Towing setup questions

[Brem95]

Good afternoon everyone, hope all is well. I have a 97 sport 5 speed ohv and was wondering if I can get real world towing experiences. I’m looking at getting a 1500-2000ish pound pop up tent trailer and want to be able to bring it to the mountains. I find differing opinions with this specific vehicle. I have Monroe adjustable shocks in rear, all new suspension. Vehicle has been well maintained. Is this doable and safe or should I look into getting another vehicle for towing?

I can’t find exact towing capacity for this model but I think it’s around 3000?

 

[Fix4Dirt]

do you have the m5od or the 5r55e? both are 5spd. im assuming you have the m5od. what gear ratio do you have? 1500-2k isnt that much weight, it should be fine. just watch your speed, keeep a safe following distance, keep an eye on gauges, and if you have the At, install a big cooler. should be fine imo. ive towed >4k with my 4dr, so i think it should be fine. just check brakes tires etc before

 

[Brem95]

Hello I have the m5r1 with 4.1 gear ratio.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

iirc then you should be able to tow >2k a least. i doubt towing the trailer should be an issue, just watch speed distance etc.

 

[C420sailor]

Should tow acceptably, assuming you're not driving fast or in mountainous terrain. You mentioned mountainous terrain...my following advice may not really apply.
Heaviest thing I towed with my SOHC/5R55E was a 6x12 UHaul trailer. This was many years ago, lady at the desk was nice enough to tell me I was driving a Mercury Mountaineer with a wink after I told her I had an Explorer.
Anyway, that trailer was 2,000lbs empty, with probably another 1,200lbs of stuff in it. Was a flat drive from Pensacola, FL to Corpus Christi, TX. I remember being able to really feel that thing back there, and having to drive with OD OFF, or she would constantly jump back and forth between 4th and 5th. 1500-2000lbs should be fine, just drive reasonably.
Funny story, I was doing my first move in the Navy, and it was a 'DITY move'. You're supposed to weigh your truck and trailer empty, then full, and they pay you by the pound. You can make a decent amount of money that way. I tried cheating Uncle Sam a bit, weighed just the Explorer, then weighed it with the full trailer attached. I think the personal property people caught on when they realized I was trying to claim 3,200lbs of household goods INSIDE my Ford Explorer. Didn't see a dime, but also didn't get in trouble...took that as a lesson learned as a young dumbass!
Just saw you've got 4.10 gears out back. That should help a bit. I have 3.55s

 

[BTR]

Weight-wise, you shouldn't have any problems.

Swaying-wise and braking-wise, make sure you have the proper amount of weight on the trailer tongue (i.e., not too much and not too little).

Tire-wise, most "truck rated" per se tires will be fine... it's unlikely you'll need a tire with a stronger sidewall.

Transmission-wise, add a large transmission fluid cooler and make sure your transmission fluid is kept fresh.

 

[Brem95]

Thanks everyone, bought a used 1450lb trailer. Forgot to mention my 5 speed manual has a reman. transmission that was put in under a year ago. Only “rough” terrain will be pulling off the side of road to get down to camping spot.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

alright!!! just watch your speed, keep a following distance (ie. dont tail), ad it should all go fine! have you still got the monoleafs out back?

 

[Brem95]

I added helper springs and beefier suspension at the rear.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

that should help then! in the future, maybe look into the 4dr leave if you plan on towing the popup semi refularly, as they are much better than the monoleaves

 

[sehaare]

Should tow acceptably, assuming you're not driving fast or in mountainous terrain. You mentioned mountainous terrain...my following advice may not really apply.
Heaviest thing I towed with my SOHC/5R55E was a 6x12 UHaul trailer. This was many years ago, lady at the desk was nice enough to tell me I was driving a Mercury Mountaineer with a wink after I told her I had an Explorer.
Anyway, that trailer was 2,000lbs empty, with probably another 1,200lbs of stuff in it. Was a flat drive from Pensacola, FL to Corpus Christi, TX. I remember being able to really feel that thing back there, and having to drive with OD OFF, or she would constantly jump back and forth between 4th and 5th. 1500-2000lbs should be fine, just drive reasonably.
Funny story, I was doing my first move in the Navy, and it was a 'DITY move'. You're supposed to weigh your truck and trailer empty, then full, and they pay you by the pound. You can make a decent amount of money that way. I tried cheating Uncle Sam a bit, weighed just the Explorer, then weighed it with the full trailer attached. I think the personal property people caught on when they realized I was trying to claim 3,200lbs of household goods INSIDE my Ford Explorer. Didn't see a dime, but also didn't get in trouble...took that as a lesson learned as a young dumbass!
Just saw you've got 4.10 gears out back. That should help a bit. I have 3.55s

I did partial DITY moves in the Navy before I retired in 2004, always did full tank for the loaded weight and almost empty tank and no spare tire for the empty weight. Every little bit helps.