I'm new to this site and I have done a search without finding much on towing in overdrive (perhaps I need to search using other key words). We just purchased a 1992 Chevy 3500 duelly with 454 and automatic transmission. It is equipped with the factory towing coolers and has been used to pull a 5th wheel camper in the past. We are now pulling a 33ft Coleman camper (~4500 lbs). Does Chevy recommend pulling in drive or is overdrive acceptable? It is pretty flat around here (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio) so I'm not climbing any mountains.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

If the camper is only 4500 lbs this truck should handle it like nothin especially on flat places. after all the truck is about 5 or 6 tons, that is only hauling less then half its wieght. my 93 f250 non turbo 445? 7.3 liter diesel will haul 12000 lbs in overdrive up a hill without loosing one mph. Dad owns a F350 with a 350 in it, it accelerates pitifully slow, but it can pull 10,000 in overdrive on flat ground and maintain its speed easy enough. The only problem you should ever encounter is ecsellerating, once you get moving anything above a 350 should be able to keep it moving pretty easily in over drive.


jason

 

My 2500 has had some problems with towing heavy loads in OD. That was going up-hill mind you. I try to keep mine in drive until 2500-2750 RPM. It is pretty hard on them to shift in and out of OD, especially under load.

 

tow it remember its a chevy "like a rock"

 

My brother in law (a Cheby mechanic) told me to tow everything in drive. I've got an '01 2500HD with the "tow" button. From what he'd been taught and seen, "drive" was the better option. Of course we live in VT where there are more hills, mountains etc. that may have been the difference. I've never had an issue following his advise.