What was your total trailer weight? I'm curious because we will be towing a ~1200lb teardrop camper this Summer.
Also regarding Cruise Control: My understanding was that you shouldn't use CC when pulling a trailer b/c it puts too much stress on the auto tranny? I've also heard that o/d should be turned off when towing - did you leave yours on (assuming you have an auto?)
I do have an automatic. Total trailer weight was around $2750-3000 lbs. Trailer is a Haulmark V-nose 6x12 I think. Tailer weight is around 1325 lbs. + two bikes 800 lbs + gear for another 200-400 lbs. So guessing 2500 lbs give or take.
I used the cruise for much of the trip actually. I don't know why people say not use cruise control while towing. It doesn't put any more stress on the tranny PROVIDED that the tranny isn't hunting and shifting up and down constantly. I keep an eye on it. I turn O/D off when I come to hills going up or down. It puts it into lower gear. Only turn O/D on when I am on really flat or gentle downgrade and want to get better mileage at 65-70 mph. Under 60-65 or on any good downhill I turn O/D off.
My towing plan:
The ECT button is always on when I have a trailer attached.
O/D if off for Downhills to save the brakes.
O/D is off for Uphill to save the tranny from shifting up and down often
Flat I have the O/D on and the ECT on.
I averaged about 14 mpg towing for the trip. Pretty good considering I get about 15-16 normally around town.
The 3rd gen has good power for its size and tows with no problem at the weight I was towning. If you are up over 3000 to 3500 lbs I would say O/D off and ECT on. Below that I use the above plan.
BTW the capacity of the 3rd gen says 5000 lbs but safe towning is often suggested to be 20-30% below the capacity or 3500 to 4000 lbs tops. That is a lot of trailer weight. It can do it but it is safer to stay under the capacity. Also tonge weight should not exceed 500 lbs. Load the trailer right and its not a problem.
