My 2003 XLT, which has right at 125K on it, might just get a new 22 foot camper to start dragging around in my retirement. Anybody have any good suggestions regarding what I might do to "get it in shape" for a possible multi week trailer adventure? I have been using it to not only drive to work occassionally (not my daily driver) but also load/unload my waverunners and/or boat into the ocean for the past few years. I keep it closely maintenanced, and it is in really good shape. I'm just wondering if there is anything i can do to make it more tow-worthy, for lack of better way of putting it. I know you can never fully know when something will break down, but looking for things to check or take care of before I take off on a trip and have something possibly go wrong.

 

Brakes are critical. Upgrade pads and rotors if yours are near replacement time. See if there is supplemental cooling system available for your transmission. Upgraded rear shocks won't hurt.

 

Brakes are solid, put all new rotors, etc on only a few months ago. The cooling system is a great idea!

 

You need to be able to rely on your front brakes. Sagging in the rear greatly reduces the dependability. I would suggest you look into airbags or helper springs.... or an equalizer hitch. Keep the truck as level as possible.

 

I do the same with my 2000 and a 21 ft. Toy hauler.
As others stated, go through your brakes. Flushing with high quality fluid raises the boiling point considerably. Electric trailer brakes are a must and get a actuator that senses brake force.
I added a extra Transmission cooler even though mine has a very small one with the towing package. The temp gage I installed showed much lower fluid temps.
From what e-trailers website says air bags are for box loads, leveler hitches are for towing. My RV came with one, they also help with sway in high winds. It’s a good idea to change both differentials and the transfer case fluid, coolant system. All of it gets hotter and breaks down the fluids when yanking a big heavy “box” around. Good. Camping!

 

Heaviest duty shocks you can find and a set of AirRide 5000 air bags. E rated tires would also help if you're pushing the maximum amount of weight. Make sure the front struts are in good shape--not worn out.

 

Thank you gents! I looked into an equalizer hitch, that is a definite. I like the looks of them for towing. I have new shocks and I think the truck has an extra (overload?) rear leaf spring already on it. I'm pretty sure my truck has shocks all around, I'll double check the fronts - I remember putting in new rubber on the front suspension and I would almost guarantee I put new shocks on. I am looking at the AirRide 5000 option...
New fluids in the transfer and diffs, GREAT idea. I had a thermostat issue a few months ago so I have a new thermostat, and all new coolant.

 

Dot 4 fluid takes more heat than 3, and 5.1, more yet. They and 5.1 are compatible. 5.0 is not compatible. 5.0 is harder to find on the riad and requires a full flush.

 

I used a air vacuum system to bleed the brakes. Bought a big jug of Valvoline synthetic Dot 4 fluid.


When you change the fluid in the front Differential be sure to loosen the top fill plug first. I sprayed my with PB blaster days before and still had to use a propane torch with a impact wrench.
Of course the rear Dif. has to have the cover removed.
Valvoline now makes a dedicated transfer case fluid.
Good wrenching!

 

Load Levers, PowerStop Brakes front and back, I’m running silicon brake fluid, transmission cooler and I have a transmission temperature gauge.

Heat is the killer. Rockauto has the double core radiator for super cheap. I bought that and then I got a pusher fan from Summit and mounted it to the front of AC coil infront of the radiator. And the coolant is Peak Global Final Charge or MotorCraft Gold. You and your truck will thank me when you find yourself driving through Arizona on a hot day.