Yeah, it works...even with the autos towing out of OD, running them in cruise makes a difference.

steved

 

i run my overdrive..

UNLESS im coming up to a grade. then i hit the button.

 

Yeah I did too, my little 215HP didn't have enough snort to hold OD on some of the bigger grades between New Mexico and Pennsylvania though...towing in OD really isn't a good idea...hard on the tranny.

My tranny would hunt in OD, even on flat ground, trying to run with the cruise. In 3rd, it did just fine with the 3.55s and cruise...even got me 14.5 avearge for the entire trip...and that was towing a 2100# trailer with my M37 on top (or around 8000#s total weight).

This new truck will run 6th with cruise pulling 6k with no issues.

steved

 

Same here. I found that setting the cruise on between 63 and 65 works best for my setup. Tends to hang on better.

 

yah the reason you dont want to run overdrive is to keep the transmission from shifting between gears rapiddly. it starts hunting immediatly hit the overdrive button and it will go down into 3rd.

but if you are holding a gear its better to turn the od on as it will drop your rpms 400rpms or so and youll get better mpg.

IF IT STARTS SHIFTING IMMEDIATLY HIT THE MAGIC BUTTON, IF YOUR COMING UP TO A HILL HIT THE BUTTON.

you will kill your trans if you dont.

 

I have pulled for years and truck to truck has been real similar...12-16 depending on load, but I pull heavy like Whit. Empty trailer is 7000# and we will put up to 20k on the deck!

I also have a bobcat and dump trailer combo, and will pull up to 17k on the bumper. When you pull this heavy, mileage over 10mpg is a real bonus. Years ago we did this with a 454 chev and got all horny when we broke 4mpg....things have changed.

Keep in mind, that semi tractors only get 4-7 mpg and they are designed to do nothing other than pull!

 

16-17mpg with my 32' 5th wheel toybox (14,800 loaded). I will get to see what it is with my new one soon, 41', 19,000lbs. 6th gear, use cruise, NEVER dropped a gear to keep speed. Pulled on a buddies supercharged F150 that was pulling a sub 3000lb boat going up a 5% grade too. Had to pass him because I got tired of dropping speed to not rear end him.

Oh, longhorn, have you seen the milage out of the Mercedes in the newer freightshakers? 11-12mpg loaded. With 80,000lbs total.

 

Father in-law is running an 06 and he hasnt done that good yet, but high 8's to 9 is common. He loves it!

 

depends what im towing
with the 40' gooseneck and 16,000 lbs about 12.7
if i tow the 15' goosneck with the 7' box its 7.5 to 8.5
the 8.5 is with the new air deflector otherwise it was 7.5 loaded or empty

 

i just did 4 different google searches trying to find more info on your above quote.....i couldn't find anything, if you could provide more info or a link, i would appreciate it......

thanks