Tire size and real world effect on towing

[ryanO]

I have an XLT with the 2.7L. I'm planning to upgrade to 285/70/R17s and that will effectively change the gears to 3:55s. Will that really affect the towing or cause damage to the drivetrain over the long term?

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[danmoochie]

I have an XLT with the 2.7L. I'm planning to upgrade to 285/70/R17s and that will effectively change the gears to 3:55s. Will that really affect the towing or cause damage to the drivetrain over the long term?

assume you will also lift? I would be more worried about a lift than the gears?

 

[superj]

It will make it slower to accelerate and downshift more often. Hills may be less fun.

Gas mileage will go down too

 

[superj]

A lift has zero effect on gas mileage and only effects towing if the springs are softer or your sway bar is affected.

Tire size and gear ratio direcrly affect towing, gas mileage, and wear/tear on the system.


Though with the v6, it could be not noticeable.

Coming from owning other lifter vehicles.

 

[ryanO]

It will make it slower to accelerate and downshift more often. Hills may be less fun.

Gas mileage will go down too

That I know going into it. I've read that it ultimately puts more wear and tear on the drivetrain. I'm wondering how material that is.

 

[superj]

Probably not going to effect it ever. 3.55 is a bummer but its not a 3.07 or 2.93

 

[NM Mike]

The transmission will see the effect more than the rest of the drive train. How much of an affect depends on a lot of things. Mainly how heavy you will be towing, grade you will be towing over, how frequently you tow etc…. This highlights the importance of transmission fluid and filter changes. Don’t just change the fluid. Take the time to change the filter too.

 

[ryanO]

The transmission will see the effect more than the rest of the drive train. How much of an affect depends on a lot of things. Mainly how heavy you will be towing, grade you will be towing over, how frequently you tow etc…. This highlights the importance of transmission fluid and filter changes. Don’t just change the fluid. Take the time to change the filter too.

I don't tow a LOT, but a 5500lb overland trailer a few times per year (6 times per year).

 

[NM Mike]

While overlanding, you’ll be at lower speeds, thus lower gears. The tire size will be less of an issue. You could always change differential gear ratios if you feel underpowered while overlanding. My guess is you’ll probably be good. But a taller gear might come in handy in steep or rugged terrain.

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