Towing in 4H

[Arnie]

for those who tow trailers or caravans, do you tow in 4H? i noted that my owners manual recommends this. I have not done so on the open road previously but it seems to make sense and as the book says, take some load of the rear diff. keen to hear views on this, specifically any risks. I am about to head out for a trip of a few thousand k's

Arnie

[Bigwill]

Yes definitely it makes sense to tow in 4H. I always do that . In fact I always drive in 4H even when not towing. Whilst you're driving on a straight road with not too severe corners you can even consider 4HLc. Especially on poor surfaces or in the wet. Just remember to take it out of lock before you try to corner or park. The only overhead you have in driving 4H compared to 2H is the front propshaft that has to rotate in sync with the road speed. That is insignificant. The front diff and sideshafts rotate in any case as the car rolls on. Remember you drive a 4X4. It is designed for this.

[Arnie]

fantastic, thanks very much for the reassurance and the detail. makes perfect sense

[HBannink]

I would think twice before locking up on a hard surface. 4H Makes for good sense in that it gives much better handling and improves safety. The vehicle is designed for 4h on tar but not 4hlc that can cause problems and damage.

[pfgrobler]

edit - posted in the wrong thread


Haven't towed in 4H in the past but seems to make sense, will do going forward

[Ravensnest]

I have the 1999 2.8TI LWB and in 4 H it does make an difference especially uphill ok I am only towing a 6 ft trailer but you don't feel it only on the fuel gages.

[philm]

What about fuel consumption? Will it make a real difference?

[CATS]

I found on mine that it does affect fuel consumption, but very little so I use it when I feel the need, like on twisty roads or wet, slippery roads. The extra safety afforded with the 4 wheel traction far outway the extra fuel used. I do however feel that it takes away a bit of the power of the vehicle as it now has to drive a bit more metal pieces, so I tend to not drive in 4H continuously when towing, only when I feel the need as mentioned above. Of course on dirt roads I always engage 4 wheel drive and most often lock the center diff as well(ie 4HLc).

CATS