Need Towing Help!

[CAPTAIN]

OK, I'm leaving for Missouri next friday, the 22nd. It's ruoghly 1100 miles EACH way, about 18 hours. I'll be heading out there towing an empty 22 foot open car trailer and coming back with my new race truck.

My main questions are about maintainence on the L before I leave. I just did the rear with synthetic and a Downs girdle, and am going to do an oil change this week. Think I should go to synthetic motor oil too? What is the best?
Also, I've heard some discrepincies about changing the tranny fluid. I've heard some guys trannys blowing on them after a fluid change. This true?
I was going to have a "transmission transfusion" done, where they transfuse the new synthetic fluid into the tranny while cleaning the entire system. It's about $100 + the synthetic fluid. Should I have this done? While they are at it, I was going to install the heavey duty trans cooler I have sitting here. Should I even bother doing that?

Other than that, what should I do to the L before I go other than tires?

Now, should I tow in overdrive? Where should I have my timing? Should I run premium fuel or run the crap and just back the timing off a bit? I have an MSD adjustable timing controller, so that's not a problem.

This is my first time trailering a long distance, so I'm totally lost. Any help from anyone will be really appreciated!
Thanx!

 

[Chris Wood]

Shouldn't be a problem.

I'd change my oil, if it's been a while (60k or more), then i'd change my tranny fluid.
I would not tow in OD unless it was across the flats, just knock it out of OD if you notice the trucks downshifting frequently, don't forget, if you are pulling a load downhill, the overdrive will let the load push you (OD lets the truck freewheel, when in drive, the engine's compression acts like a brake).

The HD tranny cooler is a good idea, never hurts.
Just remember, you are pulling a load, don't try to race with the rice on the freeway.

Secure your load, and check it frequently. Make sure it is loaded correctly, not too far forward (rear of truck squats terribly-this makes your head lights useless, and makes the steering scary), and not too far back (rear of truck is jacked up, rear tires loose traction easily, especially when braking. I assume you don't have a brake controller in your L. Take your time stopping, realise that it is going to take you alot longer to stop, give yourself some room. I don't own one, but I pulled a trailer recently weighing about 10k (with the F-250), this trailer had hydraulic brakes on it, that is the way to go, if your going to spend the money, I never felt the trailer back there, stopping or starting (I love my diesel)

 

[SVT150TIM]

Hey Captain,
Does your 'L' have the towing package ? and if your trailer has electric brakes, go pickup a trailer brake controller and plug it in under dash just below ashtray, cost $65.00. I tow a 18' two axle travel trailer down to the beach couple/three times a year and a car trailer around every now and again. The 'L' does a very good job with the electric brakes---Brakes are VERY, VERY important !

If your trailer has surge brakes then your set with no cost out of pocket---just make sure you have brakes for a haul with that load.

Do you have a shift kit in your truck ? If so make sure its the RV kit not the radical drag strip kit or you'll have to drive your 'L' WOT all the time or lose the tranny.

Good Luck

 

[CAPTAIN]

No, I don't have a shift kit. Will I be OK? And I do have the factory towing package, what does this include? Should I even bother with that aftermarket tranny cooler?
And, I know I'll get yelled at for this but, no trailer brakes.

Anymore input is greatly appreciated!

 

[gasguzzler]

How heavy is the truck you're picking up? I wouldn't rock back the timing as long as you have the timing controller in the cab. You're going to want all the power you've got with that much weight. This summer I went out to Minnesota to pick up four snowmobiles on a car hauler. I wouldn't have minded a little more power even with the Kenne-bell! The K/B is awesome for towing though with the extra torque. Allow a lot of room the first time you stop with the full load! Especially until you get used to it.- Brian

 

[CAPTAIN]

The race truck doesn't weigh too much. I haven't had it weighed yet, but it's got to be under 2500 lbs. I figure the trailer/truck together will be somewhere around 4000-4200 lbs.

 

[Abby Normal]

Where Y'at Captain, I tow a pos 65 Mustang (3000lb)on a trailer with no brakes & so far no problems. Just leave lots of room to stop. I'd just bring lots of tie down material so you can move the truck back & forth on the trailer to get a good balance.

 

[Billssvt]

Hey capt,this is Bill,the guy that bought your bed cover.You will be just fine,the truck you are getting is not heavy,your truck will handle it with no problem.If you dont all ready run synthetic oil,dont put it in,it will probably leak out of your rear main seal.Go with a blend,it will work with out leaking problems.