cfurse

HI,
This is going to be a very newbie question, because I've never had a car with an automatic transmission before, and it is driving me nuts.

I need advice on the safest way to tow a horse trailer on steep twisty mountain roads with an automatic transmission. Up until now I have been towing with a 1997 V6 4runner with a manual transmission and used the clutch as the brake coming down hill. Worked great. Almost haven't had to touch the brakes in most cases. But now I have a new 4runner, and can't get manual transmission any more, and help! I don't want to go rollin' down the mountain with my brakes afire.

Here is what I have:
2006 4WD 4Runner sport model with a V8 engine pulling a 2H trailer, total weight 4000 pounds with one horse, 5000 pounds with two, using an equalizer hitch. The 4Runner is rated for 7000 pounds, so I am within that weight limit. The trailer is equipped with one set of brakes, and I am having a second set added. The 4Runner has settings for 4H and 4L, D,4,3,2,L and Down Hill Assist. I've read the manual, puzzled over it, and there are so many options, I am not sure what I am really supposed to be doing. It says the brake actuator gets hot if used too long in down hill assist mode. I just need some advice.

Thank you, CIndy

scuba

Cant you manually downshift with your shifter...?

cfurse

Yes, but am I better off with 4H or 4L and the downshifting?

904_runner

No...

You don't want to use 4wd on pavement.
The reason is things will start to bind.

Unless the new 4runners are similar to AWD... That i am not sure.

cfurse

This one is Full time 4WD, seems to figure out when it is supposed to be in 4 and when in 2. So the 4H and 4L really just seems to apply to H and L.

Lumpy

I don't think you really want to use 4L. Have you needed to use it with the other runner. I'd use the "down hill towing assist" as well as put it in the gear suitable for the hill you are descending. I would not use 4L IMO.

scuba

NoLo...

Cwake

What lumpy said.. and just take it slow

eric-the-red

Keep it in 4H and shift the transmission lever into 4 or 3 or 2 depending on the steepness of the hill. Usually with hills on freeways and major roads 4 or 3 will be good. If you're in the mountains then use 2 if necessary. Do not use the Down Hill Assist, that setting is for off road use to keep your speed to about 5 mph. It uses the brakes and with a trailer behind you'll overheat them very quickly.

And if the new vehicle doesn't have an external transmission cooler then get one installed.

wheatus

get a trailer brake controller, you didn't say if your truck is equipped with one, it will be money well spent if you tow much. with brakes on both trailer axles you will be fine without having to downshift at all.

gary96360

dont use 4wd just gear down to like 3 or somthing in 2wd