Questions On Towing A Truck

[GFC-TITAN]

Long time reader, first time "tower". I am going to be towing a "race" truck this coming up weekend for an MDR offroad race. The truck i am towing is a 91 toyt p/u truck on 2 axle flatbed trailer. I apologize in advance for not knowing the weights on either, but it was kind of a last minute tow for a family member. The race truck has still has all its steel (doors,cab,etc) but also has lots of suspension and other additions that make it the offroad race truck. Ive been searching these threads for answers but havent seemed to find the "right" ones. I drive an '05 CC SE 2WD with big tow package...and my main questions are about the weight...and if i will be ok (it might sound silly with all of you guys out there towing the big TT's, but like i said, first time "tower"...). Also, i will be traveling from L.A area to Plaster City (between arizona border and san diego)...with some mountain driving and some inclines, should i tow in 4th or "D"? Is a trailer brake necessary?

I appreciate any and all advice/info that you experts out there could provide...thanks in advance!

[mjw357]

I would tow in 4th in the hills. Trailer brakes not absolutely needed with this setup, but i would want them, makes stopping a lot safer.

[Bullwinkle]

4th on flat ground, downshift if needed going uphill, and downshift on the longer downhills so you're not riding the brakes. At times you can go to 5th on mild downhills & coast to save gas.

Tandem axle trailers should have brakes on at least 1 axle, and if it has electric brakes (which it probably does), you will need a brake controller.

Also, anything with a trailer is limited to the 2 right lanes on a freeway by law.

[HudsonValleyTitan]

Originally Posted by GFC-TITAN

Long time reader, first time "tower". I am going to be towing a "race" truck this coming up weekend for an MDR offroad race. The truck i am towing is a 91 toyt p/u truck on 2 axle flatbed trailer. I apologize in advance for not knowing the weights on either, but it was kind of a last minute tow for a family member. The race truck has still has all its steel (doors,cab,etc) but also has lots of suspension and other additions that make it the offroad race truck. Ive been searching these threads for answers but havent seemed to find the "right" ones. I drive an '05 CC SE 2WD with big tow package...and my main questions are about the weight...and if i will be ok (it might sound silly with all of you guys out there towing the big TT's, but like i said, first time "tower"...). Also, i will be traveling from L.A area to Plaster City (between arizona border and san diego)...with some mountain driving and some inclines, should i tow in 4th or "D"? Is a trailer brake necessary?

I appreciate any and all advice/info that you experts out there could provide...thanks in advance!

Just make sure you have trailer brakes and a brake controller. Otherwise, you'll do just fine. I think you'll find that 5th on flat ground is ok but keep your eye on the tranny temp. If it goes toward hot, drop it into 4th and it'll come down immediately...it's pretty cool. You shouldn't have to shift anything...that's why we have auto trannys...it knows when to downshift etc. If you find the tranny keeps warming up, then keep it in 4th. I've towed my large TT in 5th on flat ground but mostly have to keep it in 4th to keep it cool. Have a fun, safe trip! These things tow like no other.

[loufish]

With that weight(at least 5000 lbs) I'd keep it in 4th and drop to 3rd on hills and slopes...I always do my own downshifting, I know more about whats happening then the PCM does.

[GFC-TITAN]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice...it is greatly appreciated...and the trailer im towing does have brakes and we are gonna install a brake controller this week before the race...once again thanks!!!