overdrive

[Barony]

When do I use overdrive? I have it, and have seen various posts that said you shouldn't use it towing. If that's the case, when should I use it? Might sound like a dumb question (and yes, there is such a thing) but I'm not sure if and when it should be used. Boat? No boat? No trailer? Full trailer?

[Macgyver55]

My general rule of thumb is if it holds in OD and converter lock up while towing, go ahead and use OD. If it begins to "hunt" for the right gear take it out of OD. I have had good luck doing it this way for years and I tow a trailer quite a bit. A trans temperature gauge is a good idea for the frequent heavy hauler although I don't have one myself, but I do change tranny fluid every 20,000.

[Bobb-o]

I never use it when towing but always use it when not towing and driving over 55. however whenever i slow to a stop i switch it out and dont put it back in until i hit 55.

[IFallsRon]

My general thought is that if I'm on the flats and cruising, overdrive is on. If I sense that the engine is lugging or get in slow traffic on rolling roads, I kick it down.

[Kyle Sandberg]

IMO, overdrive sucks up the gas. Going on hwys and over 55, most trucks will pull closer to 3000 rpms with it off versus nearer to 2000 with it engaged. The only thing I have noticed running with it is it takes longer to get up to speed and starting up a hill from a standstill is a pig to get going.

[Surface Tension]

Kdawg, Overdrive is an higher gear your tranny shifts to after you get up to speed. You shouldn't notice any performance loss from a stand still. Once your done accelerating and up to speed then the tranny will shift to overdrive. That'll lower your RPMs and save gas. If you encounter hills or accelerate to pass then the tranny should shift out of OD by itself and once you that acceleration is done or the new speed is achieved it'll shift back into OD.

When should you use OD. When hwy driving as others pointed out.

When not to use OD, town driving, or you encounter lots of hills and when trailering. Or as Macgyver55 pointed out if your tranny is constantly hunting for a gear.