Towing with T31 CVT https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/t126253 Runboard| Towing with T31 CVT en-us Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:07:06 +0000 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:07:06 +0000 https://www.runboard.com/ rssfeeds_managingeditor@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds managing editor) rssfeeds_webmaster@runboard.com (Runboard.com RSS feeds webmaster) akBBS 60 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2097203,from=rss#post2097203https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2097203,from=rss#post2097203Hi Re towing. I have a 2008 cvt petrol 2.5. I bought it with 35,oookm in 2010. It now has 395,000km I was advised not to tow my boat as it would wreck the transmission. Just towed my 1.96 ton boat to Sydney and back from Ballina. Over 1400kms return Had no problems. Towed using manual shifts in awd. Kept revs between 3000 and 4000rpm Did 100 to 110km per hour for 95% of the time. Air con was on the whole trip.Outside temp was 34degrees. Loaded car was 2 ton exactly. Have always loved driving my xtrail. Still do. Planning many more boating adventures....ps I have always replaced the transmission fluid every 40, 000 kms since I had the car. BC 89 E V Ian nondisclosed_email@example.com (Ianabowles)Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:20:58 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2097028,from=rss#post2097028https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2097028,from=rss#post2097028helo my name is Charles  own a 2011 2liter 2wd Nissan X Trail on the door pillar there is a sticker saying this vehicle can tow 1300kilos is it safe to tow a full y loaded van lets say 1000 kilos ?nondisclosed_email@example.com (atlam)Fri, 27 Sep 2019 18:56:44 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2096586,from=rss#post2096586https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2096586,from=rss#post2096586I got a 2011 2 litre Nissan with a CVT Transmission rated at 1300 kilos capacity I am after a Coromal caravan with a total weight of 860 kilos I am on my own so I won't be putting more then a 100 kilos thas 960 all up Will the Nissan be able to handle it Regards Charles nondisclosed_email@example.com (atlam)Fri, 15 Mar 2019 16:47:35 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082831,from=rss#post2082831https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082831,from=rss#post2082831Thanks Cooch - I did feel a bit like "That Driver" for a while. I remember in the 70's etc advice to never tow over 50mph which is 80km/h. A friend ignored this advice and wrote off his new van and car in the first 30 miles; got the sways at 60mph I think. That was before radial tyres I think.nondisclosed_email@example.com (Translucidus)Sat, 03 May 2014 23:32:46 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082818,from=rss#post2082818https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082818,from=rss#post2082818It wasn't too long ago that the maximum legal speed to tow any trailer was 80km/h, they should re instate that law as you see a lot of trailers that shouldn't be on the road. 80km/h is a good speed to tow regardless.nondisclosed_email@example.com (cooch t31)Sat, 03 May 2014 18:21:56 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082815,from=rss#post2082815https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2082815,from=rss#post2082815Just towed my 1986 Windsor 15' - 1200kgs - to Blinman and back from Adelaide. Used a 160kg Trojan WDH ($120 delivered on eBay) NOT pulled up very tight (to 9 links) and that made a world of difference to not using it. Smoothed out the pitching perfectly. Didn't hear any disturbing "creaks" or "squeaks" but before I left home I did tighten up all the towbar mounting nuts and bolts etc . . . some were not all that tight!! Distance was about 1,100 kms. Going had a tailwind and coming back had Rain and a strong head/cross wind. X-Trail CVT went very well and I left it in auto all the way. I didn't go above 80Km/h and averaged 13.5L/100Kms. As soon as I towed above about 85-90km/h consumption went up to between 17-20L/100kms. I really enjoyed driving at around 80km/h with the van as it felt right. My max normal speed is around 100km/h on the highway for fuel consumption reasons again. I noticed the car was economical if I kept the revs under about 2,000 to 2,300 rpm and sometimes that meant 80-85km/h and at others 65-70km/h. Didn't hold anyone up as I was mindful of who was behind and either gave the double flash on the R indicator to show OK to safe pass or I pulled over and let cars/trucks past (didn't happen often though). I HAVE THE BUG!!!nondisclosed_email@example.com (Translucidus)Sat, 03 May 2014 17:19:26 +0000 Re: Towing infohttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2076981,from=rss#post2076981https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2076981,from=rss#post2076981Found this South Australian Government site that gives a whole heap more then what I wrote above. This site is very informative. http://www.dpti.sa.gov.au/roadsafety/safer_vehicles/buying_a_safer_caravan_or_camper_trailernondisclosed_email@example.com (IamSkippy)Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:37:15 +0000 Re: Towing infohttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2076934,from=rss#post2076934https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2076934,from=rss#post2076934HI, found this site, looks like it gives all the info you need for the towed vehicle. But you also need the info on your towing vehicle as to it's capabilities to do so. Some info regarding specs for towing is just so technical, this is the best I have found. Place your mouse over picture and click on it to increase size to read properly. nondisclosed_email@example.com (IamSkippy)Sat, 17 Aug 2013 21:38:04 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050989,from=rss#post2050989https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050989,from=rss#post2050989Hi Guys, Please don't turn this thread into a fuel consumption one as we do have an existing thread covering the T31 diesel and petrol fuel consumptions under the Fuel & Oil section of the forum. Thanks.nondisclosed_email@example.com (jalalski)Tue, 22 Mar 2011 19:44:47 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050983,from=rss#post2050983https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050983,from=rss#post2050983quote:BarneyB wrote: Thanks mate, helps to put it all in perspective. Have not done much towing with mine due to work commitments, also my boat is much lighter so if I ever do manage to get it out of the shed I should see something better than your consumption. My Exy has managed to hold 9.2L/100k from new, mainly round town with the leadfoot wife driving, when I do get to drive it the number is much lower. Wish I could get 9.2 around town here in Christchurch. Some of the roads are so munted from earthquake damage, we almost need 4WD to get around the tarmac. My typical around town consumption is 10.5 on good tank fulls. Still, musn't complain. Kia Kahanondisclosed_email@example.com (NZExy)Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:53:35 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050982,from=rss#post2050982https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050982,from=rss#post2050982Thanks mate, helps to put it all in perspective. Have not done much towing with mine due to work commitments, also my boat is much lighter so if I ever do manage to get it out of the shed I should see something better than your consumption. My Exy has managed to hold 9.2L/100k from new, mainly round town with the leadfoot wife driving, when I do get to drive it the number is much lower.nondisclosed_email@example.com (BarneyB)Tue, 22 Mar 2011 18:24:38 +0000 Re: Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050948,from=rss#post2050948https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050948,from=rss#post2050948quote:BarneyB wrote: G'day mate, good to see you seem happy with the vehicle, just out of interest could you post your fuel consumption when not towing the boat? Sure. On the same trip without the boat I get around the 8-9 l/100ks depending on how loaded the vehicle is, so basically twice the fuel consumption towing the same route.nondisclosed_email@example.com (NZExy)Tue, 22 Mar 2011 05:57:07 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050930,from=rss#post2050930https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050930,from=rss#post2050930G'day mate, good to see you seem happy with the vehicle, just out of interest could you post your fuel consumption when not towing the boat?nondisclosed_email@example.com (BarneyB)Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:03:56 +0000 Re:https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050739,from=rss#post2050739https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2050739,from=rss#post2050739I have a Series 2 T31 with CVT which has 15000 ks on the clock now. I regularly tow a Mustang Tournament 2000 boat with the vehicle. I estimate that of the 15000 ks, 2500 would have been towing the boat. Fully loaded up, it would be pretty close to the 2000kgs (in NZ) tow limit. On the open road the CVT works great in auto and settles at around 3200rpm at 90kph. I tow around hilly areas and the XTrail climbs the hills fine in auto but I feel it is better using the manual shifter and letting the engine rev a little more especially around windy roads. The trailer is braked so coming down hills is no problem and I generally stick with auto mode. Fuel economy is pretty good as well. On a trip from shaky old Christchurch to Havelock in the Marlborough Sounds, I generally average 18.5 l/100kms, having to top up the tank in Blenheim which is 300ks from ChCh. As a comparison, my friend has a diesel Pathfinder and gets 16.5 l/100kms on the same trip with my boat. In summary, I am very happy with the way the XTrail tows and also how stable the whole setup is with the 18" wheels and tyres and would have no worries about recommending one to anyone for towing up to the towing weight limit.nondisclosed_email@example.com (NZExy)Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:33:14 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2047246,from=rss#post2047246https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2047246,from=rss#post2047246Hi Jason I was just checking the Xtrail Forum for updates and I see your long term CVT report. Thanks mate, really appreciate the information. It is good to hear that you are happy with the CVT transmission. I like the new Series 3 model Xtrail and I think it will be the replacement for my EL Fairmont. My 5.0 metre Stejcraft is 900 kgs over the weighbridge so I think the Xtrail will be a good tow vehicle. nondisclosed_email@example.com (gtborg)Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:34:18 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2047242,from=rss#post2047242https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2047242,from=rss#post2047242Hi all, i have been towing a 1200kg plus boat / trailer package for going on 3 years now with cvt. Pretty much same boat as posts above. I tow sometimes once a week, maybe 3 times depending on how much i fish. Some months because of weather i might not tow at all. (just trying to give you impression on how often) I'd say it tows very well, i have had no problems at all. Sometimes highway it can rev a little high on a long steep hill but not too bad really. I have towed for 4 hours non stop no worries. I would not tow the limit of 2 tonne, thats crazy but my boat is just perfect at around 1000-1200kg. Hope that helps. nondisclosed_email@example.com (JBXtrail)Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:23:03 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2045150,from=rss#post2045150https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2045150,from=rss#post2045150Hi Scott interesting reading, but not much info on the CVT Transmission. Have only received 1 reply for a long term review of the CVT transmission in regards to towing a 1,000 kg boat or van which is a bit dissapointing. I am not confident that the CVT Xtrail will make a good tow vehicle. Regards Garynondisclosed_email@example.com (gtborg)Wed, 18 Aug 2010 22:18:06 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043914,from=rss#post2043914https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043914,from=rss#post2043914G/Day gtborg, I no longer have the boat but the longest trip would have been about 3.5 HRS on the h/way. It would have been about 1000 to 1100kg loaded. I've had no dramas towing it but you know its there, as opposed to when it was behind a patrol. The only thing i would have done if i was doing any distance would have been to upgrade the rear suspension to lift the bum up. I didn't like the way the cruise control took it over hills as it would not cut out fast enough and tend to over speed once on the crest. Other than that it towed just fine without any dramas even in the heat up here.nondisclosed_email@example.com (FSH00)Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:16:58 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043911,from=rss#post2043911https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043911,from=rss#post2043911Hi Pete Nice Trailcraft, How do you find the xtrail copes with towing the boat. Have you ever had any transmission problems?. Do you tow long distances or just short trips to the ramp & back. nondisclosed_email@example.com (gtborg)Sat, 10 Jul 2010 21:43:20 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043904,from=rss#post2043904https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043904,from=rss#post2043904Don't forget to select auto on the 4wd system when towing. nondisclosed_email@example.com (FSH00)Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:07:46 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043842,from=rss#post2043842https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2043842,from=rss#post2043842Hi guys Just after an update on the T31 CVT with their towing abilities. Is there anyone that can provide a Long Term review of the CVT with towing a 1000kg trailerboat or van. Does the CVT maintain there towing abilities after a few years of towing or does the CVT die a horrible death. Have read that some owners have replaced their transmission more than once. nondisclosed_email@example.com (gtborg)Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:54:03 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016547,from=rss#post2016547https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016547,from=rss#post2016547G'day all. After having done a few thousand kms of towing an 1100kg caravan over some of Tassies windy roads, my experience is to leave it in auto unless requiring the engine to hold back when going down hills, . Useing the manual mode, it will not let you change into a higher gear ratio than the conditions allow. The engine can't be slogged without it changing back automatically to a more satisfactory gear. It seems the vehicle has a self preservation mode operating. In a previously owned T30, 5 speed manual, if you used cruise control and was in a high gear and didn't change back going uphill, then the T30 would turn the cruise control off. Likewise the T31 won't let you operate manually in a gear higher than you should be. Try a test by driving up a hill, change up in manual mode to 6th before you have built up speed - it wont let you, watch the taco. With the T30 I would leave it in the highest gear without flogging it too much to conserve fuel. The T31 seems to like keeping the taco around the 2500 / 3000 rpm at best, hence towing I seem to use more fuel than the T30 5 speed manual . Though all said the T31 is way ahead in being a better tow vehicle. nondisclosed_email@example.com (taztrail)Sat, 20 Sep 2008 22:17:38 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016356,from=rss#post2016356https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016356,from=rss#post2016356The next test for my Xtrail has now happened and the results were exceptional Towed the boat from Ingleburn to Sussex Inlet for a early morning fish The first test was the hills between Bulli and Mount Ously trying the manual and letting the CVT do its job both worked well Going down Ousley the Xtrail was placed into the manual side to keep to the speed limit without riding the brakes this was also above expectations and handled it well The Xtrail was impressive traveling to Sussex but the test of pulling the boat up Mount Ouley will be the big test The next day we left to come home and the temperature outside was 34 and as we were approaching Mount Ousley the air con was keeping us cool insde was considering if I should turn the air con off to save power and help if heating was to be a problem As we went past the uni I decided lets see what the Xtrial can do air con on cruise control set to 80 and just left in Auto The car and boat was pulled up and over Ousley with ease, watching the taco it ranged from 2000 on the flat half way up to a max 4200 whilst negotiating the last and steepest part of the hill I am now extremley happy with my decision on the Xtrail as my concern was its towing abilities and they are exceptional The only downside of my trip was not so much the Xtrails fault but more my trailers Whilst traveling down on friday night my son asked how you put the car into 4wd this was as we just came off Ousley I pointed to the knob that you turn and as I pointed to this I lost the lights on the controls which was also tail lights, and as we were going to fill up at Albion Park drove down the freeway with no tail lights 8( When we filled up tryed to find a blown fuse, read book could not find one, looked under dash and also under bonnet, could not find it so I turned the cabin lights on in the boat so as people could see us from behind As we turned into sussex inlet we also lost the brake lights but kept going to my parents place as it was now getting late and not knowing where the fuses were I was stuffed After we fished the next morning I got on the net and read through some posting on here and found there was another fuse box under the bonnet, found the fuse replaced that one then found the stop fuse under the dash replaced that one, tested the trailer lights found them to be stuffed replaced them then drove home Off road will be my next adventure Thanks Russell nondisclosed_email@example.com (Rusky58)Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:55:35 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016098,from=rss#post2016098https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2016098,from=rss#post2016098Towed the boat from Campbelltown to Meadowbank for two reasons the boat needed a run and to try the Xtrail's abilities Left home mid morning and was caught in shoppers traffic which meant alot of stop/start driving and the CVT handled this with ease Kept it in auto was impressed with the ease it handled it, the transmission seemed to pick the right revs that it needed whether accelerating or cruising Even with cruise control on, the Xtrail was doing it easy no sudden change backs like "normal" autos you just have the rev go up when coming to an inclines I say incline as it was not Mt Ousley or Bulli which I plan to attack in a couple of weeks now with confidence In and out of the ramp was performed with no probs left it in Front Wheel Drive to see how it went as it was not a slippery ramp will need 4wd and/or lock on many others Going home had less traffic and we could of nearly forgot that the boat was still there The first towing experience was impressive and compared against my last car BF Falcon wagon could say the Xtrail was ahead on points with this sort of travel the next test will be Ousley Will hope to try its off road capabilities before that, we camp at Wombeyan Caves every Queens Birthday Weekend and the road in can be slippery in a Falcon and Commodore when wet will want to be challenged a bit more but not to much more than that as the Xtrail should eat that road and have not had 4wd experience, any suggestions (will not have the boat) Thanks Russellnondisclosed_email@example.com (Rusky58)Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:41:52 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014986,from=rss#post2014986https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014986,from=rss#post2014986Hi Michael Thanks for your information Will be picking mine up tomorrow arvo, can't wait Should be able to wait a month (weathers not great at the moment) before I take the boat out, which will give me an idea on the box and how it works and like you recommend have some k's on it Will learn through trial and error hopefully not to many errors Thanks again Russellnondisclosed_email@example.com (Rusky58)Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:46:55 +0000 Re: Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014975,from=rss#post2014975https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014975,from=rss#post2014975Hi Russell I've had mine for a few months,I tow a tool trailer of about 500kg and dont bother with manual mode as it tows very easy,also a boat of about 600kg and the same thing as there are only a couple hills on the way to the bay. With the caravan (1400kg) I do use manual mode on hills and on the hwy,but in towns just go back to auto ,if this is right or not I dont know, Its just what I do.(still learning) Try and get a few K's on before you tow if you can and practice with the manual mode while running her in (its a bit different) Have fun nondisclosed_email@example.com (3beer)Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:21:02 +0000 Towing with T31 CVThttps://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014885,from=rss#post2014885https://baustralianxtrail.runboard.com/p2014885,from=rss#post2014885Hi to all I pick up my new T31 ST this week and I have a question on how to use the CVT while towing a boat or caravan Whilst going uphill is it better to use the manual side of the box to keep it in a gear that will suit the hill or does the CVT work for you and not going from gear to gear like "normal" transmissions I would think that going downhill you would use the manual side to stop having to ride the brake I have read in other posts whilst going uphill to disengage the overdrive but on reading the CVT doesn't have or needs to have a overdrive Any information on this will appreciated Thanks Russell nondisclosed_email@example.com (Rusky58)Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:58:02 +0000