Posted by Fat Boy on June 23, 19100 at 12:51:09:
In Reply to: New at Towing - Looking for Tips posted by Mike T on June 23, 19100 at 12:05:44:
: I just got a 1993 1500 sub with the 350, not sure on the rear end, it has no extra trans cooler.
: The family and I are going on a 3,500 mile round trip (mostly flat).
: I will be towing a 1960 Ford 3/4 trailer (back half of the old truck including frame).
: The trailer will be empty on the way out, I guess about 1,000 pounds, and add 400 cargo on trip home.
: Can I drive in overdrive with this little of weight?
: Will this efect my mileage very much?
: As you can tell I am a new at this, so any other tips would be great!
Yes, you "can" tow it in overdrive. If you have 4.11s you'll hardly know it's there. That doesn't mean it's any easier on the tranny. With the cost of a tranny rebuild in the $1400 to $2000 range, I wonder why you would even risk it. Tow in drive, not overdrive. You'll spend a little extra in gas, but you'll probably save it many times over by avoiding early repairs.
Towing pointers:
Try not to get into situations where you'll have to back up. Long wheel-base vehicles have a bear of a time "getting under" short trailers.
Double check how tight your ball and hitch are. I've had hitches that weren't snug enough come off at speed. First instinct is to slam on the brakes... BIG MISTAKE! If it were to happen, and you have your safety chains on, you should let the rig roll to a VERY gradual stop. Otherwise, you'll rip bumpers and body work all to pieces.
Check your tongue weight before you head off with a load. With a trailer that size, you should be looking at around 100 to 150 lbs of tongue weight. Err to the heavy side. You rig can easily handle 400-500 of tongue weight. I'd rather have too much weight on the back axle than not enough.
Check your trailer lights everytime you hitch up. nothing more annoying than following a improperly wired/shorted trailer.
Most importantly, remember your brakes s*ck a$$ right from the factory. Another 1500 lbs doesn't help matters.
Hope this helps.
Fat Boy