Bought a travel trailer

[Fink117]

Picked up a 2017 Coachmen 29SE
Gross Weight 7600 lbs
Dry Weight 5638 lbs
Truck tires are Firestone Destination ATs Ps. Inflated to 44 psi. Has 165k miles on the clock.
When we took it out for our first trip with it it was at about 6400 lbs (stopped at a weight station). Handling was pretty good but id like to make some improvements. Traveled 100 miles averaged about 9 mpg. I did buy a weight distribution hitch. Have a Tekonsha p3 brake controller(works very well). It brakes solid but am thinking about upgrading to slotted rotors with better pads and a fluid change.

Transmission feels strong but I want to keep it that way so I need suggestions on coolers. Normal transmission temps were around 193, while towing my highest was 207. I also want to change the fluid. I've read that flushing is awful and the best way is to pull the pan and drain it from below. While I have it open besides the filter is there anything I should change? such as oil pans or the corvette servo mod. Is it needed.

I want to upgrade to LT tires probably the same destination AT's unless someone has a better suggestion. Need them to be good for all year round with snow. Now the Truck sits pretty level with the trailer hooked up and I think the LT tires will help with the higher tire pressure. But should I install Airbags to gain a little ride height control?

I really didn't plan on towing anything with this truck but the family talked me into this trailer. A final question I have is this. I love my suburban but how much better would a 07-09 Yukon Denali XL/Escalade ESV tow vs my suburban? We plan on staying mostly in the northeast and out of the mountains.

 

[mizzouguy]

1. Weight distribution hitch will make it tow much better. Fluid change isnt a bad idea, motive makes a good bleeder set up. I think stock brakes are fine. Id wait until they are due next time and go better then.
2. I'd pull the pan, do filter and fluid, maybe replace with a deep aluminum finned pan to help with temps.
3. I've ran LT destination at's, they have a max pressure of 80. I run them about 60-65 normally and they respond well when towing and are good in the snow. I dont think airbags will be necessary with the weight dist hitch.
4. Id stick with the suburban, unless you find a 2500. I like the color match trailer .
Hope my opinion helps.

 

[PatDTN]

A tip I've heard to keep clean when you're pulling the transmission pan is to disconnect the cooling line and direct it into a jug then start the engine and let it pump a good bit of ATF out. That way when you drop the pan it isn't pouring all over you.

I did say "I've heard" so I never tried this. I put a Performabuilt trans in my '96 Buick Roadmaster that has a servo that makes the Corvette's look small. Shifts very well.

 

[Fink117]

[QUOTE="4. Id stick with the suburban, unless you find a 2500. I like the color match trailer .
Hope my opinion helps.[/QUOTE]

Yea it was pretty funny that the trailer matched the truck.
I have also been eyeballing 6.2 L92 engine transmission combos and thinking about a swap later. Does that Denali/Caddy have a good reputation for pulling?. Another option is a supercharger but then I'm just asking for shit to break. How much does that 6 speed compare to the 4 speed when towing?

Short term goals are Transmission list of new bigger pan pan with cooling fins. Filter change and possible servo swap.
Then the LT Destination ATs. Brakes were just done 10k miles ago.

 

[Fink117]

Can someone point me to a a good aluminum oil pan with fins?

 

[VDV18]

You mentioned upgrading the brakes. Out of curiosity, do you have a trailer brake installed?

 

[Fink117]

Yea I hooked up a Tekonsha P3 which I love. The trailer has 4 wheel electric brakes and they do the job great. Only reason i mentioned the brakes were that the rotors are getting old. The pads are in "newish" and in good shape but extra stopping power is always welcome. I know the LT tires are a bit heavier then P's which is why I was thinking about upgrading.

 

[AppocAlexx]

Few things I was looking at were the load assists bags that go inside your coils for the rear. Even if you not using them to help raise the rear (which they are not used for) they help with the drive. Also look into rear gearing, not sure what you have in your burb already and what engine you have but higher gears are always good if your looking at towing a lot. Also the programmers like SuperChips have preset mods that are made for towing and fuel economy that can be used which help out. In all you spend the money on these kinds of things you will most likely not make your money back for quite some time but its the ride that you look for not so much the saving money part when you looking having a towing rig. The most you can sqeeze out of your Burb with fuel economy the longer you can go without having to stop.

With the size trailer you have load range Ds or Cs would be good as well. Looking load range E tires are a big of over kill and depending on the manufacturer cost way more. Load range Ds and Cs are not as heavy but can carry more weight and will help in fuel costs as well.

Not sure if you have a trans cool already but even if you do get a bigger one. It will help keep wear off your trans. Bigger transpan with sipes is a good idea as well. Also one of the biggest things people forget about with trailers is making sure your axles are greased on the trailers. Iv seen many times of axles blowing out bc they get too hot. Get a thermal temp reader check temps at pit sops. Look up the manufacturer of the axles and they will be able to tell you the recommended temps they should ride at, also check your axles regularly before and after trips. Iv seen trailers be sold and the axles did not have much if any grease in the bearings from the dealer, so good thing to check off the lot as well.