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3rd gen towing "lookouts"?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by MakeItWork, May 14, 2018.

  1. May 14, 2018 at 11:09 AM
    #1
    MakeItWork

    MakeItWork [OP] Well-Known Member

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    hey guys,

    Towing newb here. This is my 4th pickup, but the first with any kind of tow package, and I’m looking to learn to use my new toy.

    In the early stages of planning a travel-trailer camping trip, planning to haul a 20’ double axle rig. I’ve read the Bible, got a spreadsheet of all my weights, expecting to be running around 5000 lbs total load (counting everything down to the fuel in my trucks tank, to the best of my ability), got a p3 controller, a WD hitch with friction sway control, ordered an obd temp monitor, ordering mirrors... ambitious but responsible is my goal.

    Here’s my question though: what should I be watching out for? What ‘lookouts’ should I be vigilant of? What are some early warning signs that I need to back off or reinspect my gear?

    Looking for some voices of experience here, help me learn from your, um, friends, mistakes!
     
    Bridge4 likes this.
  2. May 14, 2018 at 11:38 AM
    #2
    tcBob

    tcBob Gringo Bandito Moderator

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    MakeItWork[OP] likes this.
  3. May 14, 2018 at 12:40 PM
    #3
    MakeItWork

    MakeItWork [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have, but I definitely appreciate the heads up. Could be there’s nothing more than trans temp, distributed load and *obvious* broken gear to look out for, but thought I’d check to see if there was anything sneakier.

    Stuff that you see people doing that makes you say, ‘look at that idiot’ etc
     
  4. May 14, 2018 at 12:52 PM
    #4
    jake72

    jake72 Well-Known Member

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    Slow and steady wins the race.
     
    Norsemanvike and MakeItWork[OP] like this.
  5. May 14, 2018 at 12:59 PM
    #5
    MakeItWork

    MakeItWork [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Understood. I’m in CA, so 55 will be the name of the game
     
  6. May 14, 2018 at 6:10 PM
    #6
    Cnasianfire

    Cnasianfire Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you got it all covered! I only have towed uhaul trailers. Kept it in 4th and monitored my trans temps and kept it under weight limits. I did fine each time.
     
    MakeItWork[OP] likes this.
  7. May 15, 2018 at 4:31 PM
    #7
    Skidog1

    Skidog1 Well-Known Member

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    I check trailer attachments at stops. I make sure the wheels are not hot from bad bearings or brakes with a light pat...use caution as they can be extremely hot. Go slow always and swing wide in turns.
     
    Bridge4 and MakeItWork[OP] like this.
  8. May 15, 2018 at 8:59 PM
    #8
    MakeItWork

    MakeItWork [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I dig it, will do
     
  9. May 18, 2018 at 6:32 PM
    #9
    14TACO4X4

    14TACO4X4 Mmmmm... Beer

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    Towing 5000 lbs? If you're like me, you'll want more power in short order. I was towing 4000 and hated it.

    Great truck, just not for towing. I was getting 12 mpg towing... without the AC.
     
  10. May 18, 2018 at 11:28 PM
    #10
    MakeItWork

    MakeItWork [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Fair enough, I’m prepared to chalk it up to a learning experience. This will be a rental trailer and I don’t expect to tow anything more than once or twice a year. I’m ready to struggle through one trip for the sake of learning what I’m working with. I just want to be sure not to damage my truck (or my rental) in the process.
     

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