Towing

[Neil the Nissan]

Hi Guys,
I am towing my 18ft Alloy boat from QLD to NT with my 2011 GU auto and was just wondering what you guys recommend when it comes to using the overdrive button.Predominantely most of the trip will be miles of flat roads so can i use overdrive to save fuel in those circumstances or should i always have it "OUT" of overdrive as soon as there is a load on the towball?.....
Any advice Ladies and Gents please
Neil the Nissan

[Stropp]

mate i wouldnt be using it, i dont own an auto but you would be putting undue strain on the tranny in overdrive, i would also look at putting in a seperate transmission cooler and disconnect the one going to the radiator.

[the evil twin]

I would use Overdrive selectively during periods of low engine load otherwise have the OD off.

I would also fit a manual Torque Converter Lock Up Switch and cruise with the TC locked.
Makes a huge difference to tranny temps and reduces fuel useage when used to suit the conditions.

[Neil the Nissan]

Thanks guys, i spoke to the local Nissan dealer and he advised to have the overdrive off which i will do.If ime heading down hill or have a good tail wind on a flat road it can be used to suit the conditions as you guys have stated above. Cheers

[threedogs]

so you would be happy sitting on 3000rpm on the hwy at 100kph?
seems high and not the best for fuel consumption, I tow my hilux tub trailer
with OD on, if I see a hill etc coming I'll then press the button for OD off

[4bye4]

Lasdt year I drove Perth to Esperance and return, towing a pod trailer with all our camp gear in it, all with OD on. Thats 7 1/2 to 8 hrs drive each way, all on bitumen and at 100 to 120 kph. (Ok I get a little naughty sometimes). Had no issues with temps or strain on anything. The only thing I do special is try to keep momentum up downhill to get better economy when going up the next hill. Thats my two bobs worth.

[threedogs]

I must have been real naughty doing 285 kph, I think 110 is in the wrong area for towing as in too high
next trip Ill try sitting on 100 and see if it makes any difference, my pocket will thank me I think

[4bye4]

I must have been real naughty doing 285 kph, I think 110 is in the wrong area for towing as in too high
next trip Ill try sitting on 100 and see if it makes any difference, my pocket will thank me I think

Hey TD, I tried 285kph but the trailer couldn't keep up:smile:
I usually sit about 100 kph but as I said before, I like to run downhill and get momentum for the next one. I used to drive trucks and that was what I was taught. Mind you that was when we used to get up to 60 miles per hour to get up the next hill at 40 miles per hour. Anyhowe, I sometimes get to 110+ downhill, weather and traffic permitting so I can get up the next hill without washing off too much speed and having to put in the boot and open that drain valve on the tank.:smile:

[threedogs]

getting a run on down hill is the perfect spot for Mr Blue to set his camera up, well on the more famous hills
Yeah I think most try to get a "run up".
The 285 bit was on an 1100r honda going to Yarrawonga when I was bullet proof