Towing/trailers
- Thread starter Quick89
- Start date
TexasT
Texas, Where are you from
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2002
What is it you wish to trailer? Car, stuff, cattle, travel/camping trailer
All of these things have different nuances and a different trailer though a towing vehicle could pull one or more depending on the laws where you wish to tow(Don't laugh, here in Texas you might see a pickup pulling a travel trailer with a boat behind it).
As Norm Abram sez, read, understand and follow the limitations outlined in the tow vehicle and trailer owners manuals.
I would start with a pick up unless this doesn't fit your passenger capacity(We tow with a Suburban). I would recommend that you involve a brake controller as it will allow you apply the trailer brakes witch I also recommend on at least one axle depending on what you intend to tow. The more expensive the controller the better it works in my experience.
The bigger the load the more I would look into some type of sway control. I use a Reese cam type load leveling/sway control combo and I love it.
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchan...re_Code=E&Product_Code=26001&Category_Code=SC
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchan...re_Code=E&Product_Code=66022&Category_Code=WD
Securing your load is as important as any aspect so load binders should be high on the list also.
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=94458
I have a set of these and love them for securring my cars to the trailer.
Look over what your freinds are useing. Ask around at the races as most racers are very friendly as long as there not trying to get the car ready for the next round.
When you get your setup already to tow, take a day and got to a big wide open parking lot somewhere and practice. Turn, back up get the feel for how it tows. Take it easy at first and keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you as your stopping distance is sure to grow.
Good Luck with your choices.
All of these things have different nuances and a different trailer though a towing vehicle could pull one or more depending on the laws where you wish to tow(Don't laugh, here in Texas you might see a pickup pulling a travel trailer with a boat behind it).
As Norm Abram sez, read, understand and follow the limitations outlined in the tow vehicle and trailer owners manuals.
I would start with a pick up unless this doesn't fit your passenger capacity(We tow with a Suburban). I would recommend that you involve a brake controller as it will allow you apply the trailer brakes witch I also recommend on at least one axle depending on what you intend to tow. The more expensive the controller the better it works in my experience.
The bigger the load the more I would look into some type of sway control. I use a Reese cam type load leveling/sway control combo and I love it.
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchan...re_Code=E&Product_Code=26001&Category_Code=SC
http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchan...re_Code=E&Product_Code=66022&Category_Code=WD
Securing your load is as important as any aspect so load binders should be high on the list also.
http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=94458
I have a set of these and love them for securring my cars to the trailer.
Look over what your freinds are useing. Ask around at the races as most racers are very friendly as long as there not trying to get the car ready for the next round.
When you get your setup already to tow, take a day and got to a big wide open parking lot somewhere and practice. Turn, back up get the feel for how it tows. Take it easy at first and keep plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you as your stopping distance is sure to grow.
Good Luck with your choices.
turbofish38
Le Pétomane
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2002
Ya, What he said. I would also stick with an automatic transmission and make sure it has a cooler. I prefer a vehicle with a long wheelbase. It will make everything ride smoothly. I dont know how the guys with the K5 Blazers and Broncos get away with towing a trailer twice as long as the tow vehicle. And dont pay attention to manufacturers GVWR's. If they say 7500 subtract 1500-2000 and that is what it will tow safely. Common sense is really what you need here. If you cant do it safely than dont do it. Somewhere out there is a guide for sitting up the trailer and hitch based on tongue weight and varibles like that. Maybe do a google? If the trailer is loaded properly than you shouldn't be able to tell there is one is what my father told me many years ago and he is right.
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