Towing in 5th gear

[RAT-KING]

Hey guys
Does anybody know if its ok to tow an average size tinny in 5th gear?
Ive heard it damages ur gearbox but i have a 98 duel cab hilux 4x4! Personally I thought it would of bn ok, but im not a mechanic!
All info is very much appreciated!
Cheers Simon

[tunaticer]

As long as you are not too slow for the gearing and motor power output it will not hurt it.

Jack.

[NormC]

Simon, your 'average size tinnie' probably weighs not more than 750kg including trailer. If that is right, I wouldn't be too concerned.

5th gear is generally an overdrive and is much lighter than other gears. Towing in 5th can be harmful to the gearbox if towing heavy loads.

I previously towed a 1,500 KG camper trailer with a Hilux. Only towed in 4th gear unless on a long downhill run. Well occasionally on a long flat run, I'd slip into 5th, but dropped down if I was looking to accelerate.

I now tow a 3,500KG caravan with a Land Cruiser Ute (new model). Again, I only tow in 4th.

But for your tinnie, I suspect you are fine.

[jimbamb]

Mate ,
Ive towed 17ft6in caravans all around the country 65000Km all up with a 92 4runner Never looked like hurting it.
on the other hand the manual for cruisers states NOT to tow in 5th gear
The reason is that the large motors have lots more torque and the killer for gearboxes is letting them lug at low revs
I never let the revs get low when towing always changing back as soon as it started to drop revs.
Brother in law tows a 3ton van with 78 series ute Uses 5th gear mostly but carefully watches rev counter and changes back as soon as the motor starts to work harder. He has been on the road for a few years now.

Thats just my 2 bobs worth..
Jim

[Cheech]

I have tested alternating between 4th and 5th towing 2 tonne of boat, and monitored the economy gauge. Even when I thought 5th was doing a better job, the economy was always a bit worse in 5th than in 4th.

[SeaHunt]

Hi Simon,
Hiluxs did have a bit of a reputation for blowing 5th gear, usually on the diesels, might not be a problem with the later models.
My brother did his twice in a year, (blamed it on his kids driving it).
If you let them lug down at low revs in 5th the extra torque of the diesel gets a bit too much for 5th gear.
Stay in the correct gear and you should be fine.
I tow my bigger than average tinny which probably weighs in excess of a tonne all over the place in my diesel Hilux, using 5th on flats and down hills, no probs.
If the revs start to die off go back a gear, go back to 4th going up hills.

[reidy]

I have no choice but to use 5th pulling my boat (only an open 4.2 tinnie) in my Defender (4th to low to cruise on the open road with any ecom.)Pop back to 4th on some hills,keep the motor reving and 5th should be fine.
Cheers
Reidy