Auto gear selection for towing.

[Mudnut]

After completing some small trips, I got to wondering what should I do with the auto transmission. I have never towed a heavy load with an auto before. In my TD5 Defender, I did not use 5th gear when towing unless going down a slight grade, and there was no stress on the transmission. Do people use manual mode, and not cruise in 8th? Want to preserve this transmission, and the vehicle for a long time. I do plan on using manual mode for steep downhill grades, to preserve the brakes, even with a braked trailer.

 

[Eric]

After completing some small trips, I got to wondering what should I do with the auto transmission. I have never towed a heavy load with an auto before. In my TD5 Defender, I did not use 5th gear when towing unless going down a slight grade, and there was no stress on the transmission. Do people use manual mode, and not cruise in 8th? Want to preserve this transmission, and the vehicle for a long time. I do plan on using manual mode for steep downhill grades, to preserve the brakes, even with a braked trailer.

Have towed heavy loads (3.5 T ) occasionally for decades in an auto. 5 number auto L/R Discoverys before the Grenadier. In that time of ownership of I have never used the manual functionality. The Grenadier pulls and tows better than the L/R. You are using the same gearbox whether it is auto or manual mode and the torque in the gearbox will be the same. For going down very steep hills you can always use the downhill assist function.