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anyone ever do any towing?

If the hitch is installed correctly, the trailer is not over-weight for your truck, the load on the trailer is evenly distributed (put all the depleted uranium over the center of the trailer's wheels), and you don't drive too fast you will be fine.

I think most people start out cautiously, then get used to the trailer and get complacent and drive too fast, get into an emergency situation and then wreck something.

Remember that a trailer can yank the tow vehicle around, even flipping it. I saw that in our shop several times. Emergency stops are the worst, so avoid them by slowing down whenever you see a situation developing ahead of you.

Just get used to the right lane and cool it. I wouldn't worry about wear and tear for occasional towing use.

Moving is just too fun for words.
 
thanks for all the replies.

i plan to get the hitch, probably tomorrow. then i plan to drive around with an empty trailer just around town to get used to driving with a trailer. practice parking and stuff with it also.

i will probably stay in 5th gear most of the time, unless it's flat and i'm running right at 70 mph. i plan to not get over 70 really.

i would assume that cruise control is a no-no?
 
twoodcc said:
thanks for all the replies.

i plan to get the hitch, probably tomorrow. then i plan to drive around with an empty trailer just around town to get used to driving with a trailer. practice parking and stuff with it also.

i will probably stay in 5th gear most of the time, unless it's flat and i'm running right at 70 mph. i plan to not get over 70 really.

i would assume that cruise control is a no-no?
Click to expand...

Your only going to go for just a hitch/wiring?

I would look into getting something a little more fitting for your situation, possibly a transmission cooler, and replacing your break pads.

A little forewarning, the truck might struggle a little with the added weight, and tension in the back. Take it easy on the gas and relax.

Good luck!
 
twoodcc said:
thanks for all the replies.

i plan to get the hitch, probably tomorrow. then i plan to drive around with an empty trailer just around town to get used to driving with a trailer. practice parking and stuff with it also.

i will probably stay in 5th gear most of the time, unless it's flat and i'm running right at 70 mph. i plan to not get over 70 really.

i would assume that cruise control is a no-no?
Click to expand...

Remember driving with a loaded vs unloaded trailer is very different.

My dad told me on his drive back with the trailer after he help me move that driving back home with the unloaded empty trailer it felt like it was not even there but he did notice it while towing when it was very noticible particluely on this one steeper grade. The Trail blazer floored could only do 55mph and was getting 4mpg. It is the 6 cylinder model. The trail blazer does not have anything more than hitch and the connections for the lights.

That should give you an idea that on the climbs you might have to down shift to 3rd to maybe even 2nd just to have enough power to pull it. You are going to be more heavily hamper by the weight. But you vechical can handle it.
 
you americans and your silly questions, its a freekin truck, and you have a V6. although they are common over there, V6 engines are a rarity here, and people tow stuff here. We have straight 4s as the most common engine and even some city-cars (small useless pos) that only have 3 cylinder 0.6 litre engines, and i HAVE seen one of them towing a caravan down the motorway.

as others have said, get your brakes checked, and check your fluids (power stearing, breaks, radiator, screen wash ect.), and check your tyres as well. make sure they have loads of tread left and that they have the correct inflation pressures (for towing). all of this should be in your owners manual. read it.
 
thanks for all the replies.

i think i'll be alright. going to get the hitch today most likely. i'll fix my brakes a little later when i get time
 
millar876 said:
you americans and your silly questions, its a freekin truck, and you have a V6. although they are common over there, V6 engines are a rarity here, and people tow stuff here. We have straight 4s as the most common engine and even some city-cars (small useless pos) that only have 3 cylinder 0.6 litre engines, and i HAVE seen one of them towing a caravan down the motorway.
Click to expand...

A cop program on recently had someone here towing a caravan down the motorway with a scooter (100cc IIRC). Someone else got caught towing a fishing boat (on a trailer) also with a scooter.
 
I think, as everyone has said, the key is to just be careful and think about what you are doing. You are only making the trip once so there is no reason you need to rush and you can think through what you are doing so you shouldn't really get into any trouble. In the UK the national speed limit is lowered when you are towing. This would suggest it's a good idea to slow down a little.
 
well i got the hitch and harness kit today. just got thru bolting the hitch on. man, that thing gets heavy after holding it up there for a while. i had to get those bolts on extremely tight - 85 ft lbs of torque - i couldn't get it any tighter than that if i tried (without more leverage anyways)

i guess i'll do the harness kit tomorrow. too cold to do anymore today (32 degrees)
 
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