Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (12 Viewers)

[FrazzledHunter]

While we like to stress about temps, the reality is that the 200-series is a very well developed design validated to do even the heaviest work. There isn't an overheating problem to speak of. ATF heating up is normal. The ECU is equipped to utilize the fluid to its advantage (unlocking is a feature!), while managing fluid temps within its operating range.

Even as many of us mod in ways that are not conducive to heavy towing and create perceived "issues", it still hauls the mail in the most stressful use cases. That's why we own these things.

Cool. I'll get some experience with this and wait until after the trip before I think about an aux aux transmission cooler LOL!

 

[weaponoffreedom]

I'm about to tow at high altitude this June so I'm asking about this and probably missing something so apologies in advance.
How does altitude affect the transmission temps? Altitude affects combustion, right?
I get that at high altitudes the engine works harder, so the engine coolant gets hotter etc...
I've experienced that first hand!

So:

• At higher altitudes the engine is hotter and the trans cooler in the radiator doesn't cool the trans as well.
• The air is less dense at high altitudes and the cooler in front of the radiator doesn't work as well.

Are those the issues with altitude and trans tamps?

yes you are on the right track.

Less air density=less power
less power=more pedal to do the same work
more pedal=more rpm and fuel
more rpm=more friction in engine, cooling system, torque converter, etc (work)
more work=more heat

this coupled with radiators are getting less dense air through them to remove heat.............also, boiling points of fluids are lower at high altitudes, which also is a factor.

one thing that you can do is while towing uphill or nearing and serious uphill, turn your ac off and turn your system to heat front and rear this will give you max cooling by removing most heat. yes it sucks but in a pinch in works well.

 

[weaponoffreedom]

Cool. I'll get some experience with this and wait until after the trip before I think about an aux aux transmission cooler LOL!

i think the coolor on the LC is very good, and an addition is not nessessary, unless you are using the LC for more than what you should.

They are beasts, but not indestructible.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

This has been some great practical advice. I just hope I can put it into practice and not lose MY cool!

 

[FrazzledHunter]

yes you are on the right track.

Less air density=less power
less power=more pedal to do the same work
more pedal=more rpm and fuel
more rpm=more friction in engine, cooling system, torque converter, etc (work)
more work=more heat

this coupled with radiators are getting less dense air through them to remove heat.............also, boiling points of fluids are lower at high altitudes, which also is a factor.

one thing that you can do is while towing uphill or nearing and serious uphill, turn your ac off and turn your system to heat front and rear this will give you max cooling by removing most heat. yes it sucks but in a pinch in works well.

Roger on the A/C - makes sense as A/C coils are in front of the radiator.
Ya know I forgot all about the heater trick. I remember my dad doing that when the family's 1968 Mercury Monterey (I know LOL) started to overheat on a trip. I've forgotten where we were going (probably Ocean City NJ) and why the car started to overheat but I never forgot turning on the heater in the middle of summer LOL. The car was none the worse afterward IIRC.

 

[Leelanau]

This has been some great practical advice. I just hope I can put it into practice and not lose MY cool!

No frazzling while towing!

 

[Dunbar]

If you can time your trip to pull the pass just before or after sunrise the ambient temp will be lowest of the day. There also might be less traffic so you can also drive slower without torquing off others pulling the pass.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

No frazzling while towing!

You unwittingly hit the nail on the head. I have OBD displays up showing the various temps, gear, lockup etc... I have a tendency to look at those gauges causing my wife to holler " keep your <....> eyes on the road!".

 

[FrazzledHunter]

If you can time your trip to pull the pass just before or after sunrise the ambient temp will be lowest of the day. There also might be less traffic so you can also drive slower without torquing off others pulling the pass.

To which pass are you referring? The Teton Pass? If so we don't plan to tow over that. We DO plan to drive from Jackson to see it, however.
The route we're taking from Salt Lake City to Jackson is via I-15-RT 30-RT-34 to Freedom WY. That route has a couple of high spots but my understanding is that it's a bit easier than over the Teton pass. Plus I've always wanted to visit Freedom Arms.