Alright guys, tomorrow I'm gonna be pulling a trailer for the first time, just a utility trailer with my riding lawnmower so it's nothing big but I wanted to know if there's anything different I need to do while driving. I've got the 4.9 I6 which I know is rather known for its low-end torque and a 5 speed standard. I don't wanna destroy my transmission or anything so any advice would be nice. Thanks in advance guys

 

Just start and brake slowly, otherwise you will be getting a lot of jerking. Practice backing the trailer, it's easy once you get it but I've seen some people get stuck and have to unhook trailer and pull by hand (one of the funniest sights I've ever seen BTW). Make sure your lights work and cross the chains under the tongue-this way if it comes loose it won't hit the ground and either flip or ruin your tongue. Remember that you need more room to turn. Common sense will get you through it without any issues, just be smooth with your shifts.

 

Everything He said.

Turning is very different, pull out far into the intersection before you start the turn, especially turning right. Go slower, and easy on, easy off. After a few dozen miles, it'll be second nature. Its good that you are starting with something small and not too heavy.

Actually practice backing up. Go to a big parking lot, and practice, its the only way you will get better.

It does drive like a big 30' van or class A bus when it comes to turning, if you have any experience driving them.

 

Put something to prevent the trailer from unlatching - either a small padlock, a nut and bolt, etc.

If driving any distance, check everything each stop.

 

Thanks guys! Everything went well, I had already practiced backing up with a trailer at work with one of our maintenance carts. Truck handled it real well, it actually felt like my truck drove smoother with the loaded trailer than it does normally haha

 

Your truck probably does ride smoother with a trailer. It weighs down the back end a bit, so your rear tires make better contact. You even get better wind resistance when driving because the rear is pushed down a bit. Its exactly like a spoiler on a car.

Catch 22 on that is that the opposite happens if the trailer is too heavy, it will lift the front end of the truck and you will loose power. Always be aware of the total weight of the trailer vs the truck. Even more important if you have stuff in the bed of the truck as well.

 

I'm glad everything went well.
Something worth mentioning; Pay attention to tongue weight.
Trailer should be balanced with just a little more on the tongue (200-300 pounds) Too much tongue weight is bad, this unloads the front of the vehicle, making turning and stopping difficult. Too little is worse, unloading the rear of the vehicle and making it squirrelly and very dangerous to drive.