Towing near the limit

[jcush87]

Hello,
I use my 96 4x4 V6 T4R to tow my Boston Whaler Outrage 20. Boat motor and tandem axle trailer weigh in at 4200-4700lbs depending on fuel level. I have been towing it in the Bahamas about 1 mile at a time the trailer currently has no brakes and there is no issue at <20mph. I am moving back to south Florida and will need to tow the boat on real roads normally a distance of 15-40 miles and occasionally 120miles or so.

I am planning to install 4 surge disk brakes to the trailer and OME 906 springs to the truck. Other ideas are a transmission cooler and tundra brakes. The stock springs are squished down to the bump stops with the tongue weight at about 450-470lbs estimated. Hopefully the 906's will fix that.

I originally towed the boat about 200 miles on the highway with non-functioning brakes (I didnt know at the time because I just bought it) It handled fine, just gave myself tons of room and didnt go over 60mph. I have also towed a 25' boat that was well over my rating but just a mile or so. Gotta love the 4low! I could pull the boat out at the ramp easier than my friends 2wd f250!

Anyone tow near the 5k limit often? anything you would recommend? am I missing anything? I will be towing on all flat land except for a few bridges.

 

[twitchee2]

extra trans cooler, get the brakes on the trailer, Look into the tundra brake upgrade and run it! I've tow a 3500Lb boat +800lb trailer with surge brakes that dont do much. gets the job done just fine.

 

[Avwizz]

I recommend the transmission cooler as a must. The tundra brakes a number 2 (since the trailer is getting surges). I towed probably near my limit from Connecticut to FL with no problems but the brakes did start to warp near the end and that was with trailer brakes!

 

[LittleCaesar]

A flush of the transmission fluid would probably be a good idea as well. Also make sure your fan clutch is good to go. The rest you have covered.

 

[jcush87]

Thanks for the info. I have heard mixed reviews of doing the transmission flush. I have heard of people having issues right after doing it wishing they had just left it alone. any truth to this?

 

[T4R2014]

A flush is fine as long as it uses the transmission's own pump to move the fluid. You could also do a series of drain and fills.

 

[jcush87]

OK, good to know. Thanks. Also I currently have Michelin LTX tires in 265/70R16. I was thinking I shouldnt go larger than 265/75R16. my other dd has the Firestone Destination AT and I like them. I also always liked the the like of the Duratracs. But im not sure how much offroad use they would get. Any recommendation for an AT tire suitable for towing?

 

[jonwilly2]

My dad use to toe his sail boat with it. 30 ft total weight just over 6000 lbs with gear.

The most I have towed is my roommates chevy truck. I found out the hard way the trailer brakes were shot.

Trans cooler a must. More defiantly need trailer brakes and a good controller.

 

[wc11]

I tow a couple sleds every winter.
I Have towed at the limit though. Couple hundred miles without issue.
Rear squatted as you can see. Gas mileage wasn't too bad either.
Trailer had surge brakes. take off was slow but it did it okay.