when does tranny overheat?

[SirKeats]

i'm towing my camper (little 16') on a trip for the first time this weekend. going to be going through some mountain ranges and such.

i have an '04 2wd XE. added the hitch and such myself. also put in a tranny temp gauge.

i've gone over these mountains before and generally the tranny temp runs around 150 not pulling anything. sometimes a little over if i'm lazy about watching the rpm's and such... but in general it stays around 150.

wondering how hot i should expect the tranny to get when i'm pulling the trailer. at what temp should i start to get concerned?

also, any tranny related tips for towing would be much appreciated (e.g. what rpm to keep the truck at when going over mountains and things like that).

thanks gents!

[TitanLou]

I have the BT package, but I always tow in 4th. Don't be afraid to drop it down to 3rd if needed.

[Bullwinkle]

I don't know how hot is too hot for automatics. The OEM gauge is marked with red to show it's getting hot, and I don't remember what the number at the start of the red zone is.

There is no rule of thumb for what rpm you should be at when ascending because that depends on the grade. Just down shift as needed to maintain your speed. It's always better to rev it out than to let it chug up a hill. Just pay attention to how it sounds & feels.

You also need to downshift going down hill. Let the gears slow you down so you don't overheat the brakes. Take it slow going downhill. It's going to rev out more than you feel comfortable letting it, but that's not going to hurt anything. Don't brake hard either. Brake only when necessary, but slow down gradually. Your brakes will build up less heat that way.

[Exocet]

The rule of thumb is to try and keep the transmission fluid temps below 200 deg F. Short periods up to 225 deg won't hurt any thing. If you get in the 250 deg or higher range, then it is time to be concerned.

[young dank]

man its a 16 footer, I can put it on my back, your titan won't have no problems pullin that.

[loufish]

I have to concure with the other posters...200 degs and below is fine, AND that trailer shouldn't be taxing the trans or it's cooling.
Still don't be afraid to downshift to 4th, or 3rd if it's a good sized grade.

[SirKeats]

thanks gents!!