I needs some tips on towing

[Jeostang]

I have to go and pick up a car in NJ driving from MD. I've never towed a car with my truck and I'm a bit nervous to do it.

I'm going to rent a trailer, what kind of hitch do I need, how do I hitch it up?

Any tips on driving, and making turns?

Thanks

[loosenut]

You need to spend some time over on the Towing and Hauling forum. There will be many questions.

such as...

How much does the car weigh?
How about the trailer weight?
Tongue weight loaded?
Do you have the tow package on your Titan?

[loufish]

Hi...I'm going to direct you to the Tow Forum:

http://www.titantalk.com/forums/titan-towing-hauling/


There's lots of good info there...

[MuskyHunter]

I'm going to rent a trailer, what kind of hitch do I need, how do I hitch it up? Any tips on driving, and making turns?

As for the hitch, if your truck didn't already come with one, the easiest solution would be getting an OEM hitch and relays for the 7 pin wire harness. There is another thread on this subject:

OEM hitch package...

As for the trailer, make sure it is a flatbed trailer where the whole car sits up on. When moving from Texas to Wisconsin, I made the mistake of renting a trailer that fit under the rear wheels and the front wheels rode on the pavement. With more weight on the front suspension , the front end took a real beating especially through St. Louis and Illinois. Makes you wonder where the toll money goes to.

The other thing I would recommend is buying a cushioned ball mount, which has rubber dampers that will smooth out your ride and really help save your drivetrain. I have been using this one on a few trucks now:

http://www.convertaball.com/ballmounts.htm

I generally get the class IV ball mounts, not that I tow anything that heavy, I have it if I need it. As for how much drop to choose, that is somewhat dependant on the trailer itself. You will want to choose a drop that keeps the trailer level when loaded.

As for turning, just always be mindful to cut the corners a bit later than you are used to. Some practice driving around the neighborhood will help and you will adjust quickly.

I wouldn't worry about towing, just be mindful that if your truck is fairly new, you might want to take it easy at first, avoid sustained and high speeds to start, and take some cool down periods for the differential. Lastly, depending on your mileage, I would suggest changing out your differential fluid before your trip, for peace of mind.

[mtofell]

Like the last post says.... a lot depends on the trailer. There's really nothing to learn... you just need to see what size ball the trailer requires and what the wiring plug is. If it's a modern trailer it should match up with the plug on the Titan. Now that I think of it that may only come with the tow pkg.... not sure. Basically, just plan ahead as much as possible. Before you get the trailer find out what you need and bring it with you because places that rent/sell trailers are usually really expensive for the accessories.

[Jeostang]

Thanks for the info

I have the Big Tow package
the car is a 93 Rx7 with no motor or tranny.


I don't have any tow parts yet.
I was going to go to truck USA to pick them up.

Then rent a flat bed from uhaul.

[AgTitan06]

Originally Posted by Jeostang

Thanks for the info

I have the Big Tow package
the car is a 93 Rx7 with no motor or tranny.


I don't have any tow parts yet.
I was going to go to truck USA to pick them up.

Then rent a flat bed from uhaul.

I'll pick the car up for you and tow it right to my garage.

I used to have an '88 RX-7, and always wanted a 3rd gen!!

[MuskyHunter]

Thats ironic. The car I referenced as taking a toll on the front end using the short trailer was a 1983 RX7.

[Jeostang]

Originally Posted by AgTitan06

I'll pick the car up for you and tow it right to my garage.

I used to have an '88 RX-7, and always wanted a 3rd gen!!

I've always wanted that and a supra. I'm putting a Ls1 in the Mazda.