Towing Question
#1
Towing Question
I have a 09XLT 5.4 6 speed with 3.55 rear end. We just purchased a 26 ft travel trailer. It weighs about 5.5 k lbs. The truck pulls it very well. One odd thing, when pulling on flat land, the truck will hunt between 5th and 6 th gear. I am in tow/haul mode and figured that would keep it out of 6th gear.
I guess the transmission knows what it is doing, I just thought it odd that it will shift into 6th with that much weight and in tow/haul mode.
I guess the transmission knows what it is doing, I just thought it odd that it will shift into 6th with that much weight and in tow/haul mode.
#2
#3
#4
How often does it shift gears, several times in a mile, or once every couple miles?
Heat deteriorates transmissions (well, almost anything mechanical). Unlocked torque convector and frequent gear shifting increases trans heat. Overdrive is fine (and you have 2 of them) as long as it maintains the gear for a while.
Read your owners manual about the tow haul mode. You might invest in a trans temp gauge to see the effects of your shift patterns.
Heat deteriorates transmissions (well, almost anything mechanical). Unlocked torque convector and frequent gear shifting increases trans heat. Overdrive is fine (and you have 2 of them) as long as it maintains the gear for a while.
Read your owners manual about the tow haul mode. You might invest in a trans temp gauge to see the effects of your shift patterns.
#5
#6
Just a comment....
I wonder if the trucks computer will 'learn' your pulling the trailer while in tow/haul mode after a while?
I only pull a 3500# trailer, and found the same thing the first few times - constantly hunting for the right gear - seems to have calmed down a little now.
I've also found in tow/haul mode, I've had to adjust how and when I use the throttle on hills - I kind of had to 'learn' how to give the computer my input at the right time.
I wonder if the trucks computer will 'learn' your pulling the trailer while in tow/haul mode after a while?
I only pull a 3500# trailer, and found the same thing the first few times - constantly hunting for the right gear - seems to have calmed down a little now.
I've also found in tow/haul mode, I've had to adjust how and when I use the throttle on hills - I kind of had to 'learn' how to give the computer my input at the right time.
#7
I have a 09XLT 5.4 6 speed with 3.55 rear end. We just purchased a 26 ft travel trailer. It weighs about 5.5 k lbs. The truck pulls it very well. One odd thing, when pulling on flat land, the truck will hunt between 5th and 6 th gear. I am in tow/haul mode and figured that would keep it out of 6th gear.
I guess the transmission knows what it is doing, I just thought it odd that it will shift into 6th with that much weight and in tow/haul mode.
I guess the transmission knows what it is doing, I just thought it odd that it will shift into 6th with that much weight and in tow/haul mode.
My trailer is about the same weight at 24 ft and pulls solid in 6th gear (tow/haul mode) all day long though I have the 3.73 rear.
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#9
Unless your pulling on absolutely flat ground, I wouldn't tow with the cruise control on. The cruise control makes abrupt adjustments which causes the tranny to shift a lot more than manually feathering the gas pedal. Seems to be a downside with the 6-speed tranny and tow/haul mode as compared to my old setup where I just towed in 3rd.