.
Thanks
Gary

42 Replies

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  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    I tore up the transmission in my Chevy 1500 Suburban by driving in Overdrive while towing. The next 3 trucks all had a "tow mode" in them, and I use that when towing now ... always.
  • Ed9824v's avatar
    Ed9824v
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2015
    I have a 30 foot 5er and Dodge ram 99 24 valve and a DTT built transmission and use over drive most of the time I do have 4x4 and 35 in tires I put in 4.10 gears front and rear. works for me. I shift down by the egt's

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