New to towing, have a question.

[SAP2018]

I’m new to towing with diesels and have been enjoying our 32’ travel trailer.

The trailer is #8200 empty. My main concern is taking off in first, how much throttle do you give it to get the load moving? I don’t know if it’s safe to just put the pedal to the floor (not how I drive but best way to describe a thought I suppose)

It seems like it’s not good for the transmission with all that converter slip in 1st gear but then again I don’t know much about how the 68rfe operates.

 

[Wiredawg]

I'm conservative, so I tend to go easy on my vehicles when towing. I drive as traffic and conditions dictate. I've never floored mine from a stop while towing, but maybe 75% throttle. I'm sure more folks will roll in on this and I hope my info was of some help.

Cheers, Ron

 

[SAP2018]

Yes, I believe I’m like you as well, I didn’t mean I wanted to floor it.

Basically if I drive how I normally drive, seems like I’m too light on the throttle from a stop. I’m probably 40-50% throttle from a stop with my trailer.

Thank you for the response.

 

[Ozymandias]

Isn't your Engine tuned? I think I remember a thread about it..

 

[SAP2018]

Isn't your Engine tuned? I think I remember a thread about it..

Correct, I run a 30hp DRD tow tune.

 

[Ozymandias]

Yeah, you shouldn't floor it with a tune I'd say. OEM yes, it is fool proof built today.

 

[Jim W]

I am towing a slightly heavier trailer with my 2008. This truck has a 60HP/120FT.-LB. over stock tune which is measured at the rear wheels, so the transmission see it all of the HP/TQ. I now have 110,000 miles on the trans since I installed the Smarty tune on my truck total mileage is over 130,000.
When starting out I use a light throttle to get the load moving around 700 to 800 engine rpm’s. I always try to use a light throttle even when going up hill on a 6% slop or more, I will also shift down to 5 gear to make it easier on the transmission. Normal cruising on the interstate is roughly around 1500RPM’s in 6th gear.

 

[Randomrunner12]

ive been towing for a while now but my question is should you use 1st gear for any size/weight trailer behind you? Sometimes when I am towing either a uhaul trailer or another smaller trailer I tend to start all loads in Second gear. Am i causing damage to my trans and clutch by doing this?

 

[AEdelheit]

ive been towing for a while now but my question is should you use 1st gear for any size/weight trailer behind you? Sometimes when I am towing either a uhaul trailer or another smaller trailer I tend to start all loads in Second gear. Am i causing damage to my trans and clutch by doing this?

Well you have a G56 so cant really compare to a auto, I would start off in 2nd when I had my G56 if it felt fine, if it felt like it was lugging the engine or slipping the clutch then go to 1st. Just depends on the trailer, terrain, tire size.

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thanks AE, Guess i'll just keep doing what I'm doing and use my judement.

 

[Wiredawg]

ive been towing for a while now but my question is should you use 1st gear for any size/weight trailer behind you? Sometimes when I am towing either a uhaul trailer or another smaller trailer I tend to start all loads in Second gear. Am i causing damage to my trans and clutch by doing this?

Like so many subjects, you get a full range of answers. When I had a standard transmission, I started in 2nd empty, and 1st when towing. I revved it too, shifting around 2500 RPM normal and 2800 to 3000 when getting on interstate or moving out smartly. This was with a 5600. I sold truck with 198K miles and the original clutch, so must have done something right.

Anyhoo, that's my experience.

Cheers, Ron

 

[Randomrunner12]

Thanks Ron, Always welcome your input!!!!