What manual gear selection is best?

[parlyle]

I have a 2011 2.4L Equinox 1LT. Just installed a after market receiver hitch and was wondering what manual gear to use when towing a small covered trailer.(8 X 12 feet)?
I was told that it is best to use the manual selection rather than the automatic shifting.
Thanks for the responses.

Lyle

 

[jsfb6pts]

I would definitely use the manual setting . However towing with a 2.4 L, I would also invest in a transmission cooler .

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Once up to speed I would keep it in 5th gear.

 

[2010BlkGraniteNox]

I have a 2011 2.4L Equinox 1LT. Just installed a after market receiver hitch and was wondering what manual gear to use when towing a small covered trailer.(8 X 12 feet)?
I was told that it is best to use the manual selection rather than the automatic shifting.
Thanks for the responses.

Lyle

Around town I would do M4, to keep the tranny from going to M5 (which is a 1:1 ratio), and definitely keep it from going into 6th (.74 OD)

If on the highways I would do M5 to keep it from going into 6th, unless on flat surface, and then I would control it going into 6th.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

:werd:

 

[parlyle]

Once up to speed I would keep it in 5th gear.

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering, reading the other response about the transmission cooler. Is this something I should look into? I don't think I will be doing any bobcat or large car hauling, but what should the criteria be for purchasing and using the cooler? I don't want to hatch the tranny when I just got the vehicle.

 

[dietz4ibanez]

The 2.4L is rated at 2800lbs for towing? You should be fine without one on this trip. If you were going over the rated limits by a few hundred I would look into getting one...

 

[Z_Ghost]

it says 1500 lbs here
http://www.gmc.com/2011-terrain-smaller-suv/features-specs/capabilities.html

 

[dietz4ibanez]

My bad on that guess...

 

[parlyle]

I think I understand the problem. If I were to try to tow a couple hundred more than 1500 pounds, I should have one, correct? And if I wanted to purchase the cooler, would it be better from the dealer, or an outside vendor?
Would the warranty cover the cooler?
Thanks for the added responses............

 

[dietz4ibanez]

I would look at GMpartsdirect.com I think that one of the members on here actually added a transmission cooler to his Nox but it is a V6.

I have not towed with my Nox yet. I don't think I see the need for a tranny cooler if I am within the limits that GM set.

 

[parlyle]

I would look at GMpartsdirect.com I think that one of the members on here actually added a transmission cooler to his Nox but it is a V6.

I have not towed with my Nox yet. I don't think I see the need for a tranny cooler if I am within the limits that GM set.

I totally agree with that. If I was actually going to have purchased a vehicle to be used for towing I wouldn't have gotten the 2.4 with FWD. I will heed your warning and be careful to stay within those limits you mentioned. If I need any additional brawn, I will ask a friend or two to help, with a beefier truck.
Thanks for the quick response. I really appreciate the help, especially being a newbie on the forum.

Lyle

 

[dietz4ibanez]

No Prob Lyle,

When you get a moment post up a thread with photos of your ride...

I do know one member (2010BLKGraniteNox) added a tranny cooler to his v6 Nox.. He pools jet skis regularly.

 

[parlyle]

No Prob Lyle,

When you get a moment post up a thread with photos of your ride...

I do know one member (2010BLKGraniteNox) added a tranny cooler to his v6 Nox.. He pools jet skis regularly.

Thanks I will post some photos when I get a few taken. I am now
just getting used to the new car and all the bells and whistles.
Thanks:
Lyle
"

 

[dietz4ibanez]

Yeah. The Nox has been the classiest if vehicles I have ever owned.