Best operation of truck when towing?

Purchased a new Challenger 5th wheel this year, alittle heavier than the travel trailer I was pulling. Probably 12,500 down the road. No trouble pulling it, I was just wanting to confirm what I think is the right way to cruise down the road. The truck has 3.73's and auto trans. In overdrive I have to run at least 65 to keep the RPM's around 1800. I really like driving alittle slower, around 60. At 60 with the RPM's around 1650 to 1700 the EGT runs 900 to 1000 alot before hills. I think I'm better to run no OD. The RPM's are around 2300, I can set the cruise and the truck walks up and down hills with no shifting, and the EGT's run around 700 to 800 on level, and only hit 1000 on the hills. I think at 60 in OD the engine is lugging to much. Am I correct to think this? Truck is an 01 F-350 SD 7.3.

 

I think that that would be fine. Your gas mileage will suffer some from running in 3rd, but other than that you should be fine.

 

I had a 2001 7.3 auto and when pulling heavy I always kept the OD off. Only if I wanted to go passed 65(which isn't recommended) I would let it shift the OD.

 

Thanks for the replies. I thought I was doing the right thing just by watching the temp gauges. I don't know yet how it will afect fuel mileage, don't think it will change all that much considering how hard it seemed to work below 1800 rpm. I guess 1800 must be about the best to run if you can. Don't seem like the trucks are ever geared exactly like they should be.

 

What size tires are you running? You may see enough of a difference going up or down a size depending on what you want to do. I noticed a difference in both my 02 and my 06. 02 was an auto, i didnt pull nearly the loads I do with my 06 but that just may be the ticket for you.

 

Stock tires, almost new. Maybe something to look at when these wear out. Thanks.

 

I bet your fuel mileage won't be any lower running in 3rd gear. In theory, the setting that delivers the coolest EGT's *should* deliver the best mileage, but that idea doesn't always hold up as true.

 

I have a 97 Powerstroke I think the SWEETSPOT is 1800 rpm. It was 2200rpm from the factory but adding the Powerpack lowered my tq. band to about 1800rpm. It pulls really strong from about 1500 and up but I also am running 4.10's. Maybe look into chipping it to try lowering max. tq. to where you can run O/D.

jim