Towing with 2.8Lt Diesel

[Moo]

We have a 98 GQ patrol with the turbo 2.8 and 5 spd manual.

We recently acquired a camper which weighs about 1 tonne. I have found that when starting off on an incline the Patrol really struggles to get going. In fact on the odd occassion she just does not have the grunt to get going at all. Once we are rolling there is no problems.

Just wondering if it will do any harm if I just drop it into 4WD Low - without engaging the hubs - just to get me out of tricky situations - like on a steep hill, starting off at lights, with a line of cars behind me??

Thanks

By the way - this forum is a great idea - I just discovered it.:)

[Tracteur Tom]

No probs with using 4WD low to set off, but then you'll have to stop to move it into 2WD high ! But then the low ratios arn't that low so it'll probably be OK until you get onto the flat.

[PaulnLou]

What sort of engine speed are you using to start off ? If you're up in the rev range where the turbo is working it should start off pretty well. If you're trying to idle away at below 1200 rpm ( guessing a bit there ) you wont have much luck and you'll look like a goose. See if you can track down a torque and power graph for your motor. It'll give you a good idea of where the grunt is in your motor.

Or do you have 35 inch tyres ?

Remember to do virtually all of your towing in 4th gear when you're cruising. 5th gear will fail if you tow with it reguarly. That's not just a patrol thing, nearly all are the same.

Do a bit of a search through the GQ section looking for 2.8 diesel. I'm sure you'll come up with something to help.

[Tracteur Tom]

Seems to be a common complaint about the 2.8, its just not got the grunt off boost to tow. You can rev the motor but then you're onto clutch slip territory and boost only comes on when you have a load anyhow, not good for towing !