2007 Tdci Towing in 6th Gear

[NQExplorers]

Cant find anthing in the handbook regarding the use of overdrive on the (flat) highway when towing (only towing a Jayco Eagle Outback camper ATM 1370kg). Common sense on all occasions but I know Toyota doesnt recommend towing in overdrive with their 5-speed manual gearboxes at any time. Does LR have any official advice on this? Thanks. Macca - NQExplorers.

[PAT303]

Mate,tojo don't like you to tow in fifth because the Japanese use gearbox's that are weak by design therefore don't like to take loads.With your defender I would use the gear that the engine is most comfortable with and drive to the conditions. Pat

[dmdigital]

The handbook recommends 5th and a maximum of 80kph. After 3 months towing the Kimberley I can say that 5th is definitely the best to tow in and 80-90 kph tops is the speed (for economy too).

On long gentle down hills you can put it in 6th as it will just idle down at whatever speed. But on steep downhills you want the engine braking.