Using "Overdrive" when hauling TC?
We're about to embark on our maiden voyage and I'm wondering about the Overdrive on my truck. It's a 2001 Ford F150 HD 7700 model, the OD button is pretty much just always engaged, but I've read that ...
Forum Discussion
Truck camper with a F-150? Passenger car tires too?
I would be more worried about the tires being overloaded than anything else. But if you are within the GVWR of the truck, you will be fine.
Since 1980, it has been recommended that you lock out overdrive if the transmission is 'Hunting' or going from drive to overdrive and back. Yet if it drops out of overdrive at the start of a hill, and stays out until you are near the top and release the throttle a bit, that is normal.
I would be locking out overdrive on the downhill side though! Anytime that you might need to use the brakes off and on, for a while, then locking out overdrive might prevent you from being required to use the brakes at all. If you find that you need to give it some gas to keep up with traffic, then usually shifting back into overdrive is prudent, and will save fuel. But locking out overdrive will assist in slowing the vehicle on the downhill.
I see so many cars drive down a hill near my work, brake lights on all the way down the hill. I just shift out of overdrive, or with one car shift to gear 3, and never need to touch the brakes. Let the transmission do the work, and save the brakes!
I almost always shift out of overdrive when taking my motorhome off the freeway. It helps slow the RV. Saves the service brakes.
Fred.
I would be more worried about the tires being overloaded than anything else. But if you are within the GVWR of the truck, you will be fine.
Since 1980, it has been recommended that you lock out overdrive if the transmission is 'Hunting' or going from drive to overdrive and back. Yet if it drops out of overdrive at the start of a hill, and stays out until you are near the top and release the throttle a bit, that is normal.
I would be locking out overdrive on the downhill side though! Anytime that you might need to use the brakes off and on, for a while, then locking out overdrive might prevent you from being required to use the brakes at all. If you find that you need to give it some gas to keep up with traffic, then usually shifting back into overdrive is prudent, and will save fuel. But locking out overdrive will assist in slowing the vehicle on the downhill.
I see so many cars drive down a hill near my work, brake lights on all the way down the hill. I just shift out of overdrive, or with one car shift to gear 3, and never need to touch the brakes. Let the transmission do the work, and save the brakes!
I almost always shift out of overdrive when taking my motorhome off the freeway. It helps slow the RV. Saves the service brakes.
Fred.
