Hey guys. Next week I'm going to tow a 25 foot travel trailer for the first time. Up to this point, the biggest thing I've regularly towed was an 18 foot ski boat, so it will be a bit of a change. It only weighs 4400lbs, so with my ATV in the bed of the truck and various gear, I'm assuming we'll have around a 6klb load. I'll be on flat highway here in florida, can I tow with O/D on ? Can I go 70-75mph? Any other tips for a first timer are appreciated. I do have a jordan brake controller.

 

YOu won't even know the trailer is there...well, perhaps, but you won't have any problem. With the Jordan, you won't have to worry about stopping. If you have weight distributing bars, things will be even better. Overdrive will be no problem, especially in FL.
george

 

The biggest thing I noticed different when i towed my TT was having Semi's pass me. The wind after they pass you will suck you in! Don't know if your boat did that or not!
Haven't had a chance to tow with my CTD yet, with the ol' gasser ON FLAT ground I towed in OD. I tried to never let the engine lug though any lack of power i dropped her down(hit the tow/haul).

Just my .02
Tom

 

I have towed much heavier loads than you are considering. I always use OD as long as the transmission is not "hunting" going in and out of OD.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I should have mentioned that I'll be using a weight distributing hitch.

What kind of speeds do you guys tow on flat land?

I figured the 6k would be nothing for the cummins, but should at least break it in!

 

I tow a 29' 5er and a 18' runabout behind that. I usually run 65mph or if its really flat and not to windy maybe 70 no problem and still averaged 12mpg with my o1. I bought a 03 hemi this last year (what a mistake) and running 60mph only get about 7mpg. Not real impressed so I ordered the 04.5 600. Can't wait to get into a diesel again.

 

The best way to determine the fastest speed for towing is this: Drive whatever speed YOU feel comfortable with. Just because I can tow my fiver and boat at 75mph (I did it once to see) doesn't mean it was safe or comfortable. You need to drive your truck for yourself and drive where you feel the most comfortable. Don't worry about the ones that pass you. You will get to your destination feeling more relaxed and enjoy yourself more.
Tom

 

Is there any point with a stock truck i should worry about EGT's while towing this thing? 75-80mph? =]

 

I wouldn't be worried about EGT's in this case. You probably wouldn't even have problems in the mountains with what you're towing and having the Scotty and 4" exhaust.

Just make sure you let the truck idle for a few minutes after you pull off the highway in order to assure that you give the turbo a chance to cool down.

 

Thanks RR. I was hoping EGTS wouldn't even be an issue, since I don't have gauges. I always let the turbo cool down before shutoff, and especially will after towing this rig. I can't wait for 15K miles so I can get some synthetic in there that won't coke up on the turbo

 

Go for it lightman. I don't think you'll even drop out of OD.

I pull 10-11k with my '03 SO truck, stock. 70 MPH on flat land in OD running about 2200 RPM.

Actually when I'm towing, I don't let the RPM's drop much below 2000 RPM, but if I was only pulling 6K, I'd probably run it at about 1800 RPM, and it would not come out of OD unless I hit a steep grade.

 

So.....how was the trip??

 

Well I'm back . During my weekend I thought of Hoss pulling his first TT as well and hoped he had as much fun as I did! The truck did fantastic, pulled the trailer without much effort at all. Sure loved to stomp on the go-pedal though, and hear the DPPI bellow out sweet diesel sounds

I must say - everyone who raved about the Jordan brake controller was so right. Basically my truck braking-wise felt like it was empty, I never noticed any push/pull etc once I got it dialed in.

Hoss how was your trip!?

 

PS, I'll have some pics to post soon!

 

YEP. Told ya so. Now, believe daddy next time when he tells you something.