Just a quick note to add to 88's great graphs on transmission temps and longevity - About three weeks ago we took a trip with the trailer up north to Mesa Verde, CO. The interstate north of Phoenix drops down into the Verde Valley and then climbs (and climbs) back out. The outside temperature on that trip was about 104 degrees, and I was in 2nd gear on the incline at between 60-65 mph. My TFT reached 225 degrees briefly in that pull. When on the flat though, it stayed more in the 170 degrees region.
Pulling the trailer up Mt Graham last week (about a 7000 ft climb), the TFT only got to about 208 degrees. The outside temperature was in the nineties (dropping as we climbed) and because of the VERY twisty road, our speed was about 25-30 mph, again, in 2nd gear.
So, towing does heat up things, but not unduly unless you are doing a lot of uphill pulls in hot weather. In my case, the "average" temperature stays in the "safe" zone.
- Jack
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