Car Hauler Trailer advice on setup

[fj40charles]

Elbert,

That looks like a nice trailer. Should have plenty of carrying capacity for what you're doing.

Charles

 

[calstyl2]

In both of my trailer I secure the cargo by the axles then put a strap on the front and rear bumper eyes to compress and secure the suspension of the cargo.

 

[frobuster]

MTCW, Secure the frame to the trailer, otherwise you are hauling a set of axles. Four point tie down at approximately 45 degree angles, otherwise you are trying to pull your vehicle in half. Use a safety.

 

[Elbert]

appreciate the feedback. I've been debating getting a 3/4 ton pickup or 1ton and selling the suburban. For all around utility its hard to beat a pickup. Doing some work on the FJ60 so we can be ready for the winter trails.

 

[frobuster]

If I was to get another tow vehicle it would be the beefiest possible. A 3/4 ton still rides like a tank, yet does not have nearly the capcities that the heavier trucks have.

 

[ar2stp48]

Don't know the weight of a 60 or the total weight of 60 and your trailer. That is the concern for whether or not your Suburban will pull the load. I have owned a Suburban with full tow package and 373 gears; had no trouble with it pulling.

I have noted many references to the trailer and tow vehicle "sitting level". While that is a good quick reference, I want to know the tongue weight when I am loaded with my car hauler. The second picture on entry #3 actually looks as though the tongue weight is a few pounds light; both the front of trailer and rear of Suburban seem elevated and inch or two. I make these comments from many miles pulling a car hauler with one of my old car treasures (or rust bucket). Things can get a little tense when a loaded trailer tries to steer a tow vehicle. I learned quickly; car being rescued was '56 T-bird.

Nice looking trailer; it will serve you well. I am using a 20 ft PJ trailer with brakes on both axles; tow with Dodge 1500 or Ford 3/4 ton with Powerstroke and 6 speed (for the heavier stuff)

 

[Elbert]

Yeah I almost went with the PJ trailer...they are nice. I need to save a few $$ though, and the trailer in the picture was at a price point that I could not refuse. I don't have any issues with my suburban pulling the trialer, allthough I might change the gears if I keep it. Its a K2500 with 8.1 liter engine, 4L80E trans, 3.73 gears, HD everything regarding towing. (aftermarket titian hitch and other stuff). If I decide to keep the suburban I may go to 4.10 gears. The suburban has the "auto-ride" which are basicaly electric shocks that adjust ride height as appropriate. The picture is a bit misleading as its on a slight slope. These trucks have huge wheel wells and small tires given the truck size... I'm ok with the suburban's performance...only when you get in the mountains does one feel that maybe 4.10 might be better for mechanical advantage.

The trailer tracks very well (far better than any of the u-hual stuff I"ve used). Trailer does not push the suburban around really and it does have electric brakes on both axles. My 60 weighs close to 6K, I'm not sure on the trailer weight but I think its around 2 to 2.5K. I don't have a lot of travle time with the loaded trailer so far, but I have taken it out twice now to get a good idea on a centering the FJ60 on the trailer and also how the trailer behaved on the road.. So far truck and trailer track right on, no weaving or pushing the truck around..I do need to get the trailer brake controller dialed in better. Two trips local *100 miles or so...running up to skyline to get a good idea on a long fairly steep grade. (steep for around here).

I'm wanting a truck (pickup) as opposed to the suburban is that overall a pickup would server me better in overall utility. Most likley looking for 4 door cab or extended cab Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins. Not that i"m in love with Dodge I just think for a towing vehcile they are probally the best deal. Prefer a 3/4 ton truck for now as for what I do a 3/4 ton seems to be fine, if I came across a great deal on a 1 ton ...it might find a new home.

 

[fj404life]

Dunno about dodges but the only diff between a newer 2500 and 3500 gm is an overload spring and a slightly beefed up rear frame section. No real difference in ride if anything the 1ton is slighlty better? Everything else is the same.

 

[Elbert]

YEs I think there are only minor differences between 3/4 and 1 ton truck. I would not mind having a singel rear tire 1 ton. My preference is for a single rear tire setup rather than dual.

 

[calstyl2]

If I was to get another tow vehicle it would be the beefiest possible. A 3/4 ton still rides like a tank, yet does not have nearly the capcities that the heavier trucks have.

I tow just fine with an F-250.................12K+ fine.