rpf150ltd

I will be towing a 27 foot travel trailer from Utah to Glacier National Park. Any advise what type of maintenance I should do before the trip? I don't have much experience in this area. Just got a oil change, new brakes, new tires and a new battery. The transmission Luis looks nice and pink. The truck is 2006 5.4 scab fx4 with about 105,000 miles. Any advise would be much appreciated!

Trio

Tire pressure. Don't assume the tire shop got it right.

Are you running a brake controller, properly calibrated? and a weight distributing hitch?

Eric Kleven

Maybe differential lube and transfer case fluid, as well.
let us hear how it goes after!

rpf150ltd

Truck has a brake controller that my grandpa used for towing a similar trailer... don't know about calibration... I will be borrowing a equalizer hitch as well. Good tip on tire pressure! ��

rpf150ltd

I'll let you all know how it goes. Should be a fun adventure!

redfishtd

Plate type is best . My friend just burnt out his transmission doing same ,he didn't know about coolers .
Make sure your fan belt in good shape . Change engine coolant.
Make sure you torque down lug nuts on trailer . I hope you have sway bars on hitch . Don't overload trailer with too much stuff . Inspect trailer tires for sure .
Drive trailer around for test before trip, test trailer brakes .

77Ranger460

You need to properly set up the hitch for the truck either using CAT scales or a tape measure.

FrozenTundraGuy

I agree with all of the above; heat will be your enemy. If the trans fluid/filter hasn't been changed in a while or at all-change it. Also if this is a used trailer (not new), check the trailer bearings and re-pack them if unsure. You don't want to lose a wheel bearing while towing. check how old the trailer tires are; if they are over 6 yrs old-strongly consider replacing them. A trailer tire blowout can cause a lot of damage. Get a good set of tow mirrors to put over the factory mirrors-you'll need them .I've towed trailers over !5k with trucks/station wagons over the years. Take it slow and attack the mtns in 2nd gear and use the trans to help slow you down on the backsides-stay off the brakes as much as possible. Good Luck!

Bobby Lane

Be prepared and patient to settle for 35-40mph up any grades you encounter. Don't push it to maintain 50 or you'll overheat the tranny. I highly recommend getting the Tourque app on an android device along with the odb bluetooth device (lots of threads here) so that you can monitor tranny temps. It helps to know just how hot your are getting. Also, when possible, avoid coming to a complete stop on a uphill slopes. You may find it difficult to get going from a dead stop. Good luck, have a great trip.