I just bought a 98 XLT 4.6 with 3.55 gears and I plan on towing our boat up to the cabin this weekend and I was wondering if I can tow in overdrive over flat land? The reason I ask is because I towed the board on the interestate for about 5 miles in overdrive and I was able to maintain 70 (barely) mph when there was no grade in the road.

Thanks..

 

Without knowing how heavy the trailer is etc. it's hard to say; however if the trans isn't hunting you can usually tow OK in OD.

Having said that keep in mind it isn't legal to tow in any state above 65mph.

 

We tow at 75 in OK down the toll roads. Never been pulled over.

 

I know what you are saying, I never gave it much thought until I got pulled over in TX in a Uhaul with a car trailer. Was informed by State Patrol that I was speeding, he also wanted to see my flares etc. Good thing the folks at UHaul had all the gear in a kit under the seat. He told me to slow down. The state laws can vary considerably regarding trailer brakes, safety gear, insurance on trailer, and speed.

Not saying you can't tow at 75, but your "never been pulled over before" may not sit too well with somebody who hasn't had their donut fix!

 

Check RV Safety for state-by-state laws.

 

Excellent site JD. BoatUS is a good one as well. We all spend a lot on our MODS, but towing is the one place it seems that people try to get away with cutting corners: Too heavy, too fast, etc.

Towing an 1800# Trailer with full light package but no brakes, trailer insurance, or flares on board from Ohio to California at 65mph on Interstate highways would be legal in OH, IA, and UT; but could get you a ticket in IL,IN,NB,CO,NV, and CA. The reasons vary from no insurance (5 states), no brakes (2 states), speeding (2 states), etc. In many cases you could get 2 or 3 tickets.

The point is if your trailer has full lights, brakes, insurance, flares, and you travel 15% below the posted limit you should be legal AND safe in all 50 states and most of Canada.

 

I towed a uhaul trailer this past weekend it did fine did 70 most of the time slowed down for a few big hills and kicked overdrive off for them but for the most part the truck maintained the speed limit and didn't shift much on the small hills in TN.