Tow mode/overdrive

CMC#64 · 09-25-2006, 01:39 PM

Saw a thread a while back where folks stated that you should not tow in overdrive... My owners manual states nothing to that fact, it recommends while climbing to manually downshift it but it does'nt say to stay out of overdrive... I beleive the Tow Mode selection will take care of any overdrive/torque converter lock up issues...

Whats everyone doing??

baseballfanz · 09-25-2006, 02:10 PM

Tow mode only work in 1st to 3rd so in OD it does nothing. Depending on the weight of your load you don't want your truck working hard trying to find the right gear.

C4RACER · 10-02-2006, 10:03 AM

I always found it towed better in 4th anyway, and still returned 12-12.5 mpg towing an open car trailer at ~70mph and that was with an Armada which is probably heavier than a Titan. I bet a 4x2 Titan could acheive 13mpg towing a set-up like yours using 4th. Why risk towing in OD?

Aquaholic · 10-02-2006, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMC#64

Saw a thread a while back where folks stated that you should not tow in overdrive... My owners manual states nothing to that fact, it recommends while climbing to manually downshift it but it does'nt say to stay out of overdrive... I beleive the Tow Mode selection will take care of any overdrive/torque converter lock up issues...

Whats everyone doing??

You do know that the Titan has a true 5 speed transmission and has NO overdrive, Right?

**loufish** · 10-02-2006, 09:01 PM

Quote:

I beleive the Tow Mode selection will take care of any overdrive/torque converter lock up issues...

No, it will not. 5th gear is overdrive for this trans, when towing a good sized load on flat roads, or pulling up hill, you have my permission to reach right up to the shift lever an wiggle it right down to 4th gear...

When do you want to take control of your own transmission?
1. When the torque converter will not lock up.
2. When the trans is hunting from one gear to another.
3. If the tranny temps starts to rise.

Learjet · 10-03-2006, 08:06 PM

4th gear works great pulling my Travel Trailer. Doesn't downshift going up overpasses and doesn't hunt.

Smoke05 · 10-03-2006, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMC#64

Saw a thread a while back where folks stated that you should not tow in overdrive... My owners manual states nothing to that fact, it recommends while climbing to manually downshift it but it does'nt say to stay out of overdrive... I beleive the Tow Mode selection will take care of any overdrive/torque converter lock up issues...

Whats everyone doing??

If you have a console shift reread your manual. Mine states to tow in 4th gear. 4th gear locks the converter. Tow/haul subtly changes the shift points.

I think the shift on the column is a bit different.

**Carbeaux** · 10-03-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smoke05

If you have a console shift reread your manual. Mine states to tow in 4th gear. 4th gear locks the converter. Tow/haul subtly changes the shift points.

I think the shift on the column is a bit different.

I don't THINK the tranny itself is any different from console shift to column shift. Still recommends 4th gear tow I'll bet.

Learjet · 10-04-2006, 08:15 AM

page 9-34 of the 2006 owners manual states not to tow in "overdrive"

Learjet · 10-04-2006, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquaholic

You do know that the Titan has a true 5 speed transmission and has NO overdrive, Right?

5th gear in the Titan is an overdrive ratio. Overdrive means a gear that the output of the shaft is faster than the input! Call it 5th or overdrive, it is the same in this case.

4th gear in the Titan is a 1:1 ratio, i.e. if the engine turns 2000 rpm the drive shaft turns 2000 rpm.

**loufish** · 10-04-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

4th gear locks the converter

Not by itself, you still need to reach somewhere over 50-55 mph with light throttle.

RockyMtnMechanic · 10-04-2006, 10:36 PM

You don't see a big reduction in fuel mileage when towing in 4th?

Learjet · 10-05-2006, 08:26 AM

not with a travel trailer.

Now if I was pulling a utility trailer I might use overdrive on the interstate. It is not all about the weight, drag has a lot to do with it and drag with a TT is huge. 4th gives you @ 400 more Rpm's which going 60-65 with a Travel trailer in tow is perfect.

JetDriver · 10-05-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Learjet

page 9-34 of the 2006 owners manual states not to tow in "overdrive"

Are you sure about that page number? 9-34 in My 2006 Titan Manual has instructions about installing the trailer brake controller.

Learjet · 10-05-2006, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JetDriver

Are you sure about that page number? 9-34 in My 2006 Titan Manual has instructions about installing the trailer brake controller.

that is the page number on the PDF version I downloaded from Nissan.

here is the copied quote:

"To maintain engine braking efficiency and
electrical charging performance, do not use
overdrive."

It is under trailer towing tips in chapter 9 right after the brake controller info.

I don't think the reason they give is the best reason for using 4th, but it does say it there. Many threads on this subject if you do a search.