Thread: Td5 Towing

Can't answer for the auto as mine's a manual.

But I find around 95 - 100 km/h is about the best economy when towing, and I only use 5th gear at above about 90 km/h and only when on flat country or a downhill run, and not pushing into a strong wind. At other times, I tend to leave it in 4th.

I guess similar would apply to 3rd and 4th in an auto.

Having said all that, the country's pretty flat around where I live.

Well Nifty, I'm about to find out too with a 1.4T loaded swan outback, and I suspect I am a tad smaller in wind and weight so if it don't generally keep fourth on the auto then I will not be happy at all. Problem is mucking around without the van of choice is a matter of try and see and of course advice on these forums, Geoff

With something as heavy as a 2 ton caravan, Always tow in 3rd, as it has lockup in that gear in the D2. This will avoid hunting between 4th and 4th lockup, and less slippage therefore less heat buildup. Lighter trailers etc that can be easily towed at 90 to 100km/h, 4th should be fine as long as it is fast enough to allow converter lockup, for the above reasons. The V8 D2 has different trans software etc, and will lockup at lower speeds etc depending on engine loads too.

JC

Also, select "Sports" mode... It allows the transmission to be more responsive to the loads imposed instead of labouring...

I've towed a 1.1 tonne camper trailer on the highway but because the vehicle had 32" tyres, it was quite disadvantaged by the taller "gearing" factor due to the non standard sized tyres.

So I found that it was happiest in 3rd. Fortunately the ZF gearbox locks up the torque converter in 3rd so the fluid temperature does not heat up.

The Disco revved higher but it felt happier.

If you have stock 29" tyres, it may be better to tow in "D" if you get up to 110 km/hr. But when it gets hilly, shift into 3rd.

I tow a 1.5t van in 3rd at 85-90km/hr. It's more relaxing than towing in 4th as I don't have to watch for each slight uphill gradient to manually change down.

I tried 4th sports mode but found that the trans tended to stay too long in slip mode and not lock up.

Stephen.
2001 TD5 auto D2

Whatever you decide,, get the auto serviced and check the cooler and lines for leaks/cracks or air blockages,
synthetic ATF will handle the heat better but is $$$$

and if you tow regularly
service the auto regularly

Would have loved to be able to answer this but sadly (or is that happily) my Td5 was traded for a new 08 Defender before I learnt what it was like towing.

Anyway I did talk to a Auto Td5 D2 owner in Katherine who was travelling quiet happily for the umpteenth time with a 2.2t van behind it all the way from Brisbane.