2004 Sport Trac. Towing problems.

[Jayprmo]

I have a 2004 sport trac and when I try to pull a trailer (small 8'x4') the truck feels like the transmission is going to drop. It shifts really hard and almost feels like it locks into full 4x4 when i make a turn. The truck has 60K miles on it, and has no problems when loaded down with 1200lbs, but when that trailer goes on i have some serious problems! Anybody have any idea what this could be from? The trailer i was pulling can be pulled around the block with one hand, yet i cannot even attempt pulling it anymore due to the drastic change and problems is causes. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks, Jay

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the towing section.

 

[skeeter123]

Does the trailer have brakes? If so, try it without the trailer plug connected; it may be that the trailer's brakes are locking up when connected to the vehicle's electrical system for some reason.

 

[Jayprmo]

I actually tried it withouth the electrical hook up and same problem! I guess i noticed a similar problem when i had the spare tire on the truck in the winter. If i tried to go into 4x4 with the spare on it would clunk and shift super hard. Went away when i turned off the 4x4. I figured it had something to do with my spare tire not being the same size as the rest of the tires. Anyway, i have no clue....

 

[jreitz1501]

I'd suggest focusing on the tranny. De-activate the OD 1st, and if it still occurs, I'd go down on the gear selection to a lower gear. If you start in low gear, does everything work. Then select 2nd manually to try the first shift point, etc.
I pull 3800# and have never experienced anything like you describe? I'd just try to eliminate some things. Hope this helps......