Towing Experts Needed

Why don't you drive it?

If you're worried about traffic/rock chips/whatever, go at night when traffic is light.

 

Not interested in possibly breaking down in the mountains where cell service is nonexistent. There’s two hours of mountain driving with elevation reaching 5k feet

 

I would need to see more pics of the car before I can give my expert advice.

 

realizing I need more/better photos of it

 

Is the Falcon drive-able? Have you considered just driving it to your destination and maybe having someone follow you for support? 350 miles isn't a very long trip and even towing it, you are still going to be adding the 350 miles to the odometer one way or the other. If that's not an option, I would agree with the folks who suggest renting a full size truck and a dolly with the correct specifications/rating to tow it.

 

I’m in the, rent a U-Haul truck and bring some of your stuff up too, camp.

I’d drive mine. What a cool trip! I reckon I could repair most issues if’n I had to.

Good luck

 

I seen a SR5 DCLB pulling a 6x12 uhaul cargo trailer earlier today. They had some stuff in the bed also, the truck didn't look like it was on the bump stops and I couldn't see if there was weight distributing hitch but I don't think there was one with how the truck was sitting. I don't know what that has to do with your inquiry but that trailer probably don't wheigh more than your Fairlane on a car trailer.

 

I just got back from a 160 mile trip with my 3900lb boxy camper with weight hitch and tow package including brakes. I had some moderate hill climbs and a bit of wind. The truck did everything I asked of it without issue, though it did get louder under load. Another 2000lbs would would have challenged. I avarged 10.5 mpg at 65mph. The truck was close to level, 2025 SR5. I give you this as a comparison to your situation.

 

I'd do it but then again I've towed a lot with my Taco. Biggest things are trailer brakes and tongue weight. I recommend getting a hitch with a scale built in to show tongue weight. And be sure to engine brake going down the mountains. Take your time, go down in a gear and speed that you're not riding the brakes and you'll be fine.

 

Use the tow mode button and put it in S mode 6th gear. Doing this with my 4200 lb dry camper keeps temps under control. One exception is climbing a long hill - keep your speed down on the long climbs to keep temps in check. Get a scanguage and monitor temps. That’s what I do.

 

After towing a lot when I had my 4G, I'd say its likely fine but then again, if the Fairlane was mine, I'd not take the risk and get a heavier duty truck (or car transport service) to insure nothing happened to that beautiful car you have!
My 4G surprised me with its towing prowess. From heavy single axle dump trailers, to a 12' tandem axle U-haul with my Kubota on it, and a 20' aluminum cargo trailer, that truck did pretty good, and I feel just as well as my last Chevy 1500 I had 5 years ago.

 

Isn't the tranny temp available via the guage cluster?
Just sayin' as I'd rather not spend another $160 on my Yoda if I don't have to...

 

Triple A premier 200 miles covered towing. Live a little drive the car, probably needs an Italian tune up anyways. All you gotta do is make it 150 miles your in the clear.

 

On paper that's borderline. I wouldn't do it with a Tacoma and I doubt U-Haul will rent you the trailer unless you lie about the weight and what you're going to pull it with.

 

I'd be driving the Fairlane.

Just too much fun to pass up cruising that.

 

Right on guys. Appreciate all the insight. Very useful info.

 

I do feel like the Tacoma would be fine towing it. But keeping the stress off the truck in the mountains in the heat of summer is worth $600 for the 3/4 ton truck and trailer.

And I’ll be able to utilize the truck to put more of my stuff in the bed. Floor jack, compressor, extra set of wheels/tires, ect…

 

Just want to say that the tow ratings are based on fairly significant conditions. It's not 6,500lb on flat sea-level conditions at 70 degrees F.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SAE_J2807

The Davis Dam test requires the vehicle to climb the grade on Route 68 between Bullhead City and Golden Valley, Arizona, a climb of 3,500 ft (1,100 m) in 11 miles (18 km), starting at 100 °F (38 °C), with the air-conditioning on full.[2]​

The average grade of that run is 6%.

Personally would do it, taking it easy and monitoring trans/oil/coolant temps. Assuming the truck is rated for 6,500lb without a weight distributing hitch. Wouldn't want to add extra weight to the bed though.

 

Not really. Yeah - there’s a gauge but not an actual temp. I don’t like it when the temps get up to 220 or higher. I don’t see any movement in the gauge when it is around 220

 

Manual calls for trailer brakes at 1k lbs, anti-sway at 2k and weight distribution at 5k.

I have a 4400lb (loaded) GeoPro. You know it's back there, and without weight distribution it's a little squirrely above 60mph.