Towing with the Pajero

Let the box decide . It should change down when it needs to.

You will need to experiment with speeds to find out if it will hold 5th. Obviously gradient and airspeed are the major factors. The main thing is to avoid hunting twix 4&5. Adjust your speed or lock out 5th. Remember that hunting and transmission oil temps are what determine auto life. lucky you....silverback

I have towed a Jayco Swan behind a 2.5 ltr 1990 turbo diesel Pajero to Kunnunara and back (twice) via the Gibb River Road, no problems at all.

We have also towed a 16'6 poptop van behind the same vehicle for many thousands of km including Sydney and back.

On one trip we were accompanied by friends with a V6 petrol 1990 Manual Pajero with a van the same size to the Pilbara and back. Surprisinglyly the fuel consumption was identical.

With the exception of the A/T transmission you should have no problems at all, its a matter of personal preference, and I wouldn't worry about it.

I currently have a V8 Auto LC and tow a 22' 2.8 tonne van, but I found it happiest in 4th gear with the torque converter locked up.

I drove to Broome from Perth in "D" and back to Perth in "4." No difference in fuel consumption, but I sure the A/T was a lot cooler on the return trip, but have no way of knowing.

The cruise control works a lot better when the tq is locked up which it seems to do easier in "4".

I rarely exceed 90 km hour. At 100km hour the fuel consumption is astronomical (30ltrs+/100km) and the TQ never locks up.

Dont know how this translates to the auto Pajjy, but I expect it would have a TQ lockup also.

At one time when I was towing with the Pajero, someone said never to in 5th. I did 170,000k towing in 5th with no problems and still have it.

Cheers


Phil

My previous 4wd was an NJ Pajero auto and it towed many things. As has been suggested above letting the auto decide is generally the best and locking out overdrive when the box is shifting too much typically in hilly country.

The key thing is to make sure you have an ear for when the torque converter is locked. When locked the transmission is in its most efficient mode and produces less heat which is the most important thing for a long auto life.

I now have a LC100 TD4.2 auto which pulls like a train but I still think the Pajero had a better transmission system. It certainly had a better LSD but that is another story.

Remember to occassionally check the auto trans dipstick. The fluid should be a nice red colour, any trend towards orange or brown is a sign of overheating. The A/T temp warning light on my NJ tended to come on early, which was a good thing and only did so when under a big load, hot day, hilly country and slack driver.

Enjoy your trip and don't sweat it, the Paj will do it well.

cheers

I have the same model Pajero and find that with 2500kg towing I leave it in 4th gear and sit on 91 - 92 klm per hr. Sounds a bit precise but I find the transmission will lock at just over 90 providing the best fuel economy. Over 33,000 klms we averaged 14.7 litres 100 klm. when I tow the trailer with say 1500kgs I find it will tow in 5th down hill and on the flat but bring it back to 4th on inclines.
hope that hepls

Neil