Thread: Towing van with 2016 D4 3.0 - which gear?

POWER = RPM x TORQUE

So raise RPM and you need less torque for the same overall power outcome.

The engines are designed for this so I’d say it insignificant - higher rpm is more cycles which eventually equals more wear. Less torque is somewhat less strain.

IMO you’re pulling hairs but Sir Tombie loves a lower gear so ….

Hahaha

Nothing wrong with dropping the gear one to reduce labouring (and hence EGTs) on the engine.

I only have a 6sp. So when going through the Pass here I drop a gear and let it wander through.
I also drive the box through the twisty sections to ensure I’m coming out of curves on pace.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

POWER = RPM x TORQUE

So raise RPM and you need less torque for the same overall power outcome.

The engines are designed for this so I’d say it insignificant - higher rpm is more cycles which eventually equals more wear. Less torque is somewhat less strain.

IMO you’re pulling hairs but Sir Tombie loves a lower gear so ….

Thanks Jeff, I just got the seat of the pants feeling that the car was happier at the higher revs, was using less fuel, and putting less torque through the gearbox.

And based on that I’d say it’s worth raising a gear. Seat of the pants is best

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

And based on that I’d say it’s worth raising a gear. Seat of the pants is best

Or at least, dropping a gear:-)

Originally Posted by GregMilner

Or at least, dropping a gear:-)

Yup. Dat!

Originally Posted by GregMilner

..putting less torque through the gearbox.

Same torque at the o/p shaft if travelling at the same speed with the same load regardless of gear but less torque on most of the gear teeth if shafts are spinning faster and less wear on engine bearings, piston skirts etc. It's a balancing act to minimise wear and fuel consumption.
My TDV8 with 32" tyres uses less fuel ticking over in 8th at 105 kph with our 2.5T van but can use less or more fuel at 100 kph depending on the incidence of undulations. When I fit my 31" tyres the engine should be happier travelling at 100 kph in 8th.

Originally Posted by GregMilner

Thanks Jeff, I just got the seat of the pants feeling that the car was happier at the higher revs, was using less fuel, and putting less torque through the gearbox.

Yep, I went through this earlier in the year and Tombie's advice was to drop a cog or two and let it rev more. I was already aware of the pitfalls of revs being too low combined with foot further on accel to maintain speed and therefore causing higher exhaust gas temps which is of course a huge no no in diesel land.

With the recent remap by Cambo, I now tow the 3.0T c/van in 6th or 7th at 2000 to 2400 rpm and approx 90 ish kph. Using Sport mode and manual paddles.
Rarely venture into 8th unless very flat or slightly downhill.
Long downhills try to get into 8th asap and let engine coolant/auto oil temps drop which they'll do within a few klms.

Engine seems to be doing it very happily and easily at 2000 ish.
Good advice Tombie!