check out the new remote control Jockey Wheel SmartBar Canegrowers rearview170 Cobb Grill Skid Row Recovery Gear Caravan Industry Association of Australia
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Post Info TOPIC: Towing with an automatic


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 85
Date:
Towing with an automatic


Well I finally bought our new tow vehicle, 2004, Land Cruiser 100 series GXL. It's 4.2TD and an automatic. In the the Patrol I towed in 4th gear, never  went into top and at around 80 to 90ks. In the automatic I have the choice, 2nd, 3rd, D4th. Do I leave it in drive or select a lower gear and leave it in that?

Cheers

Alby



__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2238
Date:

We have always had an auto and let the car do the work.

Auto is great for towing.



__________________

Rosie



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 85
Date:

Cheers Rip ... that makes it nice and easy then biggrin. Put it in drive and go



__________________


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 310
Date:

EilsnAlby wrote:

Cheers Rip ... that makes it nice and easy then biggrin. Put it in drive and go


 Hi guys,

this has been a question on my mind having ordered a new vehicle with intention of towing a big van. My previous experience was towing very heavy trailers with a Patrol 4.2L. Always travelled at any speed I liked (legally) and always in 5th.

Noting all the posts about transmission damage, and peoples opinion, it was top of my concern with the new vehicle.

It's been put to me that that the higher the tow vehicles power counteracts the transmissions effort. It overcomes the stress by limiting the auto's hunting for gears and the manuals labouring.

Noting that the current Patrol's engine delivers under 120Kw and lower torque than the Cruiser model you have purchased, I'd have a go in D and monitor engine revs and labouring.

Cheers

 



__________________

There are 3 types of people in this world, Ones who make it happen, the second who watches what happens and the third who wonders what happened

Make it happen



Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 624
Date:

EilsnAlby wrote:

Well I finally bought our new tow vehicle, 2004, Land Cruiser 100 series GXL. It's 4.2TD and an automatic. In the the Patrol I towed in 4th gear, never  went into top and at around 80 to 90ks. In the automatic I have the choice, 2nd, 3rd, D4th. Do I leave it in drive or select a lower gear and leave it in that?

Cheers

Alby


 G'day Alby, congratulations on your new tow vehicle. This question has been discussed numerous times and if you use the search function at top of page and enter your query there are some interesting comments on the pro's and con's of towing with automatics. The most important thing is to avoid blowing up a very expensive auto transmission.

The best advice is to seek a professional opinion from the manufacturer to ensure peace of mind and to be fully informed.



__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 85
Date:

G'Day Nomad ... leave it drive and let the gearbox do the work seems to be the general consensus. I spoke to Dave the guy I bought it from, he towed a big car trailer with cars on and that's how he towed. Another question came to mind ... do I use cruise control?

 

Cheers

Alby



__________________


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 2238
Date:

Cruise control is not the same as overdrive. Overdrive should not be used.

Cruise control is great, on long drives, on flat(ish) roads when its safe to use it.

I use it often, and love it.



__________________

Rosie



Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 310
Date:

EilsnAlby wrote:

G'Day Nomad ... leave it drive and let the gearbox do the work seems to be the general consensus. I spoke to Dave the guy I bought it from, he towed a big car trailer with cars on and that's how he towed. Another question came to mind ... do I use cruise control?

 

Cheers

Alby


 G'day Alby,

I'd use cruise on the flat and straight only until I get used to the vehicle then only on undulating not hilly and only if the trans doesn't hunt.

All in all you've got yourself a very capable tow vehicle

Cheers



__________________

There are 3 types of people in this world, Ones who make it happen, the second who watches what happens and the third who wonders what happened

Make it happen



Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 85
Date:

Cheers Rip ... I'll leave it in drive till I get really sure of it

 

Alby



__________________


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 85
Date:

Cheers Nomad ... you just confirmed what Rip adviced ... I'll leave it in drive till I get used to it

 

Alby



__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.

Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
Purchase Grey Nomad bumper stickers Read our daily column, the Nomad News The Grey Nomad's Guidebook