Seriously Noob question here...
Before I get started, I'll be driving a borrowed 2003 Toyota Sienna with AWD and towing a PUP that's about 2000 lbs no brakes.
What do I do for my TV to tow? While we were driving to French Creek, my brother and I realized we should probably figure out to what to do with the automatic transmission while towing. He checked the TV manual and said something about not being in overdrive, I don't know what that is. I just stuck it in 4 the whole time.
I've suddenly realized that I'm going to be traveling without him to Gettysburg, and I'll be traveling much much further from home than I did before.
Do I just stick it in 4 the whole time?
Do I downshift if going up a big hill?
What about going down a hill?
I tried to read up before asking this question, and learned not to step on the break if the PUP starts to sway, and not to lean on the breaks for an extended period of time because the breaks will heat up. That's about the extent of my towing knowledge. Oh, and if I stop at a rest stop to make sure I park somewhere really far away (actually, do buss's/trucks get mad if I were to park in their slots at a rest stop?)
help? :dunno:
My 2000 sienna has an Overdrive button on the end of the gear shift selector. When you tow, you should have the OD off. It allows the engine to rev a little higher so you get some more umph out of it and it prevents it from going into OD which is a high gear. If you tow in OD it shifts back and forth more often and is not good for the Trans.
I would find out exactly how much your pup weighs. It should be in the manual section somewhere. 2,000#'s sounds a bit heavy to me, My guesstimate would be 1,750#'s. I would also find out exactly how much your Sienna can tow. My Sienna with a 6cyl is rated at 2,000# normal and 3,500#'s with the tow package. Funny thing, my 4cyl Tacoma can tow 3,000#'s without the tow package.
If going up a steep hill you find yourself going real slow no matter how much gas you give it, yes, downshift. But don't redline it. You can also do the same going down a hill. I think I have downshifted going down a hill more often to save my brakes. If you ride the brakes the whole way down a steep hill they will overheat and lose their stopping capability.
Remember those "steep hill" "Trucks dowshift" "Steep grade" "Runaway truck ramp" when you took your license exam however many years ago.....now you should start noticing them.
Don't be scared to drive. Just pay attention to your surroundings and your vehicle.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
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