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06-25-2015, 06:13 PM
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#1
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 15
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Using the override off function when towing.
Just got a deal on an '01 Ram 2500 with 79K miles. That's right 79K original miles. My question is do I use the override off switch while towing or is it really necessary?
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06-25-2015, 07:11 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,154
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If you mean the (tow haul mode). Most use it. Myself included.
The manufacture put it there for a reason. So I figure they know more about it then I do.
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06-25-2015, 07:38 PM
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#3
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: MS
Posts: 2,746
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on thee 01 ram there is only a lock out button for the torque converter I would not use it on min unless the trans started seeking a different gear a lot. No harm if you lock it out while towing.
__________________
Frank and Janet Henn
2000 Monoco Lapalma
being pushed by a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Traveling with Rainbow the wonder dog and now with Sunshine the rescue Schnauzer.
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06-25-2015, 07:47 PM
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#4
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Texas
Posts: 527
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The only time I use the tow/haul function is when I am in a situation where the transmission is downshifting a lot. in city traffic or climbing a hill from a flat stop. Otherwise I run in overdrive and use the cruise control when on an open road. My truck has a little over 141,000 miles on it and so far I haven't had any problems with this way of driving.
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George & Lynda
College Station, TX
2011 Cruiser CF335SS Patriot
'04 Dodge 2500 Quadcab CTD
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06-25-2015, 07:50 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: WI.
Posts: 9,154
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Evidently that function must be different then what is called---tow haul mode?
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06-25-2015, 07:52 PM
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#6
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: SC
Posts: 679
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I use the Tow Mode, and keep the shifter in 4th, to prevent Overdrive. I figure the little extra it costs me in gas gives me better control, and lowers the likelihood of transmission failure. Yes, I've tried it in OD, and it works, but I don't think it's worth the risk.
__________________
Marty and Martha
2015 Z-1 211RD
2012 Nissan Titan
Dalzell SC
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06-25-2015, 08:38 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 1,716
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I'll use mine in hilly areas because the transmission will downshift going downhill quicker in tow mode. I'll also use mine if I'm in town with a lot of stop lights or when I enter an Interstate highway so the truck won't shift up as soon. Other than that, I let mine cruise around in 6th gear.
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2013 Silverado 2500HD LTZ CC 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2023 Rockwood 2445WS
Buster, miniature Dachshund
2023: 9 trips, 48 nights in 12 states, 2 provinces, 8120 miles
2022: 3 trips, 18 nights in 4 states, 2352 miles
2019: 7 trips, 43 nights in 6 states, 5336 miles
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06-25-2015, 09:20 PM
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#8
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
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Tow haul does not prevent OD from kicking in. It optimizes the shift points for the load being hauled. Only time I might turn it off is if traveling slow thru town for example and engine stays in a lower gear. Nice feature with some trucks is engine braking when in tow haul mode.
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Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
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06-26-2015, 05:06 AM
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#9
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Winchester, ON
Posts: 1,177
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A friend of ours decided not to use tow mode when he had a truck and trailer and the transmission went on his truck. Not sure if that caused the problem, but it could have.
We always use it when towing.
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2012 Cruiser Sahara 330SS
2015 F250 Super Duty diesel
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06-27-2015, 04:55 AM
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#10
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Florida
Posts: 93
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I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
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06-27-2015, 07:25 AM
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#11
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Can
Posts: 198
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Bingo!
As soon as I hook up my 5th, I select Tow Haul, and the Heavy Tow Setting on my EFI Live. Tow Haul "optimizes" the engine-to-transmission speeds as Tim stated below. 6th gear hauling - not a chance - this may cause the engine to "lug" and force unnecessary tranny shifting.....
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim D
Tow haul does not prevent OD from kicking in. It optimizes the shift points for the load being hauled. Only time I might turn it off is if traveling slow thru town for example and engine stays in a lower gear. Nice feature with some trucks is engine braking when in tow haul mode.
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__________________
Roselyn and Darrell
2007.5 Silverado LT/EFI Live Tuned Duramax/6Spd Allison/Banks Ram Air with Super Scoop/Edge CTS Gauges/Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate Air Springs
2014 335ss Cruiser Provincial
Retired Navy
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06-27-2015, 09:17 AM
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#12
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: May 2013
Location: So IL
Posts: 1,811
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwillie
I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
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Does your truck have a "tow haul" mode? If not, then you are correct that towing in OD is not recommend. If you do have tow haul then you are ok in "D". It is designed to change the shift points as needed. You do have to remember to select it every time the key is turned off and on.
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Tim
13 ST25RB
08 F-250 SC 6.8L XLT 4x4
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06-27-2015, 09:08 PM
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#13
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Missouri
Posts: 137
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bdwillie
I have the 00 Ram with factory tow package. My owners manual states to tow only in the OD off mode. DO NOT tow in overdrive. I figured if that's what the manual states that's what I will do. Tow at 60 mph been towing with it off since I got it like instructed, engine and tranny doing just fine
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__________________
"Times fun when you're having flies"
2015 Zinger 27RL (TT #5)
Ford F350 FX4
My toy = 2004 Corvette Coupe
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06-29-2015, 10:18 PM
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#14
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 80
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Being a die-hard Ram owner and having owned 7 of them, it really depends on the model year. 00' through 07.5, you have the "OD Off" button on the shifter. This locked out overdrive. After 07.5, "Tow/Haul" feature was added and this does not lock out overdrive. It simply changes the shift points.
By not using the "OD Off", the truck under heavy load will hunt and seek, which causes the transmission module to go haywire and typically burn out. This ultimately resulted in transmission failure.
On my current diesel TV, I select "Tow/Haul", exhaust brake on, and I use the +/- selector on the shifter to lock out 6th gear. I see an average of 2-3 more miles per gallon (13-15 MPG). I watch my transmission, oil and coolant temps very closely when towing. If my transmission temps climbs above 180, then I need to adjust accordingly.
__________________
2014 Ram 2500HD CTD MegaCab-Big Horn Edition
2016 ST Reserve 26RB
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