Thread: towing help
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Old 06-02-2010, 12:27 PM   #9
mixin
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
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Re: towing help

You also might want to consider the toungue weight of the loaded trailer. A 5k lb trailer should have 10-15% of that weight on the toungue for the trailer to tow properly (not wag behind the truck etc). This can usually be done by parking the car in a certain spot on the trailer while the trailer is on the scales with the toungue jack down (truck unhooked).

Also, keep in mind that 10-15% of 5,000lbs is 500 to 750 lbs. This could possibly overload the ratings of your rear axle (check your rear GVWR rating - and then compare with measured weights when at the scales). To help with this and to also make the trailer behave much better in general, use a weight distributing hitch setup - with some of the toungue weight transferred onto the front axle, the truck will stop and steer much better.

If you don't want to/can't do the above ideas, at least roll the Monte back on the trailer to get the GVWR of the rear axle within the limits of the truck (while on the scales). See how it tows from there.

Brakes on the trailer are a must for EVERYONES safety who happens to be on the road with you.

Good luck with your setup and have fun at the track!
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