Towing tips for first trip

[Scott P]

The family and I are taking our first camping trip with our recently acquired travel trailer. It is a 2005 Dutchmen 18b. It is probably around 4,500 pounds. i have a weight distribution hitch. My truck has the 3.42 gears and integrated trailer brake. this is my first time towing anything bigger than a U-Haul trailer, We are driving about 60 miles with the biggest hill being a highway flyover or two. I've pulled it a few miles to and from the storage unit, but this will be my first longer trip.

 

Any tips or tricks from the more experienced folks? Maybe help with setting the trailer brake control, gear selection, bump up the octane, etc.?

[sahls01gmc]

Hook it up and drive! That's a light enough load you won't have to worry about much.

 

Check ALL tire pressures. Make sure fluids are topped off. Brake controller should be set so you can stop with the same brake pressure as you would without the trailer. Make sure the trailer is level FULLY LOADED! Your gear weighs more than you think. And don't put your gear in the back of the trailer. It should all closest to the tongue.

 

Your regular gas will be fine. Your MPG's will drop, but I hope you expected that.

[thewhitestallion]

also check the grease in the trailer wheel bearings.

 

when I tow I use 93 octane.

 

trailer brake controller should be set to where you can hit the brakes and the trailer wheels do not lock up.

 

Going by the weights that you gave us the trailer is not too heavy and your truck should pull it just fine. just put that B in tow/haul mode and drive!

[sahls01gmc]

Also, I wouldn't go 1mph over the rated speed of your tires. I'm fairly certain they are not rated to go 70mph....

[peejaykay]

Trailer tires are normally rated between 55 and 65. As a noob, keep it to 55. Especially until you're comfortable with distributing the weight appropriately.

[JUSTINASS]

have plenty of beer iced down and ready to drink...after your wife "helps" you back the camper into the spot.

[sahls01gmc]

have plenty of beer iced down and ready to drink...after your wife "helps" you back the camper into the spot.

You've done this before haven't you?

[SouthpawHD]

Don't bob and weave traffic - you are at least twice as long now with a trailer.

 

Give yourself plenty of braking distance - it aways takes longer to brake with a trailer "pushing" you.

 

Don't be in a hurry.

 

And as another poster said, have the beer on ice, you'll appreciate that when you are all set up.

[CoachRiddla]

You can also adjust the tailgate to point at an angle to make it easier to hook up your trailer. It points the camera to the sweet spot. I didnt even know until i saw the GMC's youtube channel.

[Spurshot]

I'd inflate your truck's rear tires (factory "P" tires?) to their maximum rated pressure, probably the fronts as well. Quite frankly, I would have ditched the factory tires before I towed anything. But, others feel they are fine. Drive nice. Stay to the right lanes when possible. Don't be that guy that is holding all the traffic up. Pull over to let others by when you should and when safe.

[jamin87ss]

Go slow and use common sense, this is the hardest concept for anyone to get, everyone brags how they can tow at 70 or better, hood for u when I tow I'm not in a hurry, 95% of those people complain about bearing issues all the time

[fastxr]

You can also adjust the tailgate to point at an angle to make it easier to hook up your trailer. It points the camera to the sweet spot. I didnt even know until i saw the GMC's youtube channel.

Can you please explain or provide a link to what you are referring, how does one adjust the tailgate?

[Spurshot]

I can see my hitch in my backup camera without doing anything.

[sahls01gmc]

Yeah, I've never had to move the camera to hook up a trailer....

[BigBadSierra]

My camper is wide so I need the mirror extensions the factory mirrors are not good enough and I have trouble seeing if i'm clear of other cars.

 

Also practice backing it up a few times in an empty parking lot espcially if its a new to you trailer. Unless you have backed it in a few times.

 

They all cut differently I like knowing how they move when i'm backing up.