Overdrive Question

[StewNTexas]

I have my first motorhome, and am still learning (I hope).

I was hoping you guys (or gals) could give me some advice as to the correct conditions for overdrive use. I have the V-10 with a four speed OD transmission, and don't really have any idea when I should use the OD switch on the end of the shift lever.

Ideas, or your experiences please.

Thanks...

[corvettec3]

Stew, I believe that most of us leave the transmission in the O/D position the majority of the time. The exception to this may be when you are traveling on terrain where the rig is constantly shifting between O/D and high gear. It makes sense in this type of situation to drive in high gear until the terrain reverts back to O/D conditions. Other than that I never touch the button.

[TXiceman]

Pretty much ditto on above post. Also read the section on the transmission in the owners manual.

Ken

[StewNTexas]

If I had an owners manual, I would be very happy.

The previous owner dumped over six grand into this coach for electronics, and I have few if any books on that either.

29 feet, eight speakers, self-seeking satalite, surround sound, wireless sound, wired sound, and a number of gadgets that I have no idea what they are. There are four speakers just for the drivers position.

A manual, I wish I had a stinking manual...

Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the items on this coach. I just wish I had a better idea of how to operate all this.

And I should mention the SEVEN new high-end Firestone tires. Found a copy of the invoice for just over twenty four hundred. No, I am very happy, just somewhat confused.

Been RV'n for 30 years, three pull-alongs, one hard sided pop-up, an new 34' 5th wheel and a few others. Just getting used to a motorhome is a hoot.

[M zoll]

maybe you could go on Winnebago website and order a manual or look on Ebay.
just an ideal.

[Dunner]

Turning the OD off, also helps when going down steep hills.

[homeless]

I have my rig out of over drive anytime I am driving below 45 mph. We took some back roads one day for the whole day and seen over 8 mpg in this condition....

[Clifftall]

I use it in city traffic and steep inclines and declines. Ford told me and I have confirmed that it will cost you 1 mile a gallon when used.

Cliff

[clyon51]

Stew - I have the same engine/trans. It is all computer controlled and it is designed to remain in OD (4th) ...it is all automatic. When needed, it will drop to 3rd and upshift back to OD.

The manual operation is there for those situations pulling heavy loads and/or in terrain when it will switch back and forth between 3rd and 4th often. It's also there for coming off of mountains to keep speed down so you don't burn your brakes up. On the real steep scary ones, I've used 2nd too.

[doit2010]

so are you all sugesting to leave it in OD even when towing a car ???

[wa8yxm]

When it comes to overdrive I can tell you the basic instructions.

Turn it on,, If the transmission goes smoothly into Overdrive and stays there... GOOD, that's how you use it.

If it is constantly switching in and out of overdrive (Hunting for a gear) TURN the Overdrive OFF till you get back to level ground or otherwise change driving conditions.

In time you will learn to do this automatically.


Very hilly ground you may need to turn it off,, Or when towing near the limit with a strong headwind.. Normally.. Well, on the rare occasion when I need to turn it off I have to LOOK FOR THE SWITCH cause I only use it about once every 3 or 4 years.

[clyon51]

Yes. I tow a 3500lb enclosed at least 5000 mi a year, all in OD. If I encounter a grade, it will downshift to 3rd if it needs to and back again.

You have an automatic 4 speed transmission. If you want to play manual, use the lever for 1, 2 and 3. The OD button for 4th. Can't explain it any simpler than that.