How long to tow

[garyclegg]

We have a 2020 Ford Equinox LS the manual says to start it at very RV fuel stop. That could be 4 to 6 hours
This is my first time towing a dingy that needs to be started
Normally tow GMC 4x4 truck that you can tow all day with starting
Question is how long do you tow before stopping and starting the toad
Thanks

[DAJO]

Originally Posted by garyclegg

We have a 2020 Ford Equinox LS the manual says to start it at very RV fuel stop. That could be 4 to 6 hours
This is my first time towing a dingy that needs to be started
Normally tow GMC 4x4 truck that you can tow all day with starting
Question is how long do you tow before stopping and starting the toad
Thanks

Ford Equinox LS ????????

[Crasher]

Starting the engine at every fuel stop is pretty vague. I will run 7-800 miles between fuel stops. A gasser might have to stop in 3-400 miles. I would ask a company representative just how many miles they intended your CHEVY Equinox to travel between starts.

[garyclegg]

Sorry had ford on the brain,

[Bikinjim]

I had the same question when towing my 2018 Equinox. I settled on trying to stop and run the car engine before exceeding approximately 300 miles as I usually need to stop for something by then anyway. And I always try to run the engine before resuming driving anytime I stop. I really wish the auto manufacturers would provide the reasons for their recommendations so us owners could make informed decisions. In any case that’s what I do and so far I haven’t experienced any negative effects from towing in this manner.

[NXR]

We have 2020 Equinox Premier AWD with the 9-speed whereas you probably have the 6-speed, yet the towing recommendation is the same.

I'd suggest the roughly four-hour interval as that's what other car manufacturers seem to suggest.

Also note the end-of-the-day instructions to hit the Start/Stop button, put the car in Park, and run the engine. I'm transitioning from a dolly so this will be an extra step for me on overnight stops. It's essentially what will need to be done at fuel stops, I guess. Just remember to reset everything for towing if you do.

Be certain to follow the note about not obstructing air flow across the car with a front-end bra, cover, or similar like a vertical rock shield. That's needed for cooling air flow.

I started adding the flat tow equipment yesterday so please cross your fingers for me.

Ray

[Crasher]

It would be nice to know the reason for the periodic starting. Probably to lube the transmission. 20 years ago, there was a kit from Florida that overfilled the transmission by 2 qts while towing. It worked fine for several thousand miles. I just opened a valve to drain the extra into the transmission, close the valve and go. When done, I'd open the valve, start the engine which would pump the 2 qts back into the reservoir then turn the valve off. I've come to appreciate towing our Avalanche where I hook up, put the tc in neutral and the tranny in park and drive. 2,000 miles later, unhook and drive away. With more than that, I would forget some step and probably cost a bundle to fix.

[Spdracr39]

Yep, lubes up the tranny. We start ours when we pull over to let the dogs out so every 3 hours or so. Just have to remember to put it back in neutral

[Bikinjim]

Originally Posted by Spdracr39

Yep, lubes up the tranny. We start ours when we pull over to let the dogs out so every 3 hours or so. Just have to remember to put it back in neutral

I just leave mine in neutral - put foot on brake, push button to start engine, let run for 3 to 5 minutes, push button again to put back in accessory mode, done.

[garyclegg]

Thanks for all your replies they were a big help
Gary

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Crasher

It would be nice to know the reason for the periodic starting. Probably to lube the transmission. 20 years ago, there was a kit from Florida that overfilled the transmission by 2 qts while towing. It worked fine for several thousand miles. I just opened a valve to drain the extra into the transmission, close the valve and go. When done, I'd open the valve, start the engine which would pump the 2 qts back into the reservoir then turn the valve off.

It's funny how things change. Nowadays some manufacturers caution about overfilling the transmission because it can result in damage when flat towing.

Interestingly, the 2020 Equinox Owners Manual says this:

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.

There is a special procedure for checking and changing the transmission fluid. Because this procedure is difficult, this should be done by your dealer.

Ray

[Crasher]

Originally Posted by NXR

It's funny how things change. Nowadays some manufacturers caution about overfilling the transmission because it can result in damage when flat towing.

Interestingly, the 2020 Equinox Owners Manual says this:

Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the only reason for fluid loss.

There is a special procedure for checking and changing the transmission fluid. Because this procedure is difficult, this should be done by your dealer.

Ray

It was on a near new 1997 Chrysler minivan. I did not want to buy a different toad and did not want to spend the money for the Remco pump. The kit was just a plastic 2 qt container, a couple of hoses, clamps and a valve. It was less than $100. I currently run my Jeep rock crawler a qt over full for the near vertical climbs. Without it, the tranny sump can not pick up the fluid and it will slip when I need it the most.

[MSHappyCampers]

The owner's manual for our 2013 Honda CRV says to start the engine and do the procedure with the shift lever every 6 hours. We usually just do it when we stop for lunch.