Hey guys. I'm new to the whole pickup/towing game. I went through previous posts but couldn't find one discussing my particular needs. So please bear with me if this gets lengthy. This is my first pickup and first time doing a long distance haul.
Truck: 2005, 2500 SLT, QC, LB, 4X4. Stock hitch (attached to frame, hidden under bumper). 4 pin connector. Assuming stock gearing (3.73?). 5.7L. Auto. 285/70/17 tires.
Trailer: 1998 8x24 Cargo Mate. Dual axle. Electric brakes. Tekonsha box. 7 pin round connection. GVWR 7000. Steel body weighing about 3500-4k lbs.
I'm moving from Chicago to San Diego. While I doubt I have 3k lbs of stuff, for arguments sake let's go with towing at full capacity of 7k lbs. I know max towing is 8650 lbs. So from a numbers point I figure I'm ok. I'll be taking the southern route (I8) as to avoid as many mountains as possible. Here's what I need to know.
1. Is that hitch a Class III and strong enough to do the job or should I upgrade? I've read somewhere that the hitches were welded in. But I looked and saw bolts attaching it to the frame. It would suck to have to replace it because it looks like you'd have to remove the bed.
2. Is the 4 pin flat connector enough? I've seen some adapters online to change it to the 7 pin round connection. With that asked/said, what exactly is the need to add a trailer brake controller? Doesn't the trailer get the signal to engage the brakes from the connectors?
3. Do I need to add or upgrade a trans cooler? Differential cover?
4. Do I need to be concerned with a weight distribution setup?
5. I'll be changing all of the fluids. I'm ok with choosing synthetic engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. I've heard it's a bad idea to get the trans and differential flushed. So draining is the way to go. Do you suggest replacing with synthetic fluids?
6. Should I get temp gauges for trans? Is there a gauge for the differential?
Can you think of anything else mechanical I need to take into consideration that I may have forgotten to mention?
This is a one time, one way haul. I'll be selling the trailer once I get there.
Thanks for your help.
Truck: 2005, 2500 SLT, QC, LB, 4X4. Stock hitch (attached to frame, hidden under bumper). 4 pin connector. Assuming stock gearing (3.73?). 5.7L. Auto. 285/70/17 tires.
Trailer: 1998 8x24 Cargo Mate. Dual axle. Electric brakes. Tekonsha box. 7 pin round connection. GVWR 7000. Steel body weighing about 3500-4k lbs.
I'm moving from Chicago to San Diego. While I doubt I have 3k lbs of stuff, for arguments sake let's go with towing at full capacity of 7k lbs. I know max towing is 8650 lbs. So from a numbers point I figure I'm ok. I'll be taking the southern route (I8) as to avoid as many mountains as possible. Here's what I need to know.
1. Is that hitch a Class III and strong enough to do the job or should I upgrade? I've read somewhere that the hitches were welded in. But I looked and saw bolts attaching it to the frame. It would suck to have to replace it because it looks like you'd have to remove the bed.
2. Is the 4 pin flat connector enough? I've seen some adapters online to change it to the 7 pin round connection. With that asked/said, what exactly is the need to add a trailer brake controller? Doesn't the trailer get the signal to engage the brakes from the connectors?
3. Do I need to add or upgrade a trans cooler? Differential cover?
4. Do I need to be concerned with a weight distribution setup?
5. I'll be changing all of the fluids. I'm ok with choosing synthetic engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. I've heard it's a bad idea to get the trans and differential flushed. So draining is the way to go. Do you suggest replacing with synthetic fluids?
6. Should I get temp gauges for trans? Is there a gauge for the differential?
Can you think of anything else mechanical I need to take into consideration that I may have forgotten to mention?
This is a one time, one way haul. I'll be selling the trailer once I get there.
Thanks for your help.