Hi all,

This is my first post! I recently bought my truck and am considering towing with it. It's 100% stock, has no hitch so I'm starting from ground zero.

I'm hoping to tow a car trailer (approx 1000 pounds) and a 3 series BMW (3300 pounds) for a total of 4300 pounds before gas and odds and ends. Towing would be short hauls under 100 miles and on primarily flat ground.

I've got a class IV hitch to go on the truck, but I'm concerned as this is very close to the limit identified in the towing capacity charts. I know about not using overdrive, keeping the tranny and rad flushed, and the suggestion to add a transmission cooler.

Assuming I do the maintenance and install the cooler, should I be concerned? Suggestions to make it work better, or suggestions to just "don't do it" would be appreciated.

Thanks much guys,

Rod
1997 XL 4x4 OHV 4.0 Auto

Well, the OHV is a motor well suited to towing. You are near your capacity, but I'd think with the proper equipment and trailer, it can be done safely.

You should start with a trailer with electric brakes, a good frame hitch, a brake controller, possibly a weight distribution setup.

If you intend to tow often, and depending on your factory equipment, lower gears can give you the most improvement for towing.

A good tranny cooler/filter set-up would help extend the life of your tranny. A trans temp guage is a good idea as well so you can keep an eye on things, particularly in hot weather.:burnout:

I would say from having previously overloaded a car trailer ( in fact 2 weekends ago) - the taller your tires are the more lateral action can be introduced during braking.

Also if yours is a 2door with shorter wheel base - I would caution you even more.

Load the car aprox center over the trailer axle(s) such that the toungue weight on your ball is not less than 300 and doesnt exceed 500 pounds. Outside of this range will cause wild steering and swaying.

more tips here: http://www.etrailer.com/faq/trailer-towing-tips.asp