Newb v6 question re towing... 2H or 4H?

[davemac]

Curious...while towing 3500 lb (boat&trailer) with the V6, is it recommended to be in 2H or 4H (assuming on highway)?
Thx, in advance.

 

[2003Can4runner]

it doesn't matter. might as well be in 2H to save you some gas.
4WD doesn't have anythign to do with towing unless your somewhere where you need traction (ie: pulling your boat outta the water on sand)
remember, the 2WD models have a higher towing capacity because they weigh less.

 

[davemac]

Thanks. I guess my concern was rooted in that the dealer stated that (when in 2H) it is the front wheels pulling the car (not sure if this is true).
At one time, I was told that (when under load) front wheel drive generates far more transmission heat then rear wheel drive.

 

[HAfrica13]

Thanks. I guess my concern was rooted in that the dealer stated that (when in 2H) it is the front wheels pulling the car (not sure if this is true).
At one time, I was told that (when under load) front wheel drive generates far more transmission heat then rear wheel drive.

No, don't worry about that... the dealer was wrong (surprise). The 4R is RWD when in 2H, not FWD.

 

[davemac]

No, don't worry about that... the dealer was wrong (surprise). The 4R is RWD when in 2H, not FWD.

...that is what I had thought!!

 

[*wishlist*]

Thanks. I guess my concern was rooted in that the dealer stated that (when in 2H) it is the front wheels pulling the car (not sure if this is true).
At one time, I was told that (when under load) front wheel drive generates far more transmission heat then rear wheel drive.

wow i can't believe the dealer actually said that...:bash:

 

[animator]

wow i can't believe the dealer actually said that...:bash:

I can... and I've heard worse.


Although some SUVs out now ARE in fact front-wheel drive when in 2wd, and are AWD when in 4wd. I think the RAV4 would be an example. And there's others...

 

[gizmopt2002]

Whoo! Welcome davemac. The dealer was wrong, the Pilot you have is like that when in 2WD (front) but the 4Runner and most SUV's are rear when in 2WD. I recommend 2HI while on the hwy but when your at the launch pad, use 4L when the amp is really steep or 4HI for normal conditions.

 

[jharris2]

I can... and I've heard worse.

:iagree:

Although some SUVs out now ARE in fact front-wheel drive when in 2wd, and are AWD when in 4wd. I think the RAV4 would be an example. And there's others...

I believe the Highlander is another example of FWD -- car platform (in this case, Camry), as opposed to the truck platform on the 4Runner, Sequoia, etc.

 

[nated05]

I almost always tow my boat (#4000) in 2wd, but I make sure and use 4hi when on the boat ramp. Mostly because there is almost always slick spots or loose gravel on the ramp. I did use 4hi once while on a two lane mountain road during some rain for mental comfort if nothing else.