Advise On Pulling A Car From Ca To Ga

DoMDrty · April 28, 2010

So after being lead on by a previous transporter I am now considering pulling my 79 MC from CA to GA this summer. The work horse is my 09 Silverado ext cab, 2wd, 5.3 engine, and 3.73 gears. The MC has a hydraulic suspension and weights approx 4,000 LBS. Since I don't own a trailer I will have to rent one. I have pulled the car short distances (a few hours each way) on a uhaul with the truck previously. The car pulls a lot better when backed onto the trailer because of the additional weight weight in the trunk from the batteries and hydraulic equipment.

Now I have read a few threads on here about larger trans coolers, weight distribution hitches, and electric brakes, but if I have to rent a trailer I don't think I can use electric brake controller because of the surge brakes or a weight distribution hitch. I do plan on upgrading my trans cooler if I go this route. All suggestions would be appreciated.

DoMDrty · April 28, 2010

Oh, and a uhaul car transporter weights approx 1,700lbs, add my car for a total of approx 5,700lbs. I will be driving alone, how ever I will have probly about another 1,000 lbs of stuff going with me

thearborbarber · April 28, 2010

It's going to be alone boring drive but your truck will do just fine. My 1500 is rated at 7700 towing and the only difference is mine is 4X4.

Westlotorn · April 28, 2010

I bought a 1966 Vette in Detroit, I am in Sacramento. Same problem you have. I bought a trailer, put surge brakes on it so it is more flexible between tow cars added 2 spare tires because past towing problems had me nervous.

I towed a Toyota Camry from Sacramento to Des Moine and dropped it for a friend with a daughter in college back there then picked up the Vette in Detroit and pulled it home.

On every stop, walk around and check tire temp. A low tire will run hotter and then explode. We found tire issues twice and fixed it before having a blow out.

Just touch the back of your fingers to the tire wall, they will all feel the same temp till you find a problem. Do this on the truck and trailer.

Same thing on the trailer wheel hubs but be careful they are hotter than the tire.

Towing 5,000 lbs is no big deal on your truck if you watch the gauges and drive smart. I did it in late April, weather was cool for the most part but we did hit 85-90 degrees coming back through Nevada.

I would change all my fluids, make sure the Antifreeze is fresh and a 50/50 mix, don't push it too hard and enjoy the ride. Run your tire pressures firm, I used 38 pounds it seemed to help. I had a 1/2 ton C rated tires. I think D or E rated would really help but I did not invest. I have the 5.3L in my Tahoe with 4.10 gears. 14 mpg is about all I could get.

12 if windy.

Proper load distribution was critical, it was amazing how much difference moving the towed car 6 inches front or back on the trailer makes. I set up to have about 400 pounds tonge weight and it pulled great. More than that and the steering seemed light. Less than that and the trailer weaved. We towed at many times up to 75mph on this very long trip with no wag or issues at all. The surge brakes work great for me. I did have to install a lockout pin for backing up hill. 6 days, 5200 miles.