tran_man

I did a quick search and didn't quite find the exact answer I was looking for.

I towed a flatbed motorcycle trailer with one motorcycle today for about an hour, mostly freeway, and it got me thinking.

The trailer is not heavy at all and the motorcycle is a sportbike. Not that much weight being towed. I'm towing it with an 08 RX.

I'm a towing newbie. I know the manual says to keep the transmission in D4 while towing. I don't like the gas mileage it gets.

Can you guys help me in listing some pros and cons of towing in OD vs D4 during normal freeway driving and stop & go type traffic.

Should I follow the manual regarding towing or is it safe in OD?

Any help is appreciated.

arnieosp

iTrader: (1)

With something this light I wouldn't worry about D4.

salimshah

While towing, if you notice your transmission repeated searching for the right gear (termed as "hunting") then you need to remove the over-drive as an option.

Salim

tran_man

In OD, there is no transmission hunting so I'm assuming I'm good.

Based on the responses so far, I am going to trailer my bike in OD unless there is a clear negative to it. Thanks guys!

Boognish

That's my take on it, as well. Same thing goes for climbing a grade.

Also, as an aside, I'm pretty sure both 4th and 5th are technically "overdrive" gears, it's just that (obviously) 4th is a shorter ratio than 5th.

Dip Don

A good rule of thumb for towing in O/D. If you get to a point where you can't accelerate, such as on a small grade, it's time to shift down one gear.

longshot

tran man - what type of trailer do you have ? Brand ? Size ?
Thanks !

19psi

i'd leave it on OD as longa s your'e just cruising, but if you go up a hill that's kinda steep or long, hit the od button and let it cruise up in 4th.

tran_man

I've got a Kendon Dual Rail trailer:

http://www.kendonusa.com/dual_trailer.htm

According to the website, it's 400 lbs empty. I'm towing my 06 Honda 600rr and sometimes another sportbike. I'll get a picture up this weekend since I'm going to the track again.

tran_man

Pic of trailer from website:

tran_man

Pictures: