Stupid Question (Towing)

[hotelfive]

Hi there..I have a question that Im sure will make me look kinda stupid, but Im gonna go ahead and ask anyways...I just got a new trailer (18 foot travel trailer) and am wondering if there is a specific way I should be towing it? I have a 2008 Sport Edition and am wondering if I should be towing in 2H and in "D"? Also, is there any harm in using cruise control while towing a trailer?

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

 

[Bowtie3]

Hi there..I have a question that Im sure will make me look kinda stupid, but Im gonna go ahead and ask anyways...I just got a new trailer (18 foot travel trailer) and am wondering if there is a specific way I should be towing it? I have a 2008 Sport Edition and am wondering if I should be towing in 2H and in "D"? Also, is there any harm in using cruise control while towing a trailer?

Any input would be greatly appreciated...

Make sure you have a trans cooler and towing it in D should be fine. Yep 4hi also unless you need the 4wd. I always use my cruise when towing a trailer....but when going up a long grade I like to not work the engine hard, so I turn it off.

 

[peter78]

Make sure you have a trans cooler and towing it in D should be fine. Yep 4hi also unless you need the 4wd. I always use my cruise when towing a trailer....but when going up a long grade I like to not work the engine hard, so I turn it off.

I am a little confused, of course I don't have a 4th generation model. You said to put it in D, then in 4hi, which I guess you mean 4WD right?

To me, I am thinking that trailer weighs 3,200 pounds and about 800 pounds of stuff, that would make it about 4,000 pounds. With a 5 speed auto, I would think that might be a bit much. I am thinking maybe 4th gear, especially with the V6. I would also use the 2WD for most of the towing. Or am I missing something?

(Also, I think you might get more response in the 4th generation thread, so I will move it there.)

 

[Bowtie3]

I am a little confused, of course I don't have a 4th generation model. You said to put it in D, then in 4hi, which I guess you mean 4WD right?

To me, I am thinking that trailer weighs 3,200 pounds and about 800 pounds of stuff, that would make it about 4,000 pounds. With a 5 speed auto, I would think that might be a bit much. I am thinking maybe 4th gear, especially with the V6. I would also use the 2WD for most of the towing. Or am I missing something?

(Also, I think you might get more response in the 4th generation thread, so I will move it there.)

Oops...yes 2wd my fault. You can leave it in D if the trans has a cooler on it. If it shifts alot or maybe through town I would drop it in 4th gear. But for freeway driving I think d would be fine.

 

[maine runner]

Leave the truck in 2wd and in D.

You do not want to tow using cruise control and want to disable overdrive or 5th gear. (In my 3rd gen, there is a button on the transmission shifter)

Please don't attempt to go your normal speed when towing. Given the added weight, stopping time etc, keep your speed down to 65.

When you know you are going to go up a hill, accelerate a bit (65-70) and let it bleed off as you ascend.

Use flashers under 50 to keep the idiots off your tail.

Make sure your tongue weight is correct. A improperly loaded trailer can cause problems.

Ensure all your trailer lights are working.

Just my opinion.

 

[hotelfive]

Thats great thanks so much for the info everyone...Seems like Im doing the right thing...I have to say wht a difference in gas mileage when you keep the speeds down under 95 km/h. ANything above that and the mileage just sucked!

Thanks again!