Real world towing capacity (1 Viewer)

[Import Driver]

What do you typically see your trans temp get to? I took a recent trip with about 4,000 lbs, and had some pretty long hills; I was getting up just over 200 degrees. Granted, it was a pretty cool day at around 60 outside.

140-150 normal towing in 4th gear with the 5-speed trans. I didn't think I've seen above 180. Honestly I find recall seeing over 170. Very low.

I monitor torque converter temps and trans temps. The torque converter temps will climb fast when it's not locked, then the trans temps will follow. But they drop fast too.

Your "just over 200" seems about right to me. You're probably pulling much longer hills than me. And by the way, I'm not an expert on any of this but it interests me.

 

[ChiefKeef]

An aussie 100 is rated to tow 3500kg - ~7700 lbs.

Drive with some mechanical sympathy and make sure your brakes are sorted.

Once brakes are sorted, make sure the cooling system is sorted.

Then, tow to your heart's content.

"Drive with mechanical sympathy" is the perfect description of how to tow with a 100 series

 

[Tareq]

My JDM 100 doesn't have a tow package or brake controller, so if I ever decide to rent a 5000 lbs camper, can I fit a trailer hitch and tow, or I need more things to consider?

I was thinking of upgrading to DOT 5.1 fluid beforehand.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

My JDM 100 doesn't have a tow package or brake controller, so if I ever decide to rent a 5000 lbs camper, can I fit a trailer hitch and tow, or I need more things to consider?

I was thinking of upgrading to DOT 5.1 fluid beforehand.

Fit a tow hitch and a brake controller. If you're getting enough heat in things for DOT 5.1 brake fluid to make a difference you're doing something wrong. A property functioning OEM brake system should be more than enough, use more aggressive pads if you feel the need.

 

[Tareq]

Fit a tow hitch and a brake controller. If you're getting enough heat in things for DOT 5.1 brake fluid to make a difference you're doing something wrong. A property functioning OEM brake system should be more than enough, use more aggressive pads if you feel the need.

Great thank you!

Does up to 3000 lbs need brake controller fitment?
Is a transmission cooler necessary?
I dont have one, mine goes straight from the radiator back to the tarns ..

 

[Import Driver]

Great thank you!

Does up to 3000 lbs need brake controller fitment?
Is a transmission cooler necessary?
I dont have one, mine goes straight from the radiator back to the tarns ..

If the trailer has brakes you should have a brake controller. If the trailer is so small that it doesn't have brakes, no need.

the

 

[Tareq]

If the trailer has brakes you should have a brake controller. If the trailer is so small that it doesn't have brakes, no need.

I see!
Thank you!

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Great thank you!

Does up to 3000 lbs need brake controller fitment?
Is a transmission cooler necessary?
I dont have one, mine goes straight from the radiator back to the tarns ..

Not sure on your local regulations, any trailer over here with GVM greater than 750kg needs brakes of some form and anything over 2000kg needs electric brakes which need a brake controller.

You have a transmission cooler integrated into the radiator if you have lines going from trans to radiator. You many need additional cooling depending on how heavy the trailer is and the sort of terrain you're in.

 

[MechE30]

I recommend the Kurt Echo wireless brake controller. Works surprisingly well and for someone who rarely tows it’s really nice to not have a control box permanently mounted next to your knees.

 

[marcfj60]

Great thank you!

Does up to 3000 lbs need brake controller fitment?
Is a transmission cooler necessary?
I dont have one, mine goes straight from the radiator back to the tarns ..

I have a utility trailer with a gross weight rating of 3,000 lbs. It does not have brakes but when it is fully loaded I wish that it did because I'd like to have shorter stopping distances. I drive slowly and with mechanical sympathy when I'm towing it.

 

[Tareq]

You have a transmission cooler integrated into the radiator if you have lines going from trans to radiator. You many need additional cooling depending on how heavy the trailer is and the sort of terrain you're in.

Is there a limit to how big the aftermarket cooler can be (8 vs 16 rows), or as long as I top it off after install there shouldn't be any concern about system pressure?!

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Is there a limit to how big the aftermarket cooler can be (8 vs 16 rows), or as long as I top it off after install there shouldn't be any concern about system pressure?!

I assume the limit is what you can physically fit.

 

[ilmostro99]

I just did a nearly 3,000 mile cross country pulling my boat (99 SeaRay 190BR; roughly 3,000 lbs + trailer) with my ‘00 LC. No problems whatsoever.

 

[cbbr]

I went with the REDARC Tow-Pro Elite controller which I love. I got this switch insert which fits like factory and its all out of the way and works perfectly.