In a message dated 8/15/2005 7:34:26 PM Pacific Standard Time,
MWood24020@aol.com writes:
So, here's the deal: #1500 tandem trailer and #3200 car + odds and ends in
the forward box = little less than #5000 gross trailer weight. I'm pulling
with an '02 Suburban 1/2 ton.
The factory hitch is rated at #600 tongue weight and #5000 gross trailer
weight.
If I position the car correctly and have tongue weight in the #250-350
range
(using 5 to 10% gross trailer weight as tongue weight) , should I be OK ?
The trailer has a moveable front tire bar, so once I set it, the weight
distribution will be the same each time I pull the car on the trailer. OR,
would I
be much better off getting a weight distributing hitch?
Any other things to keep in mind?
Mike, I made almost your exact tow in 2002. A late Camaro on an open trailer
with a 2002 Avalanche 1500 from San Jose, CA to Topeka and back. As you
pointed out, the important thing is to get the tongue weight correct. (closer
to
10% than 5%) I have since switched to a box trailer and a
weight-distributing hitch. Necessary for the Box, not too important for the
open, lighter
trailer. I added an extra Transmission cooler. Of course, my Avalanche was
about
new then. You should get the brakes checked to make sure you have good linings
left. (I don't know how many miles you have on them. I assume you have good
electric trailer brakes. Absolutely necessary! The factory hitch is fine. Is
your Suburban a 2WD or 4WD? It matters because the 2WD had load carrying rear
shocks. My Avalanche didn't (4WD didn't use them) But I have since added
them. They are Sachs built units with all internal controls to pump themselves
up to carry the extra weight. The Z66 Avalanche 2WD w/option used them, as did
most of the 2WD Suburbans. If you don't have them the load will drop the
rear of your truck. Watch out for headlight alignment! There are special gages
made to check tongue weight.
I found out one issue within California. With my 4.10 gears, the truck
didn't want to upshift into high until about 63 MPH. Running with the trucks
at
about 60-62, it sometimes would run in third. That kills gas mileage. Out of
California, I ran 65-70 at times, depending on the wind - crosswinds are worse
than headwinds! There are a few grades out of Salt Lake City and into
Wyoming on 80 that are killers. The tow haul modes changes all of the
shiftpoints
and I usually ran with it on. At a few points outside of Denver heading east I
tried a bit faster speeds. At about 85 or so, the hood on the Camaro (as
viewed in the rear view mirror), came about 5 inches up from the cowl. I was
afraid of sending it off into the Colorado fields and slowed down. The cross
winds along there are legend! Have a good trip! Keep both hands on the wheel!
Seth Emerson
Sethracer@aol.com
C's the day! Corvair, Camaro, Corvette
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