Hello everyone, new to this forum. Just have a couple quick questions. A friend of mine has a 98 Passport (4 door 4x4) Auto with Tow package, and is going to be pulling a 6x12 enclosed uhaul trailer a couple hundred miles. I don't know much about the vehicles, but is this too much trailer for the car? I know short wheel bases don't handle trailers really well...
The trailer will probably be around 3000 pounds or so. Anyone see any problems with this or have any suggestions?
Thanks for your help...
B

I personally have the 97 Rodeo 3.2L SOHC, and I've been known to tow 3-4K pounds.

My truck is able to tow up to 4,500# per the manual - however I would NOT tow, and refuse to tow more than 3,500# over any major mountains.

When towing, it is VERY important to pay attention to your gearing and the sound of the engine - when hauling a good size load, i.e. the enclosed trailer.

Could it do it, yes, most likely. However, if he's an automatic KEEP the "Power Mode" selector ON at all times while that trailer's hooked up. This will keep the shifter points in the transmission at higher RPM's and it will know when/what gear to keep that truck in. Thus less likely to burn up the transmission.

Do NOT push the load, take your time, if your speed drops to between 30-40mph, drop that tranny into 3rd gear; 20-30mph put her in 2nd.

If your hauling at 50-55mph, keep her in "D" with "Power Mode". I do not recommend going faster then 50, realistically.

The 98+'s do have a shorter wheelbase then my 97 Rodeo, so I can not say how it will feel behind the truck.

I can tell you a 3K# load behind my truck's not too bad, but could be horrible in a high crosswind.

Soon after he's done towing, it would be wise to have a transmission fluid flush just as recommended maintenance - and if it's been awhile since he's had one done, it wouldn't hurt to do it before-hand as well.

KEEP the "Power Mode"

yep, 3000lbs is not a problem. What is the towing distance?

Your friend will have no problem towing 3000lbs for a few hundred miles. #1) Make sure his/her brakes are in tip-top condition! especially if this U-Haul trailer does not have electric brakes. #2) Verify level & condition of the automatic transmission fluid. #3) Make sure the engine cooling system is clean & leak free. Keep the gear selector in "3" if encountering hilly terrain. This will keep the transmission from hunting in/out of OD. The power mode recommendation is good as well, but that varies from year to year. 'Power mode' on my 2002 disables the 'grade logic' on my 4L30E, which in your case, you'd need the help slowing down.
G/luck
Joel