Towing with an Auto-Transmission??

[BigDaddyRog]

Hey...Im going to br hauling my cart to FtW on a rented trailer...like 5x9' or somewhere in that general size area. I'll be driving an 02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. My question is should I leave the shifter in OVERDRIVE, or just REGULAR DRIVE? I dont really know what REGULAR DRIVE is for any more...but I figure if Im EVER gonna need it, I'll probably need it while pulling something.

[tellnotails]

Your jeep will prolly down shift a lot pulling this cart.....Try "D" if it still down shifts try "3", etc.....watch your rpm gauge


Slow and easy....;)

[AuburnJen92]

yep, when we had our laredo we had to go to D and sometimes 3, just like tellnotails said, keep an eye on the rpm's and you'll be just fine...

you aren't going through terribly huge hills so i don't think you will have a problem

[FtWildrns5]

My truck has a tow/haul button which I believe just turns the overdrive off. So I would say that you should use the regular drive (no overdrive). But then again I don't really know what I'm talking about when it comes to anything even remotely mechanical, so good luck.

[big kahuna1]

Rog,

If the vehicle is struggling and keeps down shifting to maintain speed then you will want to take it out of overdirve and drop it into drive which would be 3 if you have a 3. If you don't have a 3 you probably do not have an overdrive so "D" should be fine. But, unless it is struggling to maintain speed by downshifting all the time, not just up hills but on straight aways, then you can leave it in "D".

I have a button on the end of my shift arm that I push once to put in tow/haul mode and then push again to lock out overdirve if needed. You might have a tow/haul button if the vehicle came with the tow package. If that is the case then just put it in tow/haul mode.

[PanFanAL]

I would think that with the Jeep, you could probably stay in OD. They are good TV for their size. And the trailer and golf cart won't weigh much. But I would still play it by ear to begin with. I had a Jeep Cherokee (not Grand Cherokee) with the 4.0 inline 6 cyl. I used to tow a bas boat with, and it owed it no problem. I usually just used drive, and not overdrive, but it would have done it. have fun!

[ntsammy5]

How about reverse? :lmao:

[AuburnJen92]

Only Al drives in reverse....:lmao:

[BigDaddyRog]

Thanks guys...I'll be eyeballin the rpm guage.

[PolynesianPixie]

I know this is a girlie thing to do but......you could consult your owners manual:rolleyes1

[Shannone1]

I know this is a girlie thing to do but......you could consult your owners manual:rolleyes1

That's what I would do ;) But my husband would ask his buddies what they did or figure it out on his own. :rotfl:

[big kahuna1]

OK Ladies. Let's be honest now. The majority of woman have no clue, have never seen and never even knew that automobiles came with an owners manual. The ones that do cannot find it because it is in the "Glove Box" behind their gloves. We all know that the worst thing that was ever done to the automobile was to let Woman drive and own them. In fact, they are now coming out with 2 different used auto guides. One for autos that were owned and maintained by Men and the other by Woman.:scared1: Let the flaming begin!!:rolleyes1

Now, when it comes to putting together toys, games, bikes, etc...then you can pull the "instruction/manual" card but NEVER on the automobile.:eek:

[YellowXterra]

How much do you think the cart and trailer will weigh? If its under 1000 I would drive like normal. I tow 3500 with an 08 Nissan Frontier and tow using OD. My book says to turn off OD after you pass the 4K mark ;)

[77ed]

Thanks guys...I'll be eyeballin the rpm guage.

Also watch your temp gauge.

[PolynesianPixie]

OK Ladies. Let's be honest now. The majority of woman have no clue, have never seen and never even knew that automobiles came with an owners manual. The ones that do cannot find it because it is in the "Glove Box" behind their gloves. We all know that the worst thing that was ever done to the automobile was to let Woman drive and own them. In fact, they are now coming out with 2 different used auto guides. One for autos that were owned and maintained by Men and the other by Woman.:scared1: Let the flaming begin!!:rolleyes1

Now, when it comes to putting together toys, games, bikes, etc...then you can pull the "instruction/manual" card but NEVER on the automobile.:eek:

I found my book when I was searching that box thingy for my lipstick.....





Gimme a break!

[terri01p]

Rog my dh asked what size engine does your car have ?

[djblu883]

[QUOTE=big kahuna1;25202113]OK Ladies. Let's be honest now. The majority of woman have no clue, have never seen and never even knew that automobiles came with an owners manual. The ones that do cannot find it because it is in the "Glove Box" behind their gloves. We all know that the worst thing that was ever done to the automobile was to let Woman drive and own them. In fact, they are now coming out with 2 different used auto guides. One for autos that were owned and maintained by Men and the other by Woman.:scared1: Let the flaming begin!!:rolleyes1


had to laugh...i know what you mean but glad you added the majority part...i, myself went to mechanic's school 25 plus years ago...i play hero all the time for ladies in need on the road...rescued a lady just Fri. who would have been left out in the country on a DARK road many miles from home had it not been for me...scary in these days and times...I saw her problem before she even stopped on the side of the road...got her calmed down and home before AAA could get there!Gloves haven't been worn for many years unless working outside in a garden...seldom do you find them in the "glove box" ever this day and time lol and yes I do still tinker with my vehicles...and did on my Harley as well!!!:hippie: princess:

[ntsammy5]

OK, let's bring this back OT. Rog, will there be any beer in the cart?

[Pirate-Jeff]

A golf cart weigh less than 1000lbs. Your Jeep either has a 4.0 litre six with a 42RE trans or a 4.7 V-8 with a 545RFE trans both can handle the trailer with no problem. Since it is flat land from SE Lousiana to FTW you will be fine. If you feel the Jeep laboring up hills/the bridge over mobile bay or shifting constantly take it out of overdrive (push the button on the side of the shifter) if not leave it in OD.


PS... having the cruise control on will also change the shift pattern(upshifts at a higher RPM and downshifts easier)

28 years as a tech at a Jeep dealer comes in handy

Jeff

[AuburnJen92]

I know this is a girlie thing to do but......you could consult your owners manual:rolleyes1

stop being such a girlie....let the tomboys and men handle this...:lmao:

just go to paris and have the time of your life while we all drool....:lmao:

[AuburnJen92]

OK Ladies. Let's be honest now. The majority of woman have no clue, have never seen and never even knew that automobiles came with an owners manual. The ones that do cannot find it because it is in the "Glove Box" behind their gloves. We all know that the worst thing that was ever done to the automobile was to let Woman drive and own them. In fact, they are now coming out with 2 different used auto guides. One for autos that were owned and maintained by Men and the other by Woman.:scared1: Let the flaming begin!!:rolleyes1

Now, when it comes to putting together toys, games, bikes, etc...then you can pull the "instruction/manual" card but NEVER on the automobile.:eek:

OK, you and I are going to tustle. Does building a 327, with dual carbs, and a forced air induction blower count? Don't throw me in the girlie flower patch bucko!:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[djblu883]

OK, you and I are going to tustle. Does building a 327, with dual carbs, and a forced air induction blower count? Don't throw me in the girlie flower patch bucko!:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

lol love that one:rotfl2:

[BigDaddyRog]

Also watch your temp gauge.
You aint kidding...Jeep has the worst cooling system Ive ever dealt with!!! My daughter bought this thing about 8 months ago...I've changed 2 radiators, a thermostat, a new fan & shroud and a new fan relay myself...and STILL had to bring it to the professionals because I couldnt get the transmission fluid to stop leaking from the radiator connection....of coarse, they decided that I needed to have a JEEP radiator because all my troubles were because of the aftermarket radiator....apparently they were right $1500 later!!

Rog my dh asked what size engine does your car have ? Its a 6Cyl 4.something

OK, let's bring this back OT. Rog, will there be any beer in the cart?Of coarse!!!...but not till after we cross the FL state line!!

A golf cart weigh less than 1000lbs. Your Jeep either has a 4.0 litre six with a 42RE trans or a 4.7 V-8 with a 545RFE trans both can handle the trailer with no problem. Since it is flat land from SE Lousiana to FTW you will be fine. If you feel the Jeep laboring up hills/the bridge over mobile bay or shifting constantly take it out of overdrive (push the button on the side of the shifter) if not leave it in OD.


PS... having the cruise control on will also change the shift pattern(upshifts at a higher RPM and downshifts easier)

28 years as a tech at a Jeep dealer comes in handy

JeffDude...you're a GOD!!!!! So CControl with OD on is my best bet, and if its working to hard, loose OD. Who wounda known we'd have a Jeep Tech here on the boards....I LOVE THIS PLACE:banana:

[PolynesianPixie]

stop being such a girlie....let the tomboys and men handle this...:lmao:

just go to paris and have the time of your life while we all drool....:lmao:

I am what I am....can't help it. I'm guilty of being girlie. It doesn't mean I can't change my oil and get dirty like the rest of them ( I secretly love it :rolleyes1 )

[5stljayhawks]

Hey there-

use to own a 87 wrangler, once a jeep owner always a jeep owner.

1000lbs doesn't sound like it should be a problem... On thing you may want to look at is if you have tranny cooler. it's cheap insurance.


Check out RV.net it's a great site, goto tow vechicals and there may be some good info.


Long Live the Mouse

[AuburnJen92]

I am what I am....can't help it. I'm guilty of being girlie. It doesn't mean I can't change my oil and get dirty like the rest of them ( I secretly love it :rolleyes1 )

There, I knew you had it in you all along!:lmao:

[ntsammy5]

I am what I am....can't help it.

A nun with a wrench. I like that! :cool1:

OK, you and I are going to tustle. Does building a 327, with dual carbs, and a forced air induction blower count? Don't throw me in the girlie flower patch bucko!

:worship: :hippie:

I'm impressed.

[clkelley]

Just my experience towing with a 4.0 V6 automatic.

When I towed my little utility trailer full of camping gear, the truck never knew it was back there. I left it in OD, put it on cruise control at about 72 and it never hiccupped, never even dropped a gear.

Now pulling my 2000 lb T@B, I still leave it in OD, but don't run the cruise control as it does want to continually change gears on various hills. I just pay attention to RPMs and let it slow down on the hills and accelerate down hill. However, once I get to Florida, I can usually put it in cruise control, but at 65 instead of 70, and cruise along.

[PanFanAL]

That 4.0 inline six has been used in Jeeps since they were built by AMC I believe. There is a reason for that. They are good engines. Can't speak for the cooling though. Anyway, like i states earlier you should be fine, and have fun!

[AuburnJen92]

Rog, I am taking my jeep wrangler inline 6 to the Fort on Friday pulling my golfcart. If that little thing has no problems, yours should either. (I only have manual trannies though)

I just can't put it in 5th very often.

Rog, have a safe trip tomorrow and I so look forward to seeing you on Friday!

[Gatordad]

when should we tell Rog none of us are going to the Fort this weekend, we're all going on a cruise?

[AuburnJen92]

someone needs to call him on the phone before he leaves:lmao:

[Doggmeat]

rog, since i build these for a living let me ask a couple questions:

does it have factory trailer tow-i.e. hitch came on it when bought?
if not do you have a tranny cooler installed?

anywhoo, you can tow in od range, but on your gearshift there should be a button on the side of it for overdrive off, use it for towing as it locks out od but lets the torque converter go into its lockup range. other then that you shouldnt have any problems

only reason i opt for od off is that your manual prolly says if towing to turn it off, at least my wifes 2000 gr cherokee says to, that and my old 94 ram with a 46re "puked" towing 1200 lbs home from orlando. my 05 2500 ctd doesnt even tow with od on, i just deal with too many of them during the week from owners not turning at least tow/haul on. been building 42-48res for about 10-11 years now. butif its flat land youll prolly be ok, but in hills turn it off. if ya come through n fla and need anything just hit me up.

[BigDaddyRog]

when should we tell Rog none of us are going to the Fort this weekend, we're all going on a cruise?

someone needs to call him on the phone before he leaves:lmao:

Man...Ya'll goin'ta HELL!!!!!!;) I hear the crawfish, smores and coffee are really good there!!

Doggmeat....Thanks, I misunderstood the first post ya made on this...I'll leave the OD off then.

Yes..its has the hitch that came with the original purchase as far as I can tell....I know the radiator has an "inlet" and "outlet' from the transmission that Tfluid runs through, so I assume that the cooler is built into the radiator, if thats possible(?)...if not, no, theres not a transmission cooler anywhere around it.

[RvUsa]

Rog, I don't know about towing something so small.... :lmao: my truck doesn't even downshift up a 8% grade unless I am towing more than 20,000 lbs.... :rotfl2:

Sorry, just had to bust your you know whats a little. Have a great trip.

[Us3]

Have a fun and safe trip Rog and family! I'm sure we'll see y'all sometime next week! We'll be watching for the Munster-cart looping through the campground! :thumbsup2

[bigdisneydaddy]

My truck was gaining speed heading up Jellico (TN) :worship: on Southbound I-75 and still in Overdrive.

[AuburnJen92]

Man...Ya'll goin'ta HELL!!!!!!;) I hear the crawfish, smores and coffee are really good there!!

:rotfl2:

You can get me back on Friday...

[Gatordad]

Remember to get to the Port early so we can check in and begin drinking on our cruise. I can't wait to get to Aruba.

[Flametamr]

Hey Rog, Like everyone has said you'll prob be okay either way with no more weight than that. I tow my large Pop-Up with a 2002 Niss Xterra with a small V-6 in O/D constantly. It weighs less than 1500 and I have a 3500 tow cap. The only time I kicked the O/D off was in North Bama thru the hills. But if you are worried just turn off the O/D and you'll be double safe. Just burn a little more fuel.

All auto trans have cooling lines thru the radiator, but they are not the best. If you are doing a lot of heavy towing you should get an external cooler added to the front of the radiator. They really don't cost that much either.

Have a great time tooling around the Fort in the new cart. I'm a little jealous but happy for ya. Oh and drink a few for me too.

[terri01p]

A golf cart weigh less than 1000lbs. Your Jeep either has a 4.0 litre six with a 42RE trans or a 4.7 V-8 with a 545RFE trans both can handle the trailer with no problem. Since it is flat land from SE Lousiana to FTW you will be fine. If you feel the Jeep laboring up hills/the bridge over mobile bay or shifting constantly take it out of overdrive (push the button on the side of the shifter) if not leave it in OD.


PS... having the cruise control on will also change the shift pattern(upshifts at a higher RPM and downshifts easier)

28 years as a tech at a Jeep dealer comes in handy

Jeff

I highlighted this because this is exactly what my dh said, if my dh says you'll be fine I beleive it ! You're going to be ok, just drive safely and have fun ! If your really uncomfortable about towing ask on rv.net they will really have at it and let ya know .