Towing with the 4.7

05christj · Jun 4, 2016

So next weekend I will be picking up my travel trailer and pulling it back home (12 hr drive).

The truck is a 2010 6 SPEED 4.7L with 3:55's

The trailer weighs in at about 4000lb to 4500lb

My experience with towing is next to none, is there anything I need to know before hooking up? Any tips?

How hard should I let the truck "work" before deciding it's time to slow down. I ask cause I would like to be able to do the speed limit (75 in most places along the route) but I'm sure the truck is going to "struggle" at some point.

coldfusion73 · Jun 4, 2016

Use tow/haul mode...truck gets its power in the 4000 rpm range so don't worry if it wants to rev up there for prolonged periods. Also check the tires on the travel trailer. Most aren't rated for over 60-65 mph regardless of speed limit. Also check into getting a good WDH with sway control

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14hemiexpress · Jun 4, 2016

coldfusion73 said:
Use tow/haul mode...truck gets its power in the 4000 rpm range so don't worry if it wants to rev up there for prolonged periods. Also check the tires on the travel trailer. Most aren't rated for over 60-65 mph regardless of speed limit. Also check into getting a good WDH with sway control

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What he said. Slow and steady wins the race.

reek · Jun 4, 2016

Getting going is rarely an issue. Stopping, now there's the hard part. my personal opinion, for safety purposes, regardless of tire speed rating keep it under 65. I think you just have to accept towing takes time and you will travel slower than usual. Keep extra space between you and the car infront of you, even with trailer brakes. And there's no doubt someone will fill that extra space you leave in front of you, forcing you to slow even more. Now if you're on an open stretch of road with no cars or deer as far as the eye can see, then sure test out those trailer tires! (within speed ratings)

Good luck with your tow!

mowin · Jun 4, 2016

Not trying to bust your chops, but if you have zero towing experience, wouldn't it be smart NOT to do the speed limit? Definitely don't want to see you on the 6 o'clock news. As others have noted, most ST tires are rated at 65mph max. However I routinely see many rigs going 75+.

Learn the feel of towing 5k. The handling, braking suspension bounce, is all totally different. Not to mention the 53' tractor trailer that blows by you which can cause some interesting moments .

05christj · Jun 4, 2016

I guess I should not say I have zero towing experience.

I have my cdl, for work the lightest load I pull is about 40,000lbs.

I meant I have never towed anything behind my ram.

Also do yall grease your balls??

ExpressRules · Jun 4, 2016

05christj said:
Also do yall grease your balls??

Hmmmmm, that's a bit personal, but if you must know only when they get dry and chapped. :Get him!:

PippinAin'tEasy · Jun 4, 2016

Length was always the devil when hauling half ton. Farther back those axles were the more she wanted to swim and shimmy. Seriously doubt you'll want to do 75 after yer hooked up and rolling. Godspeed and and happy haulin'.

Edit: I only grease my balls to keep 'em shiny.[emoji52]
"Oh, sweet debt. Thy name is Truck."

audio1der · Jun 4, 2016

Most ST (trailer) tires are only rated for 65mph max- have a look before you leave on your return trip.
You don't say how long the trailer is; as Pippin mentioned, length is your enemy as lightweight, long trailers are just big wind socks.
You can grease the ball if it is clean first, but clean and re-grease each time. If any dirt gets in there, it will rub and wear the metal down. I just keep mine clean & dry.

reek · Jun 5, 2016

Like audio1der said, clean balls are the way to go. Having said that, I clean and grease my ball every tow. Just gotta remember to clean the coupler as well.

reindeerman · Jun 5, 2016

I have a 3rd generation 4.7 and a 4th generation 4.7. I tow 5,000 - 6,000 lbs all the time. The 4.7 works a little hard in the hills and wind. Use the tow/haul and weight distribution hitch along with a brake controller.
Go with the speed rating on the trailer tires. Mine are 118 mph but I usually run 65-70 mph.
I prefer LT tires on the truck for towing.
I grease the ball occasionally.

05christj · Jun 5, 2016

PippinAin'tEasy said:
Length was always the devil when hauling half ton. Farther back those axles were the more she wanted to swim and shimmy. Seriously doubt you'll want to do 75 after yer hooked up and rolling. Godspeed and and happy haulin'.

Edit: I only grease my balls to keep 'em shiny.[emoji52]
"Oh, sweet debt. Thy name is Truck."

Trailer measures about 19' from tongue to bumper.

Towing with the 4.7

05christj

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coldfusion73

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14hemiexpress

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reek

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mowin

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05christj

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ExpressRules

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PippinAin'tEasy

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audio1der

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reek

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reindeerman

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05christj

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