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Ronniebee



Member Since: 12 Oct 2015
Location: U.K.
Posts: 31

 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Orkney Grey
Towing in what gear
I’ve been towing a caravan the last 3 years and normally go into 6th gear at a steady 60 to 65 mph.
But having managed to destroy the output shaft and I’ve recently read I should have towed in 5th as the 6th gear is more of an overdrive.
So I’ve just got back from a trip and tried the 5th gear towing strategy and it was more comfortable but it’s about between 55 to 60 mph at 2500 revs and I’m pushed by the wagons!
Post #1006561 5th Sep 2023 2:41pm
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gilarion



Member Since: 05 Dec 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 5110

Wales 2007 Defender 90 Other CSW Trident Green
Much better in 5th, 55-60 mph on motorways is the legal limit, any faster and you risk a £100 fine and three penalty points. For those who like Welsh Mountains and narrow boats have a look at my videos and photos at..

http://www.youtube.com/user/conwy1
Post #1006562 5th Sep 2023 3:06pm
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Ronniebee



Member Since: 12 Oct 2015
Location: U.K.
Posts: 31

 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Orkney Grey
It does feel more comfortable in 5th and just dropping the speed down a bit, I was just wondering if it saves the gearbox.
Some Australian forums suggest it does and don’t go into 6th.
I was just a bit curious as to the thoughts of others on here.
Post #1006569 5th Sep 2023 3:51pm
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Devon-Rover



Member Since: 22 Jan 2015
Location: South Devon
Posts: 916

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Aintree Green
Never had a problem in running in 6th for motorway speeds whilst towing things heavier than a caravan. For a lot of A road 50mph work then 6th is still used and relying on the torque to keep things moving with the revs low.

Not murdered the gearbox yet.

A local hay haulier who uses a Landy (well three) has blown up 3rd gear cluster lots' of times. Working the box hard all the time has shown that there's the weakness. (well apart from countless engines Whistle )

6th gear doing 60mph is right in the happy torque band 2000 ish RPM Also can be found on Fb, Ytube, Insta & Twitter @4WDSouthwest
Post #1006581 5th Sep 2023 4:58pm
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TexasRover



Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1052

France 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White
If it's the output shaft of the gearbox into the transfer box it should not matter much if you are in 5th or 6th gear, no?
Post #1006583 5th Sep 2023 5:13pm
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blackwolf



Member Since: 03 Nov 2009
Location: South West England
Posts: 17382

United Kingdom 2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 DCPU Stornoway Grey
It's unlikely that you destroyed the output shaft, it will have destroyed itself and what gear you habitually use won't make any difference.

I never understand the "what gear should I be in" type of questions because the car tells you if it is in an unsuitable gear, just process the feedback you're getting through all your senses. Unless of course you have absolutely no mechanical sympathy.
Post #1006588 5th Sep 2023 5:29pm
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Ronniebee



Member Since: 12 Oct 2015
Location: U.K.
Posts: 31

 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 HT Orkney Grey
Yeah we’ll just saying what I’ve read off the Aussie forum. Think I’ll stick with what they state thanks anyway.
Post #1006593 5th Sep 2023 6:07pm
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
The MT82 gearbox is happiest in 5th, because that locks the input and the main shafts together for a ratio of 1, with least load on bearings.

Assuming constant torque by the engine, 6th will transmit least torque through the output shaft - least pressure on the splines.
The number of revolutions on the output shaft is equal to the distance travelled (unless you shift into low). 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #1006594 5th Sep 2023 6:40pm
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LR90XS2011



Member Since: 05 Apr 2011
Location: bickenhill
Posts: 3641

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Galway Green
What Dinnu said 5th is best for the gearbox, as 6th is effectively an overdrive.

Having said that I generally use 6th to tow my van as 6th feels right at 55-60mph, and 5th feels too revvy, my engine really likes 1750-2000rpm. DEFENDER 90 TDCI XS,

I hope everyone is well and your land rovers make you happy
Post #1006597 5th Sep 2023 6:48pm
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TexasRover



Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1052

France 2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White
Dinnu wrote:
The MT82 gearbox is happiest in 5th, because that locks the input and the main shafts together for a ratio of 1, with least load on bearings.

Assuming constant torque by the engine, 6th will transmit least torque through the output shaft - least pressure on the splines.
The number of revolutions on the output shaft is equal to the distance traveled (unless you shift into low).


The torque on the output shaft is not a defined by the engine torque, but by the load (drag) of the vehicle (at constant speed). The engine toque will match the drag. I fact you can argue that in 6th gear any acceleration torque on the output shaft is less in 6th gear than in 5th gear.
Post #1006632 6th Sep 2023 7:06am
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Dinnu



Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3414

Malta 2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black
^^^ that is also correct.... just that if torque (multiplied by gear ratios less losses) are equal, then you have constant speed. If any one side of the torque is greater or less, then you either slow down or accelerate depending which is greater or lesser. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black
Post #1006634 6th Sep 2023 7:18am
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X4SKP



Member Since: 29 Nov 2013
Location: Berkshire
Posts: 2295

United Kingdom 2010 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey
Hello Ronniebee

I,ve towed our caravan weighing around 1800kgs, the length of the UK, including many of the up and down ‘twisty bits’ in Wales and Scotland using both our 2.4 Puma’s. When ‘cruising’ I have just used what the engine feels happy with. 60mph in 6th at around 2k rpm is fine all day long… providing you maintain momentum, it doesn’t take much to need to reach for 5th.

I noticed when we got our first 2.4, 10 years ago, and coming from a 300tdi that with 6 gears now available 2nd was needed quickly when setting off, for me not much further than the length of the vehicle, and more or less 3rd at 30, 4th at 40, 5th at 50 and 6th soon after. The engine feels strong but as with all engines it doesn’t like to be laboured… so being in tune with this is I think the key if you need a lower gear use it but personally I’d aim for the highest gear that the engine ‘tells’ you its happy in.

Having a 6th gear, along with the modest sound deadening added by Land Rover over the years, does mean that holding a conversation whilst cruising is now possible… Shocked SKIP
https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic83242.html
Post #1006654 6th Sep 2023 9:26am
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