17' Series Towing with Prado

[Hoffy]

We have ordered a 17.56.2 and was wondering for all the Prado owners which gear you tow in. We have an 06 petrol Prado and have been told different things about towing van.
Thanks in advance for your replies. Hoffy

 

[Pace]

@Bank of Dad one for you here, best to my memory you had same/ similar tug. Cheers Pace.

 

[dagree]

@Hoffy Manual or auto?
We have an 04 petrol prado with 4 speed auto towing 17.56.2OB. Most towing is done changing gears manually and leave in 3rd gear once underway. Once up to speed on a flat road will put it in "D". Found this the best for economy so far.

 

[Bank of Dad]

Don't have a Prado now but my advice is if it's manual, 4th gear. Auto, not sure. Just don't tow in overdrive.

 

[MBC004]

I have an 09 td auto and I tow my 1756-1 in 4th and on flat ground over to d, great economy but terrible on hills when it need power

 

[jvp]

Mine is 2010 diesel auto, I stay out of overdrive except on long flat stretches with tail wind or slight decline. Dounhill I stay out of overdrive for engine braking.
jvp

 

[crustt]

I have an auto petrol 2003, always in drive as I have been advised by mechanics, it's an auto so will find the appropriate gear.

 

[hamish22]

I have an auto petrol 2003, always in drive as I have been advised by mechanics, it's an auto so will find the appropriate gear.

I was advised the same thing by auto trans specialist after last service!
"Stick it in drive and tow it"

 

[Hoffy]

Thanks everyone for the help.
It is an automatic. Yes we have been told 4th but drive on the long flats but after the above two comments may need to investigate a little further!

 

[Heath74]

You will find that 4th will give you much lower auto transmission and torque converter temps, and much lower EGT s as well. I only go to 5th on long flats.

 

[bigcol]

5th gear / overdrive / etc

if your cruising along the highway (empty) in 5th / top, at say 110kmh - and you can accelerate to say 160kms instantly (smooth easy to achieve)
then I would leave it in top / 5th when towing - as you have the torque in your engine

if it wont

use 4th for towing, slightly higher revs, but better fuel consumption, as the motor is not laboring

cheers

 

[Bards]

We have ordered a 17.56.2 and was wondering for all the Prado owners which gear you tow in. We have an 06 petrol Prado and have been told different things about towing van.
Thanks in advance for your replies. Hoffy

Hi there Hoffy, we will be towing our 17.56.2 when we pick it up in September with our 05 Auto Prado.
The Prado manual recommends with a Auto you tow in tow in 4th, i would suggests you change gears manually and then when cruising you stay in manual 4th.

 

[Bluey]

hi hoffy im getting a 1756-2 early july I have a 07 auto deisal will be a learning curve for us will be interesting to see what the fule diffrences will be

 

[Hoffy]

Thanks everybody for all the help and suggestions!!

 

[Simon]

The manual for a Prado 150 recommends 4th gear in sport shift mode, at 90 to 100kmh. 5th should be avoided as it will over heat the gear box.

I find I get better fuel economy doing this rather than leaving in Drive and letting find gears and going to 5th.

I am looking to put in a transmission temp gauge to monitor while I tow. Any advice on what gauge works best would be welcomed.

 

[MBC004]

Hey simon I have the scan gauge, this works a treat as it gives you real time straight out of the factory sensors. And plugs straight into the ubd1 port in the car, no need to modify anything