What gear do you pull a load in ?

I have an 08 DCSB TRD and I have a lawn care business that I do part time. I pull a 5 x 10 trailer around town with my equipment which weighs approximately 1000 lbs. not including the trailer.

I normally pull it around in 4 but I slide the lever to the left to take it out of overdrive. Should I pull in 3 or is this load ok to pull in 4 ?

I also have a 16' tandem I pull sometimes with the ATV's on it. Any suggestions on it?

Thanks
RDB

 

Downshift if the tranny is hunting up and down for gears, if not leave it be. I tow a boat that is bit over 1000lbs every weekend and it is usually fine in D unless I am going up hills but if I feel it shifting I knock it down a gear,

 

You should be fine with it in 4th and when flat or downhill D might be ok for you.

I tow a 5000 boat and it does fine in 4th other than a couple steep hills.

 

If it was my truck, I'd invest in a ScanGauge II or similar CAN-compliant tool and watch ATF temps. If the ATF temps are below 175 (in the pan), keep doing what you're doing, and swap the fluid every 25-30k miles. If the temps get above that, add an ATF cooler (or if you have the two package with the dinky factory cooler, add bigger one) and see how it does.


Heat is what kills AT's.

 

My tranny doesn't seem to strain or downshift back and forth when pulling either so I should be alright. I do have the factory towing package so I think overheating should not be a problem.

Thanks for input guys.

RDB

 

I use 5 or 6.

Kidding aside, I don't have an auto. But I have pulled up to 4000# in 5th and 6th gear and not had a problem. If I had an auto I would leave it in drive with less then a 2000# load, and only screw with it if the tranny starts to "hunt".

 

Usually a scuba suit but sometimes I like latex.

 

I have a 2013 TRD Sport Auto and occasionally pull about 3-4k lbs (of closet cabinetry) on the highway.
At about 70 MPH, the tranny hunts constantly if left in D, so I keep it in 4. I guess it's sucking more fuel in that gear... I also wasn't sure if keeping it in 4 at 70-80 MPH is ok. My other vehicle is a 2000 Ford Econoline, so the Taco is a dream to ride in while pulling the trailer!

 

You should be fine in 5th. Imagine 3 other 200lb guys plus some equipment and you are at 1000lb right there. For that situation most wouldn't think about dropping it down to 4th.