Any issues with using cruise while highway towing 3500+ pounds long distance?

 

I think the cruise control will drop out if it can not maintain a set speed, such as towing a heavy load up a hill. You might want to keep the transmission out of overdrive to make its life easier. Also, you might want to install an extra plate cooler for the ATF, change the fluid according to the gentle flush procedure with a good synthetic, such as Mobil 1.

 

when i towed heavy with my Aero, i never allowed it to hunt in between gears. between 3rd and OD is the most common.
locking in 2nd or 1st while towing a long high grade hill helps the tranny and engine keep cool. locking out OD is preferable unless one has upgraded their tranny with high grade clutch packs and aramid/graphite bands.
suggest a tranny temp gauge and keep the ATF under 200d F.

 

I put in a good aftermarket cooler and flushed the fluid. I didn't go synthetic. Too expensive and I'll be flushing yearly anyway. Work van with many city miles.

Just wanted to be sure their would not be any complications using cruise while towing a heavy load long distance. I'll watch it on hills so she doesn't kick out and I never tow in OD. Very bad.

I'll be towing a 3500 pound travel trailer around 4000KM round trip in about a week. Can you say "cross country camping trip"? Yaaaaaay!

Thanks.

 

Yep, I NEVER tow in OD.

I'd love a tranny temp gauge but I couldn't find anything suitable locally and am running out of time before my trip in a week.

 

I've towed with about 2500 lbs load in overdrive but I think you need to be in the power band of the engine to do it, which with the 3L engine seems to be above 120 KPH, unfortunately this speed is on the edge of getting a ticket, so at 100 kph with any hills or resistance I kick out of OD (mines electronic). With the 4L I'd imagine you would be OK as long as it's flat highway with no headwind!

Aeroman



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