[humblerb]

We always tow as discussed on this board - 4th gear with Tow Mode.
We are crossing Louisiana and the Florida panhandle with a 29' TT (6500 - 7000#). The highways here are extremely flat. You can see the Atlantic from New Orleans!!
Once you get up to speed (60-65 mph) on the flat roads, will it hurt to slip the tranny in to 5th? The RPM's drop about 500-700 so fuel economy is better.
Is it OK to move to 5th for these long stretches and just keep an eye on the temp guage? or does it need to stay in 4th?
BTW - we are driving a 2011 Armada.
Thanks for any quick replies.

 

[Quartz]

The conservative answer is keep it in 4th. The real world answer is you can watch the trany temp gauge and if it doesn't go up you are OK. BTW wave as you go by and don't speed around the Wilcox Road Exit (#53) in AL.

 

[Carbeaux]

Won't hurt it unless you're really putting a strain on the drivetrain. The 5th gear is a true OD gear, so use caution, as it's not recommended to use an OD gear to tow. You'll just have to see how it does and whether if starts "fishing" for a gear or if the TC won't stay locked. If it does, as Q mentioned just keep an eye on your temp gauge.

 

[humblerb]

The conservative answer is keep it in 4th. The real world answer is you can watch the trany temp gauge and if it doesn't go up you are OK. BTW wave as you go by and don't speed around the Wilcox Road Exit (#53) in AL.

Speeding won't be a problem pulling this rig. LOL
Thanks for the information to you and Carbeaux.
Looks like the temp is good and the ride actually seems smoother (probably just imagination).

 

[Davegvg]

Hard to say, but from someone who tows 90% of the time with my titan with weights from 4K to 9K heres how I judge use of 5th when towing.

If in 5th you can pick up speed without downshifting then I would say you will likely be ok.

In other words if your rig can easily pull the load then you'll be ok, but youll have to downshift at the first thought -whiff of a hill. If you cant pick up rpm in 5th then just stick to 4th, your transmission will be a lot happier.

Once the temp starts climbing you are taking life off your oil and transmission.
I do a simple drain and fill of the trans every 7500-10K.


Uncle Dave