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I bought my used 04 SE with Big Tow, 4x4, Off-Road about 3 weeks ago. Has 32K miles and looks in new condition. I bought it to tow - I have two horses for a gross trailer weight of about 5,000 lbs. I live in the hills and this is where I tow, almost exclusively.
In the few outings so far, it has taken most of the grades fine, but I have one major concern about climbing a slow, steep hill. The last 1/4 mile home is up a very steep grade that I take in 4WD low, 1st gear. It is paved, but not smooth. The first time towing the horses up this grade went fine, but the second time and third time did not. After climbing most of the way up, the truck stopped moving forward (no wheel slipping) intermittently. It was a very bumpy and worrisome situation. When I drove up with an empty trailer (about 2600 lbs), it drove up fine (as it did the first time I drove up with it full).
The first time I had this problem, I stopped the truck, put it in neutral, then back into 1st and continued on. That seemed to work for the few more feet ascending the hill, but I sure need to find out what is going on. I take this hill slowly because it is so steep... could I be lugging it even in 1st with 4-Lo? Or what else should I be looking at? I'd really appreciate any insight. Thanks!
In the few outings so far, it has taken most of the grades fine, but I have one major concern about climbing a slow, steep hill. The last 1/4 mile home is up a very steep grade that I take in 4WD low, 1st gear. It is paved, but not smooth. The first time towing the horses up this grade went fine, but the second time and third time did not. After climbing most of the way up, the truck stopped moving forward (no wheel slipping) intermittently. It was a very bumpy and worrisome situation. When I drove up with an empty trailer (about 2600 lbs), it drove up fine (as it did the first time I drove up with it full).
The first time I had this problem, I stopped the truck, put it in neutral, then back into 1st and continued on. That seemed to work for the few more feet ascending the hill, but I sure need to find out what is going on. I take this hill slowly because it is so steep... could I be lugging it even in 1st with 4-Lo? Or what else should I be looking at? I'd really appreciate any insight. Thanks!