Towing anemia at 65mph

So, I just got back from picking up a horse trailer (one of the small 2,5000lbs ones) and I noticed on the highway that my truck had a hard time getting over 65 (speed limit) in two wheel drive. It would take a long time to switch gears and get really loud.

With a towing capacity of 5000lbs I feel like that shouldn't be happening. What, other than going too fast, does that indicate?

 

Should I turn off over drive while towing?

 

Absolutely toun off OD. At 65mph you are catching a lot more wind resistance on the trailer than at 50 mph. Most trailer tires are not rated for speeds over 65 anyway so that should be your limit.

? Please don't attempt to drive on pavement in 4 wheel drive. It is for off road use or heavy snow on pavement. Nothing else.

 

um, yeah

 

Don't worry. I know not to use four wheel drive unless I'm getting unstuck

 

Hey man. We aren't all born experts.

 

Put a good oversized trans cooler on it if you going to tow with it.

 

Don't have the capital for that.

 

Then don't tow anything heavy or you'll be buying a transmission

 

It's rated to max 5,000. I'll be ok with a 2,500lb trailer and 2x 250-300lb reindeer.

 

Make sure to turn off overdrive or you'll wreck your transmission. A transmission cooler is also important. They're not that expensive, you can get a decent one for under a hundred.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Tru-Cool-Transmission-Cooler-4454/dp/B005XZXB1M

Ask Gearcruncher about towing in OD.

 

Well at 25000 lbs I'm surprised you could even move

 

There's your problem your towing a 25,000lb trailer.

 

2500

 

I'll definitely look into it. Is it easy enough to hook up?

 

A trans cooler is only $50 or $60. They're super cheap for the gain in cooling ability.

They are pretty easy to install too.

Are you in a 4cyl or v6?

One thing about towing is there is a huge difference between live loads (animals) and dead loads (stuff). I don't have 1st hand experience with towing animals, but from what I've read, you won't come close to towing near the load limit of the vehicle because of the way the load moves around on you.

 

I'm in a v6. I'll look into a trans cooler before the reindeer get here.

 

Just use the reindeer to haul, it works for santa

 

You'll be fine with or without the trans cooler..

If you CAN get the cooler, by all means it is a great sense of security. However, for what you've stated no it is not necessary.

Drive the truck with the overdrive off, monitor engine/ trans temps, and listen to your truck. You should have a good base for normal driving conditions. If it's struggling it's time to slow down and drop a gear, but be sure to stay within your powerband. No need to over or under rev. while towing.

The road travelled has a great impact to your truck. Keep in mind the grade, surface conditions, wind, tire pressure, outside temp, services to the truck etc. If you haven't already the towing bible is a good resource. Not sure how much trailering experience you have.

Hope this helped..

*keep in mind a 15 year old truck is not going to have the same capabilities as when it was new. All considering.