Cross Country Towing New Member

mikiskawj · February 9, 2014

I am driving from NC mountains to Santa Fe NM, Hoping to get some towing advice. I appreciate everyone's time and knowledge. I have a stock 99 Silverado 5.3 extended cab 4x4 towing a uhaul car hauler with a 06 Kia Sportage V6 4x4. Both the truck and car are loaded with our stuff for move to New Mexico. I am hoping to get any advice on towing concerns/ capacities, and or general towing advice. I have pulled a Camry cross country with a dolly, but this is different and hoping for some tips for the road. Unsure of any weights, and a little nervous, hoping for some experienced haulers to help me out. Thanks for Everything!

Chris · February 9, 2014

Trailer or dolly?

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

mikiskawj · February 9, 2014

Using the Uhaul car trailer

Chris · February 9, 2014

If the full car is on the trailer you will be fine. Watch temps and do the speed limit

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

kstruckcountry · February 9, 2014

In the mountains use 3rd gear and tow haul. I use it empty just so it'll hold gear.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Chris · February 9, 2014

Always yous 3rd and T/H with decent loads

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

mikiskawj · February 9, 2014

Thanks for the input, I just want to be safe out there not only for my wife and and I but all other drivers.

kstruckcountry · February 9, 2014

It can't hurt to check your brakes.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mikiskawj · February 10, 2014

Had brakes and tires inspected, got new serpentine belt, rear differential cover was rusted and leaking so it was replaced, transmission fluid was apparently so dirty it got flushed twice, and oil changed. Brakes and tires were fine, I feel like my main concern at this point is my transmission holding strong, and the wife being comfortable behind the wheel while I'm sleeping.

kstruckcountry · February 10, 2014

That's great, sounds like you've gotten everything your safety depends on taken care of. You'd be surprised how many people don't

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

mikiskawj · February 12, 2014

Day 1 completed, Appalachian mountains were tough but pretty smooth on the highway. We are going fairly slow, topped out at 65, but seemed to average about 50-55mph, everybody's passing me. holding strong at 2 RPM using tow haul in both 3rd and D, some hard shifts into second off the stop, so I'm listening carefully and taking it slow, a few crackling sounds so far?

Elbert · February 17, 2014

that sounds certainly within the limits of your pickup. It the trailer tracks straight and you use tow-haul mode in the mountains and hills going a reasonable speed, should be without issue. SInce you are enroute you can't do anything about it.. I've always thought it makes good sense to have an ausillary transmission cooler on anything that twos significant weight. I don't recall that the 1/2 tons have that...its a good investment anyway..you might consider when you get to your new location.

I think most of the uhaul trailers use surge brakes...which can be aggrivating, but you just have to get use to them.