Which Gear when Towing a Trailer?

[DaveS268]

Hi,

I have a 2004 Montana with the trailer provision, HD cooling system, and load leveling air shocks. I will be towing about a 1500 lbs trailer, which gear should be used? My owners manual isn't real clear with the installed towing equipment saying that I can use "3" rather than "D". Gas mileage seems to be better in "D" but then again if it puts undue stress on the transaxle I'd use "3".

Thanks,
Dave

[Nitro23]

The key point to towing is how hot the trans gets. When you run in third gear, the motor runs at a higher rev and thus the trans fluid flow increases. This in turn keeps the fluid cooler.

If you have an extrernal trans cooler (like a mini radiator for the trans fluid) then you might be okay in OD.

Whenever I tow my boat, I never use OD. And I have a trans cooler.

[DaveS268]

Originally Posted by Nitro23

The key point to towing is how hot the trans gets. When you run in third gear, the motor runs at a higher rev and thus the trans fluid flow increases. This in turn keeps the fluid cooler.

If you have an extrernal trans cooler (like a mini radiator for the trans fluid) then you might be okay in OD.

Whenever I tow my boat, I never use OD. And I have a trans cooler.

Thanks for the advise, Nitro, how much weight are you towing? I have the towing package which includes the heavy duty cooling system so I should be able to keep the transaxle fluid cool.

Dave

[Nitro23]

I tow a 20 ft ski boat. I use my Full size bronco though.

I have only towed small trailers with my Montana, and never really worried about it. Only because they are short trips. On long trips it makes a big difference. Again it's the heat factor. When the motor is running at low RPMS (OD), the trans is not cooling as fast and heat builds up.

I did burn up a tranny in my Suburban towing the same boat. I was in OD when it let go. Trans shop told me not to use OD. Since then, still towing the same boat, never use OD. Have never had tranny issues.

[DaveS268]

Thanks for the advise, Nitro.... I will be using 3rd gear.

Dave