Tow Vehicle Help

[SDP 28 FC]

For a 2016 Flying Cloud 28 and Equi-li-zer with sway control: Seeking some feedback on what to expect from a 2014 GMC 1500 with all the towing options and 5.3 V8. I checked with the dealer and the GM web site to verify and all looked good. Made it about 75 miles without using the tow/haul mode. Please reply with your experience and thoughts. Thank you. Really need to make the half ton work.

[SCOTTinNJ]

Not sure how your tow/haul mode works, but on my Ford it causes a favorable downshift when slowing down while descending. You will want that to control speed with engine braking rather than your brakes. If yours is similar, you likely want to use it.

[SteveH]

Use the Tow/Haul mode, that's what it's for. The truck will pull the trailer easier, and it's easier on the transmission.

[2012FB]

What are your specific issues/concerns? What type of towing are you doing (flat, hilly, mountains etc.). Really depends?


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[dkottum]

Some basic points to "make the half ton work" that we have learned.

-Always use Tow/Haul.

-The transmission is your friend, the gas engine power range and compression braking is in the higher rpm's) Always put it in a lower gear (probably 4th) for normal towing allowing about 2100-2300 rpm to prevent constant downshifting for small hills and headwinds. Shift down as needed to get into the higher rpm/power range for steep grades; reduce speed and downshift early when descending steep grades and let the engine rev to get engine compression braking (some transmissions have programs to do this automatically, probably not as good as manual control).

-Manage your loads. Load the truck lightly and ahead of the rear axle as much was possible to facilitate weight distribution. Load the Airstream evenly front-to-rear and side-to-side, heavy stuff near the axles. Do not load the front heavy, shoot for 10-12% trailer weight on the hitch. If you have too much weight, take some out and leave it at home.

-Use a very capable weight distribution hitch with good sway control. If sidewinds and passing semi's push you around on the interstate beyond you comfort range, be sure you have enough weight distribution and put stiffer sidewall tires on your truck to help. Get a Hensley/ProPride style weight distribution hitch to eliminate the issue.

-Keep your truck and trailer brakes in good condition and don't be afraid to use them. Use a good brake controller adjusted to apply truck and trailer brakes together.

[aftermath]

Doug makes some very good points. I would like to emphasize a couple of them.

Make sure your brakes on the trailer are set properly. The trailer brakes should stop the trailer, the TV brakes will stop the TV. If the brakes on the trailer are set up too lightly your truck will have to bring everything to a stop and that can cause many problems. The biggest challenge you will face is when you are coming down hill and rounding corners. If the brakes on the trailer are weak the force of the trailer trying to push your TV around the corner is concerning.

You have a half ton and with all half tons your payload will have to be watched. Load your trailer using Doug's guidelines. Get everything set up and go to the scales to find the true tongue weight.

Use the tow haul, especially when going through the mountains.

Your Equalizer hitch should do the job nicely. Don't run out and get a new one unless you are having trouble with yours. There are thousands of these out there on the roads and most users are very happy with their performance.

[hshovic]

If you want some numerical analysis to help understand the towing mechanics, take a look at this post. I used it to help decide. There are some spreadsheets that might be useful.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...tml#post456088