What gear to tow in??

Any topics related to 2005-2012 R51

Moderator: volvite

kapsig873
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat May 13, 2017 6:15 am
Location: New Port Richey, FL

What gear to tow in??

Postby kapsig873 » Sat May 13, 2017 6:37 am

Hello, just bought a 2008 Pathfinder to tow a 17ft boat. The Pathfinder has a factory Class III hitch. The boat itself weighs 1,350 lbs, the 75hp mercury motor probably an extra 300, and trailer just over 500 lbs. I am looking at well under a 3,500 lb tow.

I tested out towing my yesterday. The rear didn't drop to much, maybe an inch. I drove with O/D off and with it on no more than 25 mph. I can't tell a difference as this was the first time I have ever driven a vehicle towing something behind me. I could tell that I was pulling something behind me.

The terrain I will be towing on is flat as I am in Florida. Towing trips will be short, but also look forward to long towing trips to the Keys and locations a few hours or so away.

Should I tow in a specific gear??

Thanks!!


Kestral
Moderator
Posts: 689
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2014 3:22 pm
Location: MA

Postby Kestral » Sat May 13, 2017 9:47 am

For the most part it's good to tow out of OD but if you are on the highway you can try it in standard drive but if the trans starts shifting up and down then just lock out overdrive. It's the shifting back and forth that overheats the trans.


Return to “R51 General Chat”