Towing Advice

[AccuKen]

I am about to embark on my first trailer towing camping trip with my '98 XL. The trip we've planned is about 150 km (95 mi) with little in the way of elevation gain.

As such, I was wondering if there are any tips those of you more experienced in the art of towing could provide.

Some specs on the trip: trailer weight ~ 1500 lbs, tongue ~ 150 lbs, towing on the bumper.

Any help helps...

K.

 

[MonumentalX]

Safety,safety safety.. Make sure your lights are connected and in good order,same with brakes. Safety chain on, tires inflated properly,spare included. Do you have a jack that will work on the trailer, Trailer hubs greased. Sounds like a pop-up trailer. I had one and it pulled easily behind my v6 vortec but it had this little 8" wheels that would occasionally blow because they were rotating a million miles an hour so keep your speed in check if your trailer wheels aren't beefy. When connected to your X the trailer should look level as in not dragging it's a$$ or vice versa. With 150lb tongue weight you should not get much sag from the X depending on how much you load down the rear.
Also when you drive give yourself room to stop/turn and make sure you don't box yourself in when you pull into gas stations,fast food joints etc. Make sure to tow in Drive and not overdrive if you have it. use your tranny for braking when you can. I found that the more prepared I was the less I needed/happened. You know bring an umbrella and it won't rain theory. Good luck travel safe. I'm sure the rest of the gang will chime in with stuff I forgot.

 

[dmf415]

Make sure you got your hitch mounted on the ball right, I thought I had my on, but it was a little off and the hitch popped off, the safetly chains saved my jetskis...
you can also adjust the hitch to make it tighter, I always look under the hitch to make sure its flush with the ball now.

 

[falls guy]

I think Monumental X covered almost everything. Like he said, safety first. DRIVE SLOW! especially if it has small wheels. If it's equipped with trailer brakes, make sure they are adjusted properly.
Happy campin!
Peace