Driving across Canada towing a trailer - Overdrive off?

[Jave]

I have a 99' 4Runner that I will be using to tow a 6'x12' trailer with about 2000 lbs of cargo (so about 3500 lbs total weight) from Toronto to Vancouver (about 2,700 miles) at the end of the month.

I have heard that when towing you should always leave O/D off but would it hurt anything (other than my gas mileage) to do this for such a long distance? I don't like the idea of the engine revving above 3000 rpms for that long but maybe it's fine?

I do have an external transmission cooler installed (bypassing the rad completely.)

 

[Qyota]

If you can keep it in O/D without it shifting out, go for it. Otherwise, that's quite a load to be pulling...I'd keep it in 3rd. 3K RPMs isn't going to hurt anything. If you're worried, change your oil before and after the trip. That'll make ya feel better!

 

[Pikeman]

I was going to say you should keep the O/D off. The higher RPM's wont hurt anyhthing other then your mileage. Then again towing 3500lbs behind your truck is going ot hurt it anyways. also the 3k RPM range is more in the power band and engine wont have to work as hard at that RPM as it would in the lower RPM's. (Percentage of Load placed on the engine to keep it moving)

 

[quicksilvr]

Turn off the O/D. High engine RPM is WAY better for everything when the engine is working hard, like Pikeman said. And your transmission will thank you as well.