What factors Determine Tow Rating

[Ronnie Hamlin]

When (not if) you get into an emergency or panic situation, you will be thankful if you have more vehicle than you need for what you're pulling.

[Ed Wright]

A lot of us have been there.

[Frank B.]

Post #26 he said adding 3.73 gears and maybe new convertor to his impala wagon. That does not sound like anyone getting a new truck

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Frank B.

Post #26 he said adding 3.73 gears and maybe new convertor to his impala wagon. That does not sound like anyone getting a new truck

No more than he has raced, or traveled to race his IHRA "Pure Stocker", he already knows more than the rest of us. LOL

[Dan Lattimore]

Originally Posted by Ed Wright

When I started trying to race again, I pulled mine on an open trailer with my wife's 1/2 ton, 350" Tahoe. Could have used more brake. Put brakes on both trailer axels. Bought a 2500 Suburban made all that much more comfortable.
Bought my 24' ATC (all aluminum) enclosed trailer. Very light for an enclosed trailer. Can't tell it is heavier than the steel Open trailer.

Came with 5 lug 15" wheels, and Goodyear Trailer tires. (Said Trailer right on the sidewalls) It moved around a lot in crosswinds, and meeting big trucks. Had brakes on one axle. I found 8 lug hubs with brakes that fit the axles. Put those on both axles, bought 16" wheels to fit, l put the same 245-75-16 Michelins on it that I use on the Suburban. Tows so much better. Stopping is much better, cross winds & big trucks no longer effect if. I would never go back to a 1/2 ton, or 15" trailer tires. Whole new deal now.
Same spare fits truck or the trailer. I also have used only Michelins on everything we owned for about 30 years now.

Hope I don't sound like I think I know everything. Just sharing what I experienced.

Hey Ed---What are those hubs off of ? I need some -- Thanks, Danny

[Dan Fahey]

Originally Posted by Frank B.

Post #26 he said adding 3.73 gears and maybe new convertor to his impala wagon. That does not sound like anyone getting a new truck

You are right!
Until buying one of these $70000-80000 beasts.
The Hot Rodder in me going to fix up what I have.
My wagon has been beefed up to tow long distances with a trailer.
It is safe and learning what really works.

Had a recent accident
Where a nut took out my side of the wagon in a two lane left turn.
I was in the outside lane.

Parts are becoming a problem as the wagon becomes more of a classic.
Front doors are hard to find and rear wagon doors a lot tougher.
Wagon will get fixed. But time to start searching.
Plus my neck is still sore.

Have been looking at enclosed trailers.
This requires a whole new set of considerations.
Especially dealing and understanding wind shear !

Here is what I have learned.
Just bought Hughes Towing Converter.
Love its features as it is Designed to operate cooler than a Stock one.

There are other towing converters with a bit more stall.
Moves the torque curve up a bit but adds heat.
The Hughes Towing Converter Stall is slightly larger and tighter.
Specs say it flows the trans fluid better to reduce heat.
So will see how this combination works.

The current towing converter and 3.08’s work great over mountains.
It has a bit more stall than the stock converter.
But the 3.73s and new Converter will reduce strain on the cooling systems.
Interestingly gas mileage for towing will not be impacted.
Unloaded fuel mileage will suffer but rarely for towing.

Trucks are geared to get decent non loaded/towing fuel mileage.
Because 90% of their use is Unloaded.
Here more gear and tighter converter would work for distance Towing.

The rear squats couple inches when loaded, using up the GVWR.
Easily fixed adding airbags and electric pump.
This also helps front end geometry reducing any white knuckle feeling.
Also improves GVRW and CVWR.

So for all the bluster here.
Trucks still require specialized upgrades for long distance towing.
Local and highway sprints are not an issue.

So if a person tows with an unprepared truck and had a bad experience!
Well...fix it!

D

[Ed Wright]

Originally Posted by Dan Lattimore

Hey Ed---What are those hubs off of ? I need some -- Thanks, Danny

Dan, from a local trailer dealer. Back in about 2008. I told the guy at a trailer & trailer parts dealer here what I wanted to do. I had trouble blowing out the 15" "trailer rated" tires that. And on it. Had 5 lug wheels, like a car. Found they were speed rated at 65 MPH. The speed limits on the many toll roads here is 75 MPH. I had a diesel motorhome until recently that I just set the cruise control, it ran the speed limits like the trailer was not back there. Ignorant me, I was not aware of the tire speed ratings. Blew out a few. SMH
The trailer parts guy told me I needed to put 16" wheels on it, to get the load ratings & speed ratings I need to run the speed limits. Same 8 lug wheels & tires as my 2500 Suburban. Tows so much better. The original trailer tires & our 1/2 ton Tahoe towed it, but not nearly as stable as the 3/4 ton Suburban & better tires.
Had to buy the whole assembly for each trailer wheel. Four bolts holds each to the end of the trailer axle. You will see the difference first time you tow it. I thought the 1/2 Ton Tahoe and 15" trailer tires were fine, until the first trip with the new stuff. Safer & more comfortable on windy days, also on 2 lane roads with 18 wheelers. I have the same 16" Michelins on the trailer as the Suburban. They use 65 psi. Same 8 lug wheels.

[Shaun Quill]

I believe in overkill when it comes to towing.Much better safe than sorry.I’ve been there and I’ll never tow with any less than a dually. Dual wheels make it so nice going down the highway and if you ever come up on a hairy situation you’ll be glad you had those big brakes. Station wagons may go up and down the highway just fine, but if you ever need to avoid a situation or stop quickly you may be in trouble. Just looking out for you.

[Ed Wright]

I agree. A doolie would be safer.

[GTX JOHN]

I agree with the above two posts!

However, many trailer will not accept the 16 inch
wheel/tires due to the fender not clearing.