Towing question? (1 Viewer)

[brm98]

I’ll be towing a 3,500lb travel trailer over the summer using a load leveling/anti sway hitch and a break controller.

I know the rating on the GX is 6,500lbs. But I’m wonder if 4-4,200 (wet weight) would warrant installing a trans cooler?

Anyone have any issues towing or any tips/tricks?

 

[NomzMatter]

Have you taken a look for the trans cooler already installed? I've got the tow package on my '07 and it has a factory cooler....it's not huge by any means, but it's there.

I've also only towed smaller than what you're planning, so no tips. Just take it easy on the brakes, stay out of the gas too much and find the flatest route possible? Gas mileage will be horrendous with that much weight.

 

[brm98]

Have you taken a look for the trans cooler already installed? I've got the tow package on my '07 and it has a factory cooler....it's not huge by any means, but it's there.

I've also only towed smaller than what you're planning, so no tips. Just take it easy on the brakes, stay out of the gas too much and find the flatest route possible? Gas mileage will be horrendous with that much weight.

I know there is a hitch but I haven't looked for a cooler yet. Will do that, thanks

Yeah, I just installed new brakes

and I'm installing a brake controller this weekend. I was towing with a Grand Cherokee V6 so this will be a huge improvement. And I'm expecting to be in the single digets with the trailer attached.

 

[UTFJ]

You will be fine towing that much weight. I’ve been towing a 2700 pound travel trailer for years and recently upgraded to a travel trailer that weighs 3600 pounds dry. I live in Utah and the GX pulls the new trailer just like the old one through the mountains. I also use a weight distributing hitch and brake controller. I’m also lifted and on 33’s.

The biggest issue, IMO, is how long/tall the trailer is. I towed a trailer ( once!) that had a 28’ box length and that was too much area if there was any wind. Then I went to an R-Pod with an 18’ length, and now I tow a Camplite that has a 21’ box length. The 21’ is perfect for me, especially in the mountains.

 

[mjrsfj40]

I tow a 21’ trailer, 4019 lb dry weight with my 03 GX. Lifted and on 33’s. Tows smooth and stable. Get the equalizer hitch and trailer brake set and you will have no problems. Single digit fuel economy is the norm - 8.5 - 9 mpg, however, unless you go to diesel, this is the norm for any gas motor. At least the ride is quite comfortable!

Picture of my set up:

 

[brm98]

Great info, thanks guys!

This is the trailer I'll be towing so it sounds like there should be no issues.

 

[mjrsfj40]

Piece of cake! GX won’t even know it is back there!

 

[slowhogg]

4.7 v8 will have no problem with that weight and weight distributing hitch and most important the trailer brakes and controller. I haven’t pulled much with my 470, I pull 4K lbs 25 ft pontoon boat with my 460 with no problem. Going to the beach tomorrow pulling small trailer with the 460, gas mileage will be about 14. I get about 6-7 mpg pulling my 33ft travel trailer, 8k lbs with my 08 tundra running 75mph, can’t pass to many gas stations when I do that!

 

[slowhogg]

Pics, Toyota's pull great!

 

[Nothinghead]

As far as I know, all GXs have a trans cooler standard. This is our setup that has been about 10,000 miles now through BC, Alberta, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. The GX is lifted about 2” with 285s. Take the time to make sure your weight distribution, sway control and brake control are set up appropriately and you’ll be fine. Mistakes here could cost you and innocent bystanders a lot.

I stay in 4th gear and the trans seems happy there (no hunting for gear and no overheating). I get 11–12 mpg on interstates and mountains. 13-15 on two lane rural highways.

 

[Paul Galvin]

How much does the trailer weigh?

 

[4Point7Lucky]

All beautiful pictures, guys.

 

[Paul Galvin]

View attachment 1923775
As far as I know, all GXs have a trans cooler standard. This is our setup that has been about 10,000 miles now through BC, Alberta, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. The GX is lifted about 2” with 285s. Take the time to make sure your weight distribution, sway control and brake control are set up appropriately and you’ll be fine. Mistakes here could cost you and innocent bystanders a lot.

I stay in 4th gear and the trans seems happy there (no hunting for gear and no overheating). I get 11–12 mpg on interstates and mountains. 13-15 on two lane rural highways.

How much does the airstream weigh?

 

[Nothinghead]

How much does the airstream weigh?

I think it’s around 4,500 pounds. This is the 22 front bed sport model if you want to compare it on airstream’s website.

 

[JLee]

I have yet to see a GX470 without a transmission cooler. I'm nearly certain that every one has it.

Leave the transmission in 4th and you should be perfectly fine.

 

[Paul Galvin]

I think it’s around 4,500 pounds. This is the 22 front bed sport model if you want to compare it on airstream’s website.

Thank you! I am looking at travel trailers that have a dry weight of around 5,500 lbs. I am a little concerned about whether or not my 100 series is up to the task...

 

[JLee]

Thank you! I am looking at travel trailers that have a dry weight of around 5,500 lbs. I am a little concerned about whether or not my 100 series is up to the task...

It'll be working pretty hard...5500 dry is going to be really close to the max tow rating when wet / loaded (also keep in mind that trailer tongue weight applies towards your GVWR).

 

[Paul Galvin]

It'll be working pretty hard...5500 dry is going to be really close to the max tow rating when wet / loaded (also keep in mind that trailer tongue weight applies towards your GVWR).

My thoughts exactly...any takers on a pristeen 2000 100 series? Ha!