i assume higher is better?
Howdy. Given two identical tow vehicles but with different gear ratios where one has a higher one than the other how does that factor into the towing capabilities issue?
Forum Discussion
Ivylog wrote:
I'm one of the "Some will say with the 6 speed trany, Rear gears don't mean anything"... well not much. Yes in first gear it's a little harder to get moving but with a torque converter you will never notice the difference. By not using 6th (some of the time) you will have a a higher gear ratio (more RPMs/torque). The biggest problem is in reverse which has a ratio closer to 2nd and backing up a hill will heat the torque converter up quickly and IMHO the reason for the big difference in tow ratings.
Yes, back in the dark ages with only three speeds axle ratio was very important and when backing up it still is. If you have a 4X4 with a low range there is no reason to go with a high gear ratio. It's not going to hurt it to use the 4X4 on hard surface at slow speeds.
You also do not need 15% tongue weight... 10-12 is enough as long as you do not put two Honda generators in the back and then wonder why it's wanting to wag the dog.:S
The GM, and Ford engineers rate the lower rear gears to have a much higher towing capacity than they do the higher rear gears. Personally I tend to believe them. And towing in the mountains. I want the lowest gear. Often I am in first gear. Especially coming down.
