What Gear do you tow in?

[Kev12]

hey guys, just got back from a trip over to Stone Mountain, GA and I spent most of the time in 4th gear, knocked her up to 5th when I had a nice straight road for a bit. I don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge, but there’s no issue spending a lot of time in 4th? Not going to put any extra strain on the transmission/motor? Thanks

 

[WalterG]

My truck only has the 545RFE in it, but usually tow in 4th with the tow/haul on. It will drop to 5th if I am on a level grade with no headwind. I would not think that it would be a problem to be in 4th all the time. Mine only runs about 2800RPM at 70MPH in that gear, so not so bad.

 

[rotwiler]

On my 2013 when I put it in tow/haul mode I think it limits it to 5th gear, so most of time truck is in 4-5th.

 

[muzupan]

This Time Around I towed in 5th gear instead of 6th. And 5th gear and kept my RPMs about 1900 and the only time it dropped in the 4th since when I was going over the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge Louisiana.

 

[GsRAM]

hey guys, just got back from a trip over to Stone Mountain, GA and I spent most of the time in 4th gear, knocked her up to 5th when I had a nice straight road for a bit. I don’t have a lot of mechanical knowledge, but there’s no issue spending a lot of time in 4th? Not going to put any extra strain on the transmission/motor? Thanks

Hi kev,

That is no problem at all. I don't know what engine or transmission you have, or weight you are towing, however what you describe is typical small block gasser towing.

A lot of folks worry when they hear their engines up in the rpm range while towing, but that's what they are designed to do. That's where they make the most power.

So just make sure you keep up with all your maintenance and then just let it work for you.

 

[2011ram2500]

I leave it in auto, truck always finds the right gear, never overheat or have power issues.

 

[smiley]

When I had 3.55s used 4th but now that I have 4.56 typically 5th in tow/haul

 

[Burla]

Just avoid low rpm's, low rpm's will kill your truck and make you not be able to control your load. Maybe not as big of deal with the 8 speed, but us guys with the 3.55's and the 6 speed really need to pay attention. When I tow I try and keep it between 2300 to 3000ish. Guys with a diesel don't have to worry about it as much, low rpm or high rpm they usually have the torque to be covered.

 

[mtofell]

I spend about 80% of my time towing in either 2nd or 4th with my 2500 Hemi 6spd - 12,000# 5th wheel.

When towing, 3rd almost feels like it's not there. The tranny has a really annoying habit of skipping right over it and slamming from 4-2 when downshifting. 2nd is good from about 25 up and over 60. 4th just rolls along and will even pull some minor grades. With a good tail wind on a flat road I might catch 5th for a bit.

As stated, don't be afraid to let it scream. That's what these gassers do.

 

[VernDiesel]

With the lil 3.0 Econodiesel, 3.92s, & the 8 speed I tow in 7th at 2,100 rpms running 65. The motor is efficient & comfortable there with very little shifting. 15 to 15.2 mpg towing double axle Airstream TTs.

Agree with others though with a gasser especially with only the older 545RFE no problem turning some rpm for more power and so it's not being lugged. I think peak torque is around 4K. If you are spending much time above that then you are really pushing her and perhaps shortening her life. You probably would have to watch temps at that point also.