2.7 Towing Question

I have a 2017 SR AC 4x4 auto trans. Considering towing a small pop up camper rated at 1100 lbs. dry weight with a 2500 lb. GVWR. The camper comes with electric brakes. Questions: 1. Will the truck tow this camper OK? 2. Is an electric brake controller available for the 2.7? 3. Is an electric brake control really needed for this weight of trailer?

I live in hilly country but not mountainous. Not planning any mountainous travel either. TIA

 

I towed 3500 lb camper comfortably with no break controller. Although not the same configuration as yours but the breaks on the 3.5 are same?
Never felt un easy once. Just remeber increase following distance , controller or not.

 

I towed my 1500 lb camper and lots of extras for many years with my 2.7L 5 speed. Piece of cake. The motor is bullet proof. Can't speak for your automatic and gearing, though.

 

i towed a 6x12 uhaul trailer loaded with an 800 pound motorcycle and all my household stuff and drove it from Louisiana to Wisconsin in sept in my 96 4x4 with 5spd

 

Sounding good so far.

 

If the trailer has electric brakes, I'd get a brake controller. It will help stop that extra 2K lbs.

 

The truck should have wiring for a brake controller just above the fuse box in the cabin. The unused white connector that's sitting there. If it's like the Gen2's, even the trucks without the towing package had the wiring in place.

 

I've towed 2500 pounds with a 1st Gen 2.7/5speed and there wasn't a highway grade it couldn't do 65 with plenty of pedal left. I'd do 150 mile round trips all the time. Downshift and let the engine rev.

 

Does this apply to the 2.7 too?

 

Use the smaller engine as an excuse to pack light. Believe me, human nature is to fill up all luggage or hauling capacity. Less is always more for me when camping. I often camp off my motorcycle and use backpacking gear. I am always happier when packing light.

Sounds like you have the right mind set here. You've chosen a nice light camper. I think you'll have no problem as long as you don't expect to tow at 80mph everywhere. I'd get the brake controller if it were me.

 

You'll be fine.

 

Towing should be fine. You might consider a ScanGuage II and set up the transmission temp monitoring, then add a cooler later if it's running too warm.

Since the trailer has brakes, I'd set it up to use them. Why have something pushing against you when it can be helping you stop? Not to mention that it will reduce the possibility of jackknifing the trailer in a hasty stop.

 

That’s the plan. I’m really looking to just sleep off the ground and have room to stand up to get dressed and maybe use a porta potty. I used to camp solo in a full size chevy passenger van. I still have the limited camping equipment I used then. Not much weight there.

 

Check out the towing thread here for more info- your truck will do great - I tow 4000lbs (gear and my 20-ft travel trailer) with the 3.5 but your 2.7 will handle that trailer very well.

Electric brakes are great - do it, especially for when driving in mountains. They are useful not just for decreasing your stopping distance and decreasing heat and wear on your truck brakes and pads, if you experience strong swaying from a passing semi or wind gust, gently tapping the manual e-brake control will straighten the trailer out quickly. Dont touch it on ice, though.

 

Does the 2.7 have an actual trailer hitch on it or just the bumper hitch? It's a good plan and I'm all for it, but you may need to run wiring to add a 7-pin connector for the trailer lights and the electric brakes.