What is the right way to shift gears

[leowis1]

I'm totally green to towing. I have a 2002 4.0 3.73 engine with tow package. I bought a Coleman Bayside camper that weighs 2800lb empty. I was out camping with the kids this weekend and I saw a very steep mountain road. I wondered how the hell would I tow my popup up that hill?

If I'm driving along at 40mph and start to climb hill like that, what do I do? Leave the transmission in automatic? Do I have to stop the vehicle first before switching to lower gear? Take my foot off of the gas pedal the switch gears? What speed and rpm is optimal for each gear? Please advise. Thank you!

 

[2TimingTom]

You should more than likely be driving around with O/D off anyway. Since it's an automatic, let it automatically select the gear based on load and throttle position. Leave it in drive. I tow in the mountains all the time- mat the throttle to the floor as needed and the truck will take care of the rest. It'll downshift mid-stride as needed without missing a beat.

Looking ahead and speeding up a little before the hill can be helpful as well.