New travel trailer

I'm about as close to my max as I can get with my setup. I basically travel on flat terrain and avoid hills as much as I can.....will need a new TV at some point if I want to do any real traveling.

But yes, what you see here is good advice. On steep hills, I downshift.....if I HAVE to, I even slow down and pull down into 2nd....whatever "feels" good. Plus, I do have a full tow package with tranny cooler. W/out the tranny cooler, my TV couldn't do it on hilly terrain. Get one!!!

If the trans has tow/haul mode, use it. If you can limit the trans to not use 5th gear, do that. Every time the transmission shifts, the torque converter unlocks and heats up.

Change all the fluids, especially transmission fluid. Keep in mind the 9000+ tow rating is with the proper equipment, mainly differential gearing and transmission cooler. You should verify you have that equipment. Even if you do, 7300 pounds, especially dry, probably puts the Armada over the receiver rating as well as GVWR when loaded up with the family. You are pushing the limits on an 11 year old vehicle, so proper maintenance is vital to keeping that TV running and towing well.

Thank you all for your response. I believe I will take yalls advice and add an additional cooler. Looking forward to the camping world!! ??

Get a transmission cooler before you kill it.

You say temp got "almost to the high mark", so Im assuming you have an analog gauge? Do you know what the actual temp was, or just "near the high mark"?

Towing my TT with my Sierra 1500, at times, my digital Tranny Temp registered 210 (think that's the highest it has gotten). Most times it's high 190's to low 200's (less than 210). That is towing with tow mode engaged. Haven't had to drop down to lower gear manually (yet). Normal operating temp around town, not towing, is up to mid 190's in hot weather.

Depending on what the actual temp is when it is "registering near the high mark", you still may be okay. But, if shifting to 4th or 3rd results in lower temp, by all means, do so.

Mike

Welcome to the forum. I would add a transmission cooler and like Chuck said downshift to 3rd or 4th gear on the hills.

Two Hands wrote:
I can't offer any advice, but I can welcome you to the forum.

Thank You!! Looking forward to the camping world!!

Welcome... Yes use 4th or 3rd... helps the temperature..

also look into adding an aftermarket transmission cooler... before the transmission overheats.

with gear/stuff/clothes you are getting real close to your SUV's max

best of luck with your new toy.

I can't offer any advice, but I can welcome you to the forum.