towing long distance

Now that you've said your piece that has absolutely nothing to do with the OP's 2000lb trailer, you can get off your soap box and move along.

 

Might wanna get 5500HD, just be on the safe side.

 

I understand what trucks are rated for. I also understand the need for safety. I’m only pointing out that properly set up, it is safe to haul a heavy load when PROPERLY done. Even heavier than the towing vehicle. For example, the PR stunt with the Tundra towing the million lb space shuttle. Or a Mack towing a 20 axle trailer with a 1/4 million lb space observatory telescope lense on it. That was pretty cool by the way. They had to take town all the signs/power lines/ barriers on both sides of the highway it was so wide.

Tow ratings(legality purposes aside) are subjective. I had an f250 with 10k gvwr, it weighed on the scales 8950. That means that it couldn’t even legally carry 5 grown fat Americans that it had seating for. Is anyone trying to tell me it can’t carry 5 adults? Just Adults?

Lastly I would like to say that I wouldn’t trust most people to safely carry any loaded trailer with any truck. Most people don’t realize that they’re required trailer brakes when they put a bag of dog food on the 1000k trailer. And that’s why we have such regulations.

I’ll say it again, set your rig up properly, drive safely, and enjoy your 2 gallons per mile fuel economy!

 

On long flat runs, cruise control works great when towing provided your RPM stays above 2500. When you get into a lot of hills, disable it and use your foot. If it feels like you're having to give it too much gas or brake, drop down a gear.

Remember, it's better to wrap a motor up than to bog it down.

 

For the most part I agree. I think the OP will be fine as long as he follows some common sense ideas.

 

Common sense isn't that common anymore.

As long as the truck isn't struggling to maintain speed, shifting a lot, or trying to fly downhill, it's okay.

 

A properly adjusted weight distribution hitch helps a ton.

I tow my 18 foot camper regularly for long distances (8+ hours at a time). Fully loader it's around 3500lbs. Truck does fine, better then what TW would have you believe. You'll know the trailer is there for sure, just be safe and smart.

I definitely agree with the extra gas can, I havent had to use it yet, but have gotten damn close and it's not a good feeling.

Maybe grab a spare serpintine belt

 

Hence all the “dumb” regulations we have!

The struggling part is solved by controlling the transmission. Problem solved.

As for the flying downhill part, that’s where trailer brakes and load distribution come in. You should not ever use the truck to slow the trailer.

 

I carry 2 5 gallon wavion jerry cans with me all the time. Whether I’m in the taco towing or in my diesel. Peace of mind is much better. Even though I’ve never really had to use them

 

This sounds like you're advocating for the trailer to drag behind and slow the truck. I know that isn't what you're saying, but it sounds confusing.

The whole rig needs to be slowed together in tandem. Make sure you're in a low gear before you start heading downhill and it'll never try to run away from you, typically the gear lower than what you went up with. Make sure your gain is adjusted appropriately BEFORE running into steep inclines.

 

Correct they do, in most circumstances, need to be slowed in tandem. I’m saying that you shouldn’t be relying on the trucks brakes to slow the trailer. It should be slowing itself.

 

I knew that's what you meant the wording was just funny.

 

That's a third of the way across the country already. You'll be fine.