Towing and Cruise Control
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004 at 17:25
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butts
Have a 2004 TD Prado (4speed Auto). Got it from with new with about 5000k on the clock. I also have a Camper Van(wind up roof pullout beds,etc). It probably weighs around approx.1000kg with all my gear.
Should I be using Cruise Control whilst travelling? Should I be using 3rd or 4th gear or changing regularly?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Butts
Reply By: Rick Blaine - Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004 at 19:48
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004 at 19:48
I have an auto 2002 t/d jack.... put it in drive with "power drive button "on and off I go... engage cruise control when on the highway - never a problem unless its a steep climb then I turn off overdrive and let the electronic brain in the car do its thing. If I leave overdrive on it tries to accelerate to a suitable speed to use the overdrive...same on a steep decent... overdrive off and select a lower gear to utilise engine braking. I tow a 21' van and have never had problems with overdrive melting but then the Jack only will use overdrive if its brain tells it the load etc is capable of being pulled in the higher gear. The Prado should be even more capable... though I think that in some earlier models the overdrive was engaged as soon as the switch was turned on. One other thing to remember as I was reminded by a very patient and understanding member of the Constabulary is that it is an offence to travel at less than 20 kmh under the posted speed limit... Also check your user manual... though it will be framed at protecting mr Toyotas bum unless it specfically states not to use overdrive or cruise when towing then it would be safe to do so.
AnswerID:
86630
Follow Up By: In hock - Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004 at 21:43
Tuesday, Nov 30, 2004 at 21:43
I thinkt the question was cruise and towing so I am not sure what you are on about mate.
The 3.0litre 4 t/d in the Prado is not the beefiest on the market but more than capable of towing 1t with cruise on under any conditions.
It is an electronic transmission with intelligence so just let it do its work . As always if you have a hilly section coming up just disengage until you are through it ..
Have fun.
FollowupID:
345222
Reply By: Nudenut - Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 08:04
Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 08:04
IMHO TD with auto should not be a problem as cruise/transmission should kick back when required.......
not like a manual; people are needed to put it in a lower gear when its needed ....this leaves too much to people error as they get lazy and wont kick it back!
AnswerID:
86732
Reply By: Member - Gary W (VIC) - Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 10:29
Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 10:29
I have a 2004 LC T/D Auto - so it has a 5 speed. I find when towing its fine on most highways but have found it hunts gears too much on runs with steeper inclines. For the most part I drop it down to 4th before the auto has a chance to kick down. This seems to work the best. I also think fuel economy is worse with cruise on unless you are on a dead flat run - eg up the Stuart.
In short - use cruise leave it in top and only change down just prior to an anticipated kick down. Also helps to speed up slightly prior to going up a steeper incline.
Gaz
AnswerID:
86763
Follow Up By: Member - Jeff M (WA) - Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 15:06
Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 15:06
I don't tow a van but I do have a 1kz-te motor with a 4 speed auto box in the surf (similar to the prado config) and when we are fully loaded I do the same as what Gary W is suggesting and it works
well.
If you see a big
hill comming up, just flick the overdrive off and let the cruise get a run up.
FollowupID:
345391
Reply By: butts - Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 17:18
Wednesday, Dec 01, 2004 at 17:18
Thanks for all that info. I've been used to Man. with no cruise, so this is certainly a new thing for me. Just about worn the carpet looking for the clutch.
Butts
AnswerID:
86838