Anyone have any words of wisdom about towing in Overdrive with a 2000 4Runner Limited. Pulling around a double snowmobile trailer, maybe 1500lbs if that, with a hitch weight of maybe 100lbs. Toyota service departmet said go ahead and tow in Overdrive but I am not so certian.

Cruising at 60MPH doesn't seem to be a problem in Overdrive, but out of Overdrive engine is reving at about 3000RPM. Seems like that may be a gas milage killer.

 

I don't think you'll have any problems in overdrive. I've towed much more than that in o/d with no problems.

 

You will be fine in overdrive, if you are in the city doing a lot of stop and go with the trailer I would probably take it out of overdrive but other than that you are good.

 

I used to tow a double jetski trailer in overdrive with mine, I doubt you'll have any issues (esp in winter). In summer I'd say to get a tranny cooler just to be sure temps stay low. If you tow up any big hills where you can't hold speed, just take it out of OD and let the motor rev to hold speed up the hill.

 

I tow a 5100 pound boat/trailer (really). I am in and out of overdrive as needed. Going up hills I actually engage overdive to get the "extra" lower gear - it kicks down nice. On the flats I take it OUT of overdrive and keep a nice 2800 at 65mph. It's just the opposite of what you would think. I imagine with a 1500 trailer you can forget your towing anything. You don't need a tranny cooler.

 

you cant expect to have good gas mileage while towing anyway. youll have much better acceleration at higher speed (50-60) while int hat 3rd gear and 3k rpms. i couldnt count on going 80 with a trailer...

 

aquasport that doesn't make sense... why would you allow the engine to have less power when going up hills than when your on flat....

 

he meant switched it back into 4th for fuel economy.

 

you want to hear something weird? I tow my boat, about 1500lbs or so w/o OD and it is reved up to around 3k rpms on the highway... However, I still get very close mpg than not towing... Probably 10 miles less per tank.

 

Dont think it is a problem - just have to stay out of the speed range where it keeps on shifting back and forth. And going up hills, click it out of OD - IMHO.

G