Thread: towing with TD5 auto

I use my D2 to tow my loaded box trailer in D. Anything heavier I usually use 3rd lockup.

I use 4 lock towing my 1700KG offroad caravan at 95-100Kmh, with no ill effects.

I change down on hills to 3 lock if I fall under 80Kmh.
Regards Philip A

Didn't now you could lock 4 (use power button).
What I was told that using power button just sets gear change at higher pressure, so that it will stay in 3rd after it reaches 80kph (which seems to be they usually change into top) and also would not then drop into 4th when load was off going down hill.

Thanks, will have to check with my trans man to see if I can just use power button on 4th, and if that helps the box when towing, as not looking forward to a snail pace 3500k's

I don't think it changes pressures, just the revs when changes are made. It will lock in 4th at 80 Kmh , helped if you ease off just over 80kmh
until you see the tacho lock at road speed revs..
Regards PhilipA

The "sport" button changes a few things, but realistically the only thing most end users would notice is: higher up-shift points, higher down-shift points, and higher TCC minimum lock speeds.

The auto will lock in both 3rd and 4th, but only if in those gears on the shifter (3rd and drive).

If towing a heavy load, 3rd and locked is far and away the best option, unless you have enough power to stay locked in 4th.

Thanks all, my concern was that somehow 4th gear on the D2 auto box wasn't up to towing (like 5th on a manual box isn't built for towing).
My vehicle will NOT change to 4th unless over 80kph and doing about 2400rpm. Backing off at 80kph doesn't mean it will go to 4th, I also have to be doing 2400rpm.
It has been re-mapped so maybe that makes some difference to how mtr and box work together.

I reckon I have the power to pull the small load in top, and would obviously change to 3rd for hills, so am going to try the trip in 4th where possible.
I have about 12,000 k's of towing to do in next 2 months, so will likely find out if I have it wrong.

The big trick is just keeping the heat out of the transmission. You do all that you can when you're driving to keep the torque converter locked otherwise it will generate a lot of heat. If it unlocks in 4th, then pull it back to 3rd and let it lock up rather than staying in 4th unlocked. 4th gear is strong enough for towing, I think the weak link is actually the factory ATF cooler which doesnt cool enough in my opinion.

If your motor is remapped, you will probably find it drives more nicely with the gearbox in S mode.

I think this is much ado about nothing. We are talking 750 kg here not 2000+.
I have towed about 1000kg camper trailer for well in excess of 20000ks in the just 8 years and my 1800 kg caravan for about 5000 ks in the last year.
I tried sport and didn’t like it as it delays lock up.
The key preparation issues are new trans filter and the use of Transmax Z, ensure the cooler pipes are Ok and if over 200 kk renew proactively, ensure the front driveshaft is perfect.
My car has towed these weights at 40c through the Kimberley and the trans overheat light has never illuminated.
My car has now done 236kk and the trans operates perfectly.
Just drive manually to maximize the use of lockup.
regards PhilipA
Oh and make sure your fuel manifold at the back is Ok. My only failure was a worn through fuel manifold on the GRR.