Towing long distances on the highway at 3000+ RPM?

Towing my trailer at 70mph puts me at around 3100rpm in my 1999 v6 4x4, and gas mileage drops to around 12mpg. Aside from the "hot motor smell" at gas stops, the truck doesn't seem to object, but I imagine that this is really accelerating wear on the motor. Has anyone else spent significant time towing with the motor wound up this high, and did you notice any problems that you attributed to the towing?

 

Go slower when towing? I towed from California to Tennessee and I stayed under 65. I got about 14 MPG.

 

I would say that it's fine. I towed at 70 for about 1100 miles in 2 days and it was fine. I was floating around 3k in 6th gear IIRC. I also have a little bit newer engine...I would only do it for shorter distances (an hour) or just slow down.

 

I do tow slower when I can, but for some of the trips I need to drive 70 because of schedule. I have to get from A to B before the destination closes for the day, and without stopping at a hotel overnight, and leaving earlier isn't an option due to my work schedule. Slowing down 5mph for a 10 hour drive makes it an 11+ hour drive, probably more due to an extra rest stop. I'm debating on upgrading to a small diesel truck (Chevy Colorado), but it would be a heck of a lot cheaper to keep this one if it's up to the task.

 

The answer is likely no harm being done, assuming good oil and a fully functional cooling system.

What I'd be curious to know is where the ECU fuel cut is on these motors; it will likely be something a fair bit higher than the 'redline' painted on the dash tach.

Using a Scan Gauge II would help verify the tach accuracy/inaccuracy, and also can show engine loading.

You're current 3100 RPM (if accurate) is under the 3600 RPM peak torque point and well under the 4800 RPM max HP point.

I suspect you'll find your current 3100 RPM is less than half of max (fuel cut), which, combined with the numbers above, would be a nice indicator that while gas guzzling, it's quite harmless to the motor.