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Topic ClosedTow vehicles - Event Date: 03 Feb 2015
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Calendar Event: Tow vehicles
    Posted: 04 Mar 2015 at 8:22pm
Originally posted by J&Jcf

...The one thing l would look to down grade is the rear end (differential). I would get a 2.73 or 3.55 . lighter weight truck,smaller more efficient engine & higher rear end would increase mpg at least during nontowing times.

One advantage of the newer 6-speed, and definitely with the 8-speed trannys, is less of a need for the low rear gear ratios, so I think you have the right idea.  You really only need it low off the line, and 1st and 2nd on the 8-speeds are very low.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 2015 at 4:49pm
Originally posted by techntrek

Originally posted by J&Jcf

...The one thing l would look to down grade is the rear end (differential). I would get a 2.73 or 3.55 . lighter weight truck,smaller more efficient engine & higher rear end would increase mpg at least during nontowing times.

One advantage of the newer 6-speed, and definitely with the 8-speed trannys, is less of a need for the low rear gear ratios, so I think you have the right idea.  You really only need it low off the line, and 1st and 2nd on the 8-speeds are very low.

True about the 8 speed transmissions. First two ratios are VERY low. I get 15mpg towing the Pod at 65mph with cruise set. If I can tolerate driving at 55mph, then it climbs to 17mpg towing. I have the TDI (diesel) version of the Touareg.
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Larry158 View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 2015 at 10:59am
All,
To all who responded to my query my hearfelt thanks. I believe I will stick with my present TV until something better comes along based on your responses. Tongue jn cheek I was ready to research the availability of a lifted Toyota 4 runner in my area until I scrolled down to the bottom of the message.

Thanks again
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two things all men Lie about is Gas Mileage, and their Sex Life.
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 2015 at 8:53pm
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For fish stories, of course.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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thetower View Drop Down
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Posts: 4 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Mar 2015 at 8:15pm
Hello . We tow are 179 witt a dodge journey 2012 6 cyl and it is the same gas millage . Same speed . And it is verry safe and we enjoy the way down the road. We like verry mutch the match . We go to south carolina 3 time s a year . We are chasing the warm weather. Bon voyage les amis
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Posts: 27 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2015 at 9:28am
I have a 03 4Runner with the V6 and tow package also and looking to get a 171 this week.  Have you pulled in high winds or in the mountains? Do you use a WDH?

Thanks!
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Posts: 451 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Apr 2015 at 1:09pm
Originally posted by WIRpodder

I have a 03 4Runner with the V6 and tow package also and looking to get a 171 this week.  Have you pulled in high winds or in the mountains? Do you use a WDH?

Thanks!


I also had a 2003 4Runner V6 Limited  4 speed AISIN automatic transmission. They all came standard with the tow receiver (rear cross member mounted).. There is an optional frame mounted receiver which allows slightly higher tow capacity (tow weight and tongue weight).

Stock 4Runner V6 has capacity 500/5000 (Tongue/Tow). It will tow an RPod "OK" .  It will NOT tow well at 65-70 mph unless it's flatland, and you will never be able to use the 4th gear. You must leave it in 3rd, or the transmission will hunt like crazy towing 3000 pounds or more.

 Hills at any highway speed are taking at a leisurely pace. Accept that towing several thousand pounds will be at 50-55 mph on the highway heading uphill. 

 I replaced my 10 year old 4Runner in 2013 with a diesel SUV because of my towing experiences, distance towing, and generally it was time for a more efficient vehicle anyway. The 4Runner was still in great condition, and was practically  oil changes and scheduled maintenance only. Very few mechanical issues in 10 years. Sold it to a friend, who doesn't tow, he still uses it as his daily driver.
2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler
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