fox_forma Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 In 2 weeks I leave for AZ and I am loading up a 8x16 cargo trailer to bring out all my stuff. It will only be loaded to about 4000-4500lbs, the trailer is capable of 7700lbs+ so I am safe in that regard. The tires are fairly good on it but I will most likely get another set just as spares to be safe. Right now I just pull the trailer with a regular ball mount and ball on it. I will be upgrading to a WD set-up with an anti sway system. I have been looking at a lot of RV forums but thats mainly what it is, for campers and crap. Has anyone pulled a regular enclosed trailer a long distance before and any real tips or tricks I should do? How bad is it really when a big rig passes you or you pass one. Some people say even with the sway control set-up the trailer will want to tail wag, other say they have no issues. I also realize I wont be able to be at a higher speed like I would want but I guess thats just life for a long trip. Just seeing who has pulled for long distance before. I have an 03 Silverado SS that will be pulling this beast out. Oh and this is going from PA-AZ if anyone has any nice routes to take besides what mapquest gives me. Quote
kaotik1 Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 Sean you will be fine with what you have. I pulled a 4place trailer from Connecticut to Missouri, without any issues. The only thing that is really going to change is gas consumption, with how you drive, try to find the sweet spot and ride at that MPH for as long as you can. Quote
theshee Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 Yeah, the pulling part isnt that bad like trucks and stuff blowing you around. But like kaotik said, the gas sucks! It adds up quick. Best thing to do is dont get in a hurry, and just take it slow and easy. Quote
fox_forma Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Posted April 26, 2007 I figured I will prob be around the 60-65mph mark most of the way due to saving gas and well the tires are only rated for the speed unless I want to bump up to a bigger size which I really cant do. Were you pulling an open trailer though? I would assume they would have less tendency to tail wag then an enclosed one. Quote
theshee Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 I figured I will prob be around the 60-65mph mark most of the way due to saving gas and well the tires are only rated for the speed unless I want to bump up to a bigger size which I really cant do. Were you pulling an open trailer though? I would assume they would have less tendency to tail wag then an enclosed one. The one I pull is an 8.5x20 enclosed. Quote
fox_forma Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Posted April 26, 2007 good stuff, I was referring to kaotik though because your post wasnt up when I replied, lol. But anyhow, so with your 8.5x20 what kind of hitch set-up is it? A regular one or 5th wheel type? What do you pull it with as well? Quote
kaotik1 Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 The 4 place is an Enclosed, pulled just by the factory hitch, on a 2 1/4" ball I think it is. The other thing you may want to do is air up to just under the MAX pressure, this will give you the least rolling resistance. Quote
theshee Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 good stuff, I was referring to kaotik though because your post wasnt up when I replied, lol. But anyhow, so with your 8.5x20 what kind of hitch set-up is it? A regular one or 5th wheel type? What do you pull it with as well? Its a bumperpull haulmark. It has a sway-bar and load leveler on it. I pull it with my Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi. I put 4.10 gears in it, so it pulls OK. There are some hills here that are a grunt but its not too bad. Quote
FasterThanU90 Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 My mother drives trucks she grew up in PA ill ask her about sum Routes, we have 5th wheel type Weekend Warriors our 39ft we pulled it to Missouri with no troubles besides the gas u should`nt have any problems with that little 16fter might even forget its there :biggrin: What size motor does ur Chevy have 6.0? O and a side note unless u dont already have one invest in a CB radio ull love it on the trip keeps u alert entertained and knowing whats ahead its been a lifesaver for me at times Quote
fox_forma Posted April 26, 2007 Author Report Posted April 26, 2007 yeah I'm pulling it with a 6.0, few add ons but nothing major, 4.10 gears as well. The trailer does pull very easy, almost like its not there but I never pulled it really on any long trips or major highways. Quote
Dave I. Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 Spend 20-30 bucks on some bearing buddies and a grease gun... Dont want to lose a wheel bearing on a trip like that. Keep them greased up so they dont get hot. Quote
FasterThanU90 Posted April 26, 2007 Report Posted April 26, 2007 WORD on greasing the bearings keep an eye on that, ya i have a 2500hd with the 6.0 it should be cake put it on tow/haul set the cruise and ull be set :cool: Quote
2stroker4ever Posted April 27, 2007 Report Posted April 27, 2007 www.FullSizeChevy.com if you've never been there, it's a great site for chevy trucks/suv's. Quote
FireHead Posted April 27, 2007 Report Posted April 27, 2007 In 2 weeks I leave for AZ and I am loading up a 8x16 cargo trailer to bring out all my stuff. It will only be loaded to about 4000-4500lbs, the trailer is capable of 7700lbs+ so I am safe in that regard. The tires are fairly good on it but I will most likely get another set just as spares to be safe. Right now I just pull the trailer with a regular ball mount and ball on it. I will be upgrading to a WD set-up with an anti sway system. I have been looking at a lot of RV forums but thats mainly what it is, for campers and crap. Has anyone pulled a regular enclosed trailer a long distance before and any real tips or tricks I should do? How bad is it really when a big rig passes you or you pass one. Some people say even with the sway control set-up the trailer will want to tail wag, other say they have no issues. I also realize I wont be able to be at a higher speed like I would want but I guess thats just life for a long trip. Just seeing who has pulled for long distance before. I have an 03 Silverado SS that will be pulling this beast out. Oh and this is going from PA-AZ if anyone has any nice routes to take besides what mapquest gives me. I have done it several times. Having could trailer tires and atleast one spare is critical to your succes. You may also want to bring an extra set of wheel bearings and some grease. Make sure that you are carrying a jack that you know will work with your trailer. A test light, some spare wires, light bulbs, and butt connectors may also come in handy. A practice trip on the freeway with the trailer is also a good idea. That way you will learn about any handling quirks the trailer has (i.e. the trailer may wander at certain speeds or during deceleration, stopping distance). Air blast from semi's shouldn't be that big of deal . :geek: Quote
fox_forma Posted April 27, 2007 Author Report Posted April 27, 2007 yup on FSC under the same name as here, same with fullsizechevy and SSS.com and pt.net. I figured more people are on my level here since it deals with pulling our toys Quote
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