V6 - Best to tow in what gear?

The Gas and Diesel Engines - VQ40De, VK56DE, YD25DDTi, V9X, Transmission, Transfer Case, Oil, Differentials, Axles, Exhaust...

Moderator: volvite

Ryan7
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Jan 20, 2015 10:03 am
Location: Pepperell, Ma

V6 - Best to tow in what gear?

Postby Ryan7 » Thu Jul 30, 2015 10:42 am

What's our best towing gear? My model is not equipped with O/D and I've been towing my 3600# camper a lot this summer and just seeing how everyone else tows.

I've been leaving it in 4th mostly unless I approach a hill where I kick it into 3rd to gain some power. I've talked to others who seem to keep it in 3rd and just keep the RPM's high and travel 55-60.

Do we technically have a "Tow" gear?


skinny2
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1531
Joined: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:07 pm
Location: BFE, Ohio

Postby skinny2 » Thu Jul 30, 2015 12:33 pm

3,600# shouldn't require anything special. Unless it's hunting or constantly shifting, just leave it in drive and let the auto make the decision. I've only had to override mine a few times and usually on longer/gradual climbs where it thinks it can upshift earlier than it needs too. Mostly on steep hills it will hold tight.

I run 65-70 with that load all day and will even pull mild hills in 5th.
Last edited by skinny2 on Thu Jul 30, 2015 1:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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

Postby Kestral » Thu Jul 30, 2015 1:00 pm

Im with skinny2 on this one as long as the trans is not shifting all the time up and down you should be fine. I find when I tow my 5,000 lb camper on long hills it is better to drop it into third gear back off to around 55-60 mph and let the motor wind up a little you will find you are not on the gas much and its actually better for the truck. Prob not an issue towing 3,600 that should be a piece of cake for your Pathy.

Ryan7
Posts: 15
Joined: Tue Jan 20, 2015 10:03 am
Location: Pepperell, Ma

Postby Ryan7 » Thu Jul 30, 2015 1:34 pm

Thanks for the replies. I'm sure I'm over 4000# loaded, and I believe my hitch weight is a bit heavy, probably over 600#. However I'm using a weight distribution hitch and sway control. I've noticed on some hills this thing does struggle a bit but I expected that.

skinny2
Sponsored Member
Posts: 1531
Joined: Sat Dec 26, 2009 10:07 pm
Location: BFE, Ohio

Postby skinny2 » Thu Jul 30, 2015 1:44 pm

I suppose if the aero is nasty on your trailer, you could be struggling a lot more than I do. I usually tow a rather sleek box trailer. But again, I'd only lock it into a gear if it's hunting. 3rd seems to pull the best.


Return to “R51 Engine, Driveline and Powertrain”