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Quote:
Originally Posted by Redback
Dunno i have a manual, but i would assume so, 90kph on my manual is around 2000rpm with 32s in 5th, this is normally when i go back to 4th when the revs drop this far.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift
I think 100kph is a better touring speed.
Baz.
If the van pictured is similar to yours, my strong recommendation is tow in third (auto trans). Towing in overdrive is a sure way to book a trans rebuild into your future ($3000 ++).
I can't edit my post for some reason, but I will add that with a manual transmission and a van that size, use 4th for towing.
Thanks for that BigJon;)Quote:
Originally Posted by BigJon
what do we need to do to make towing in top viable?
better cooler? better fluid?
Thanks Redback,, thats what I was trying to get at,,
I think-- at peak torque the car should be at its most economical,,
am open to actual knowledge here!!!
An extra oil cooler is a must on the auto when towing and premium oil and regular oil changes too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift
I tow in 5th all the time, with no probs, some may know of my gearbox woes just recently, turned out that 5th gear was in perfect nick when the box was checked.
Can't speak about autos and towing heavy loads in overdrive.
Baz.
Until it breaks...Quote:
Originally Posted by Redback
We had to replace a Defender gearbox when 5th gear pretty much exploded. Towing a tandem box trailer with canvas covered frame. 120 000km on the clock.
The cooler would be the most important thing, but I still wouldn't be confident.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift
It only takes a little bit of slippage in the clutch packs to generate a lot of heat, which will kill the transmission in very short order.
I have seen them with the plastic breather pipes melted clean off! :eek:
The engines have plenty of grunt to pull the overdrive gears, but I still wouldn't do it.
I tow my tandem box trailer behind my Rangie in 5th, but I don't change into 5th until 100 kph, and I down change for any hills, overtaking, etc.
Was that towing the trailer for all of the 120,000km's or just 1% of it ?Quote:
Originally Posted by BigJon
Hi Harry
The lower gear/work harder is somewhat of a myth.
In 3rd its likely doing the job easy at higher revs than really strugling in 4th.
When doing it easy at higher revs it will use less fuel than 4th whilst pulling hard.
Use the 4th downhill/flats with no headwind,and makesure its not under load as it will end up with an early trans rebuild as suggested.
Get onto the Dgas mob,extra power/economy to help out with the job.(see my post in the tech forum)
Andrew
I have 166,000ks on the clock, my Disco has towed for it's whole life, a caravan (don't know weight 18ft van) before we bought it and a camper trailer now (1.3 to 1.5ton)Quote:
Originally Posted by BigJon
If you drive the car correctly and don't labour the car in 5th it should last.
Baz.