TrailManor Owner's Forum - View Single Post - When to tow in All wheel drive or 2 wheel drive?

03-27-2010, 09:59 AM

The first year I had my TM (2008) I towed primarily with the OD on. Thinking, as others have said, that I would get better mileage on flatland (although not much of that here) and it would kick to a lower gear naturally when climbing. Last season (2009 summer) I decided to tow almost exclusively with OD off and see what happened.

1. I noticed that I was a lot more comfortable towing - didn't seem to downshift as much and I had a significantly better experience pulling over passes (i.e. Berthod and Monarch for those familiar with Colorado).
2. The biggest surprise was that I didn't seem to have any difference in mpg. I would get consistently 11-12 in OD and 11-12 without.

Granted, my numbers are not based on scientific or even strong empirical evidence. Just my observation of mpg when I reset my trip computer.

03-27-2010, 09:59 AM	#14
Al-n-Sue Guest Posts: n/a	FWIW - mileage comment The first year I had my TM (2008) I towed primarily with the OD on. Thinking, as others have said, that I would get better mileage on flatland (although not much of that here) and it would kick to a lower gear naturally when climbing. Last season (2009 summer) I decided to tow almost exclusively with OD off and see what happened. 1. I noticed that I was a lot more comfortable towing - didn't seem to downshift as much and I had a significantly better experience pulling over passes (i.e. Berthod and Monarch for those familiar with Colorado). 2. The biggest surprise was that I didn't seem to have any difference in mpg. I would get consistently 11-12 in OD and 11-12 without. Granted, my numbers are not based on scientific or even strong empirical evidence. Just my observation of mpg when I reset my trip computer.