Towing: How slow is too slow these days?

[GTSSportCoupe]

I've been camping all summer with my family. We bought a 16' camper trailer cause we have young kids and it just makes it a whole lot easier. We also got it really cheap. I wanted a smaller/lighter trailer, but this is the one the wife wanted.

Most of our camping has been between Sooke and Port Renfrew which has been a pretty easy going drive, but this weekend we went up Island to Cowichan River Provincial Park.

So, you all know the Prado has a little engine. Mine runs VERY good for what it is. I've got it tuned safe so that I can sit on full throttle and EGT's only hit 800F post turbine. Due to the improvements I've made to the engine, I can run these EGT's even with the fuel turned up a lot.

I've been towing a trailer weight of about 2700lbs, with a truck weight of about 5500lbs.

Going up the Malahat in 28C weather on Friday I was down to 60km/h on the worst inclines (like right before the Shawnigan Lake turn off - 8% grade or so I think). Is this too slow to be safe these days? Seems everyone is towing with 300-400hp these days. A big rig passed me at one point and I knew that was not a good sign. The rest of the Malahat steep inclines were done closer to 70km/h.

What sort of speed are others running when towing on the highway up steep grades (with your cruiser)?

I know you're going to tell me to tow with something else, but another truck is not in the budget and I've got to make do with what I have.

I'm toying with the idea of putting a progressive alcohol/water injection system on for a few extra hp. But would really prefer to avoid the extra clutter/cost if I can avoid it.

Thanks

 

[ForealBoreal]

I think water meth may be some really cheap power for you. I would strongly suggest looking into getting a kit, I think you can buy a suitable one for $3-500 bucks.

 

[wombat]

With the cost of ferries lately no one can afford to go off the island with a trailer so the only bad hills you will face are the malahat and port alberni hump and maybe one to longbeach. I have done a fare amount of long hauls pulling trailers with under powered vehicles until i got my Tundra and you just have to slow down and smell the roses on the long hills. I wouldn't waste your money trying to get a little more power from a fragile engine for just a few hills you will face on the island.
My 2 cents worth.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I think water meth may be some really cheap power for you. I would strongly suggest looking into getting a kit, I think you can buy a suitable one for $3-500 bucks.

My biggest concern is where to put the meth/water reservoir. I think I'd need a lot of capacity, as I'd be injecting a lot to make any real difference. I don't really want to put it in the passenger compartment. I guess I'd have to put it underneath...which creates enough complication that I'm de-motivated haha.

I did a system like this before on my supercharged MR2, so am familiar with how to do it. But the MR2 did not have sustained loads like my LJ does, so just had a 1 gallon reservoir.

I don't mind driving slow in the 7% + grades. I'm just wondering if it is dangerous...

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

With the cost of ferries lately no one can afford to go off the island with a trailer so the only bad hills you will face are the malahat and port alberni hump and maybe one to longbeach. I have done a fare amount of long hauls pulling trailers with under powered vehicles until i got my Tundra and you just have to slow down and smell the roses on the long hills. I wouldn't waste your money trying to get a little more power from a fragile engine for just a few hills you will face on the island.
My 2 cents worth.

Thanks for your experience and advise. You're totally right; we'll definitely be staying on the Island, as there is no way I can afford the ferries with my cruiser and trailer. The hills on the Island might be steep, but there are not many, and they are not long. So really just a minor inconvenience. Just as long as I'm not pissing people off.

 

[seapotato]

60 kmh up the malahat was pretty standard for me with a 3b cruiser...even without a trailer.

Most people tow too damn fast anyways.

If they didn't want 1 slow vehicle to clog traffic they wouldn't have reduced the main island highway to a single lane winding goat path over the malahat.

Just pull off when you can to keep the lineup behind you from losing their minds....

 

[hellbent40]

Just check what the slowest speed that u can go on the highway is and try to stay above it... Too many people are in a rush now a days.. I wouldnt sacrific the engine tryin to gain a little horsepower.. If it was me i would take it nice and slow..

 

[wussyPup]

60 km/h in an 80 zone isn't dangerous IMO
When I'm 15-20 km/h or more under the speed zone, I throw on the 4-ways. The combo lights on most trailers are pathetic in daylight. Maybe invest in a set of bright LEDs for the rear.

 

[ForealBoreal]

My biggest concern is where to put the meth/water reservoir. I think I'd need a lot of capacity, as I'd be injecting a lot to make any real difference. I don't really want to put it in the passenger compartment. I guess I'd have to put it underneath...which creates enough complication that I'm de-motivated haha.

I did a system like this before on my supercharged MR2, so am familiar with how to do it. But the MR2 did not have sustained loads like my LJ does, so just had a 1 gallon reservoir.

I don't mind driving slow in the 7% + grades. I'm just wondering if it is dangerous...

I have heard of people using their washer fluid reservoir and just tapping a new draw from it.
I have thought about doing this, but really at this point it's not needed.

AdamB did this on his 81 and uses the smallest nozzle. He has tried all his options and its yielded to work just fine from testing.

Your running very cool EGTs, I think even running Evans waterless would prevent steam pockets and have the ability to hop the thing up more

 

[themorb]

Dude you should have seen us pulling our Trillium up the Hope-Princeton with my tired out gasser. 30 km/h in some spots... Ambient temperature was 30+ and my water temperature gauge was creeping past its normal halfway mark. Can't wait to get the diesel in that truck! But ya 60 on the Malahat seems fine to me. No different than a 3B or a Westie.

 

[Diesel Cruiserman]

I've been camping all summer with my family. We bought a 16' camper trailer cause we have young kids and it just makes it a whole lot easier. We also got it really cheap. I wanted a smaller/lighter trailer, but this is the one the wife wanted.

Most of our camping has been between Sooke and Port Renfrew which has been a pretty easy going drive, but this weekend we went up Island to Cowichan River Provincial Park.

So, you all know the Prado has a little engine. Mine runs VERY good for what it is. I've got it tuned safe so that I can sit on full throttle and EGT's only hit 800F post turbine. Due to the improvements I've made to the engine, I can run these EGT's even with the fuel turned up a lot.

I've been towing a trailer weight of about 2700lbs, with a truck weight of about 5500lbs.

Going up the Malahat in 28C weather on Friday I was down to 60km/h on the worst inclines (like right before the Shawnigan Lake turn off - 8% grade or so I think). Is this too slow to be safe these days? Seems everyone is towing with 300-400hp these days. A big rig passed me at one point and I knew that was not a good sign. The rest of the Malahat steep inclines were done closer to 70km/h.

What sort of speed are others running when towing on the highway up steep grades (with your cruiser)?

I know you're going to tell me to tow with something else, but another truck is not in the budget and I've got to make do with what I have.

I'm toying with the idea of putting a progressive alcohol/water injection system on for a few extra hp. But would really prefer to avoid the extra clutter/cost if I can avoid it.

Thanks

I had a 15 footer hybrid with front and rear pop outs, very fun..pulled it with a BJ60 slow as a snail...

You are for sure pushing the limits of that engine, although you are monitoring it which is good.. Maybe a intercooler?

 

[ForealBoreal]

He already has an intercooler.
I say time for water meth if your hungry or curious.

 

[seapotato]

meh.

Leave it as is, and just accept the slowness.


I just towed the boler up to CR and back for a pissup, even passed someone going up the nanoose hill.

Mostly though, I got passed by uncounted douchebags in dodges and fords with 18" lifts and big tailpipes ,all of them doing at least 30 over the limit, and towing bigass trailers, big sunglasses, flatbrimmed hats and, most likely, affliction tshirts.

Most going so fast that the tails were starting to wag,( but they've added 100hp to their truck, so it can tow much more safely now right? )


On the straights where the road was in good shape, it actually felt ok at 100kph, but that's a rarity for me. Doesn't really matter how slow or fast you go, those idiots will still blast past you at the first 100ft passing lane. Going slower gives them more time to do it without clipping your nose as they pull back in.

Personally I think the speed limit for trailers should be 10k less than everyone else, regardless of what you're towing with, like they do in the states.

 

[ForealBoreal]

Mostly though, I got passed by uncounted douchebags in dodges and fords with 18" lifts and big tailpipes ,all of them doing at least 30 over the limit, and towing bigass trailers, big sunglasses, flatbrimmed hats and, most likely, affliction tshirts.

That was pure gold.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Thanks for all the great responses folks! I really appreciate the feedback and experience.

60 kmh up the malahat was pretty standard for me with a 3b cruiser...even without a trailer.

Just pull off when you can to keep the lineup behind you from losing their minds....

I definitely pull over to let people pass if I see that I am holding them up (did this on some of the winding narrow roads past Sooke). The points where I was slow on the Malahat there was a passing lane anyhow, so people just cruised past me. Generally I can keep the speed of traffic on the rest of the highway, so it is not too much of an issue there.

Just check what the slowest speed that u can go on the highway is and try to stay above it... Too many people are in a rush now a days.. I wouldnt sacrific the engine tryin to gain a little horsepower.. If it was me i would take it nice and slow..

Thanks man. Yeah, I really don't mind taking it easy. Just making sure I'm not too slow for 'modern' traffic is all. Vehicle have so much more power today than they did 20 or even 10 years ago. Hills for most people are just not an issue. Sounds like 60 at the slowest is ok for the 'hat though.

60 km/h in an 80 zone isn't dangerous IMO
When I'm 15-20 km/h or more under the speed zone, I throw on the 4-ways. The combo lights on most trailers are pathetic in daylight. Maybe invest in a set of bright LEDs for the rear.

Cool man, thanks for your input. I had the 4 ways on too. And you are totally right, the trailer signal/brake lights do suck, and I have been meaning to swap some LED ones on there. I'll do it before my next run up the 'hat. I guess one of my concerns was that some bozo wouldn't notice I was going slow with my 4-ways on, and would plow into the back of me if he can't get in the passing lane fast enough.

I have heard of people using their washer fluid reservoir and just tapping a new draw from it.

Your running very cool EGTs, I think even running Evans waterless would prevent steam pockets and have the ability to hop the thing up more

I actually was thinking of using the headlight washing reservoir as another option, as I don't use it anyhow. But that will mean I have to relocate my intercooler pump, as it is mounted where the reservoir used to be. I sort of need to do that anyhow as the pump is prone to trapping air and cavitating up high where it is....but that's another story...

I am running Redline water wetter which seems to have really helped the cooling system, and is also known to help prevent hot spots/steam in heads. That said, I am at the limit of my cooling system. If I added more fuel, my EGT's would still be fine, but I think I'd push the cooling system over the edge which would spell disaster for the 2LTE. That's why I was thinking of the meth/water, as it will absorb more heat than it creates, and still give me the extra power.

The practical side of me says, "avoid the extra cost/clutter", but the tech/tinker side of me says "do it!". Haha, we'll see which wins out. I'd have to find a used system for around $200-$250 to make it fly though. They do come up used on the ricer forums for around that price.

Dude you should have seen us pulling our Trillium up the Hope-Princeton with my tired out gasser. 30 km/h in some spots... Ambient temperature was 30+ and my water temperature gauge was creeping past its normal halfway mark. Can't wait to get the diesel in that truck! But ya 60 on the Malahat seems fine to me. No different than a 3B or a Westie.

With a 1FZFE? Wow, that thing must be tired indeed! I would have thought that motor would be great for towing aside from the fuel usage. And a Trillium is a pretty light trailer with decent aerodynamics. Have you weighed yours?

I had a 15 footer hybrid with front and rear pop outs, very fun..pulled it with a BJ60 slow as a snail...

You are for sure pushing the limits of that engine, although you are monitoring it which is good.. Maybe a intercooler?

I am definitely pushing the little 2LTE. I passed another Prado on the Malahat while I was towing, and I don't think he could believe his eyes, haha! My engine has no history of issues, and I've done a HUGE amount of work to improve it's performance and reliability. It's probably one of the best running 2LTE's out there. It makes really good power, and runs cool EGT's. Water temps are very cool when I'm not towing; almost too cool.

meh.

Leave it as is, and just accept the slowness.

I just towed the boler up to CR and back for a pissup, even passed someone going up the nanoose hill.

Mostly though, I got passed by uncounted douchebags in dodges and fords with 18" lifts and big tailpipes ,all of them doing at least 30 over the limit, and towing bigass trailers, big sunglasses, flatbrimmed hats and, most likely, affliction tshirts.

Most going so fast that the tails were starting to wag,( but they've added 100hp to their truck, so it can tow much more safely now right? )


On the straights where the road was in good shape, it actually felt ok at 100kph, but that's a rarity for me. Doesn't really matter how slow or fast you go, those idiots will still blast past you at the first 100ft passing lane. Going slower gives them more time to do it without clipping your nose as they pull back in.

Personally I think the speed limit for trailers should be 10k less than everyone else, regardless of what you're towing with, like they do in the states.

I 100% agree with everything you've said there. I have developed a real hate-on for the new breed of 'ricer' that do up pick-ups with ridiculous lifts, low pro 40" mudders and 6" exhausts. I don't know why this image has become so popular. I see these trucks everywhere now. Maybe the ricer Honda Civic kids have grown up and got big $$ jobs on oil rigs up North, and they've graduated to ricing 8000lb $60,000 diesel pickups now. The money people have in those trucks is astounding. I don't know how they afford it.

My setup is happiest 90km/h and under. If I have a lot of tongue weight and weight in the back of my truck I can get away with going up to 110km/h with good stability, but I really prefer not to. It's a big waste of fuel to go over 90km/h towing a brick anyhow.

 

[chet]

on the island 90 will be fine. Try that on the mainland and you will get smucked by a semi! We towed our 16' trailer trailer withour grand vitara and it was slow. those things have no torque. The hills to tofino were not a problem as its so windy you can't go fast anyways!

 

[Enigma]

I am definitely pushing the little 2LTE. I passed another Prado on the Malahat while I was towing, and I don't think he could believe his eyes, haha!

Also pure gold.


I currently don't tow anything, but my belt buckle is slowly creeping up towards my arm pits so it's just a matter of time before we will be towing a trailer. My 5 cents is just to keep on trucking as you are now. While i'ts always fun to make more power, you don't "need" it with your current set up and are doing just fine.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

on the island 90 will be fine. Try that on the mainland and you will get smucked by a semi! We towed our 16' trailer trailer withour grand vitara and it was slow. those things have no torque. The hills to tofino were not a problem as its so windy you can't go fast anyways!

Yeah, I definitely would not want to be holding up semi's.

Did you tow with your HJ61 when you had it? How did it do on the Malahat? 12h-t is a good towing motor I hear?

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Also pure gold.


I currently don't tow anything, but my belt buckle is slowly creeping up towards my arm pits so it's just a matter of time before we will be towing a trailer. My 5 cents is just to keep on trucking as you are now. While i'ts always fun to make more power, you don't "need" it with your current set up and are doing just fine.

If it's just you and your significant other, buy a 13' fibreglass trailer like a boler/trillium etc. If I didn't have two young kids, that is exactly what I'd be doing. Why tow more than you need to? I don't know why the big 20'+ trailers are so popular now. The campgrounds are just packed with them. I sort of wonder if it's a fad that will pass.

And thanks for your advise. After this discussion, I've decided my setup is fine for the Island. The Island is all that I'll be doing for the next few years, so I'll leave the truck as is for now. If I go off Island after that, I'll either upgrade my rig/engine, or get a small fibreglass trailer and throw the kids (when they're older) in a tent, haha.

 

[Enigma]

I still, well at least now anyways, want something simpler than your standard camping trailer. When I win the lotto, I'll be ordering up some of these:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgY1t5pdEfw

And when I don't win the lottery, probably one of these:

http://aspenxtrails.com/trailer-models/

Until then I'll trip over the CDN M101 in the drive way and procastinate about getting a lid on it and switching the RTT to it.