Towing 900 miles one way (x2)

[Rick37]

I have a 2004 Tahoe RPO codes GT4, G80. So I think that means I have the 3.73 rear end. I have to two my mom's 2002 Explorer to Chicago from Dallas. Going to rent a u-haul trailer. This is a long tow. I have the tow package, but this rig has never towed anything. I've always kept up on my fluid changes. Has anyone else towed this heavy on a long trip? Explorer is 5200lbs. One the way back I'm towing a classic 1990 Fleetwood. Tahoe has 213k miles, runs and shifts like new. New shocks and water pump. Will be doing the brakes this week.

 

[Doubeleive]

you should be fine, but be careful what you tell u haul what you are hauling you are right at max weight, if they think the weight exceeds the max they wont rent it to you.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

I towed my 1970 Buick gs with a uhaul trailer with my bone stock 2001 Silverado with 3.73 gears and a 5.3 (similar enough) from Chicago to Denver (just over 1000 miles).

My suggestion would be an adjustable ball mount and some helper bags. The uhaul trailers don’t allow any adjustment in the load so getting the ball mount adjusted to the correct height for the right tongue weight is key.

helper bags will help with anything you’re loading the back of the vehicle down with.

 

[Rick37]

I can swing an adjustable ball mount, but probably not the bags right now. I'm upgrading the tires so money is kinda short. I'm thinking about renting a lighter aluminum trailer with e brakes instead of the uhaul with the surge brakes so I can use a weight distribution hitch as well.

 

[Rick37]

you should be fine, but be careful what you tell u haul what you are hauling you are right at max weight, if they think the weight exceeds the max they wont rent it to you.

Thanks

 

[swathdiver]

Your transmission would appreciate some clean fluid before the trip. And definitely afterwards if it hasn't been changed in a while. U-Haul trailer weight limit is 5000 pounds (trailer plus cargo) if memory serves.

 

[Doubeleive]

Your transmission would appreciate some clean fluid before the trip. And definitely afterwards if it hasn't been changed in a while. U-Haul trailer weight limit is 5000 pounds (trailer plus cargo) if memory serves.

• Max load: 5,290 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 7,500 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 2,210 lbs.

 

[Ilikemtb999]

I can swing an adjustable ball mount, but probably not the bags right now. I'm upgrading the tires so money is kinda short. I'm thinking about renting a lighter aluminum trailer with e brakes instead of the uhaul with the surge brakes so I can use a weight distribution hitch as well.

I have the harbor freight one that I replaced the pins with grade 8 bolts. Too much tongue weight and you’ll be messing up those tires most likely.


the surge brakes aren’t terrible honestly with a weighted trailer. Empty they’re terrible. A nicer trailer is for sure a better option but usually not a 1 way option.

 

[Rick37]

I don't think I'll be able to go uhaul. The Explorer is a beast, it's 100 lbs heavier than the Tahoe. U-haul will probably say no to that. Going to look for a local rental place or private owner to rent from.

 

[swathdiver]

• Max load: 5,290 lbs.
• Gross vehicle weight: 7,500 lbs. max.
• Empty weight: 2,210 lbs.

Thanks for the reminder Wes.