Hi everyone. Sorry for duplication of some age-old questions. I've been reading on the towing subject for weeks, and the information is still overwhelming! The biggest issue I see in my research is varying opinions, and in some cases, wrong information. For my specific scenario though, I still have a few specific questions, so I wanted people's input.
I'm in the market for both the tow vehicle and a travel trailer. We are a family of three with two dogs. I think a mid-size SUV (Ford Explorer, Saab 97x, Dodge Durango) will suit us best, as the TV will also be my daily driver in the city of Atlanta. The largest TV I'd consider is a non-extended wheelbase Expedition or a Tahoe/Yukon. I think the ideal TT will be 21-25 ft. I like the additional features of the larger TTs, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable traveling around the country with a large TT behind me. My previous towing experience is limited to a 17 ft. boat on dual axle trailer (4000 lbs.) using a 2002 Range Rover. These were always short local trips.
In general my questions will be looking for advice on how to best set up the TV and TT for optimal and safe use. I more or less understand the gross weights, hitch weight, engine size, and gear ratio stuff. What I want to know more about is enhancing what you have. I have no problem adding onto the TV any upgrades that will make me more comfortable towing and keep us safe. As for overkill, I would do all the things necessary to do this, even if it have only minimal impact. Would I spend $2K to buy a WDH to tow a 5ft. utility trailer? If I thought it would help, you bet. Remember, adding and changing car parts is easy; recovering from injures and stress is not
So for the questions... the tow vehicle. What simple upgrades can be done to the truck to improve the towing experience?
- Right off, I know a little bolt-on performance is easy. An air intake and exhaust system will add a small amount of power. Any issues with this?
- I know slotted/drilled brake rotors will stay cooler under load, but I've only done this on cars not towing something. Any issues with this?
- What about things like adding/upgrading sway bars, strut tower brace, shocks, springs, etc.? What helps stabilize the vehicle without sacrificing a lot of comfort?
- Is it true that the TV wheel diameter has no impact to the towing, aside from the known decreased comfort of a shorter sidewall? I'm not talking about changing the overall wheel/tire size; I'm talking about the difference between say a 17" and 20" wheel with the correct corresponding tire size. I'm not likely to change the wheels, but just in case...
- Obviously something I can't upgrade, but is 2WD or 4WD better? And is it true that the longer the TV wheelbase, the more stable you are in crosswinds, tunnels, and passing trucks?
So for the short amount of questions on the travel trailer.
- Single or double axle? And why?
- Does a weight distribution hitch reduce TT sway? If not, can sway control devices be added. Are there any setups that do both?
- How much impact does the shape of the front of the TT have? In other words, do the V shaped nose or curved top really improve the wind resistance and stability? Or or these sales gimmicks?
Anything else I'm not thinking of? Thanks,
AB
I'm in the market for both the tow vehicle and a travel trailer. We are a family of three with two dogs. I think a mid-size SUV (Ford Explorer, Saab 97x, Dodge Durango) will suit us best, as the TV will also be my daily driver in the city of Atlanta. The largest TV I'd consider is a non-extended wheelbase Expedition or a Tahoe/Yukon. I think the ideal TT will be 21-25 ft. I like the additional features of the larger TTs, but I'm not sure I'd be comfortable traveling around the country with a large TT behind me. My previous towing experience is limited to a 17 ft. boat on dual axle trailer (4000 lbs.) using a 2002 Range Rover. These were always short local trips.
In general my questions will be looking for advice on how to best set up the TV and TT for optimal and safe use. I more or less understand the gross weights, hitch weight, engine size, and gear ratio stuff. What I want to know more about is enhancing what you have. I have no problem adding onto the TV any upgrades that will make me more comfortable towing and keep us safe. As for overkill, I would do all the things necessary to do this, even if it have only minimal impact. Would I spend $2K to buy a WDH to tow a 5ft. utility trailer? If I thought it would help, you bet. Remember, adding and changing car parts is easy; recovering from injures and stress is not
So for the questions... the tow vehicle. What simple upgrades can be done to the truck to improve the towing experience?
- Right off, I know a little bolt-on performance is easy. An air intake and exhaust system will add a small amount of power. Any issues with this?
- I know slotted/drilled brake rotors will stay cooler under load, but I've only done this on cars not towing something. Any issues with this?
- What about things like adding/upgrading sway bars, strut tower brace, shocks, springs, etc.? What helps stabilize the vehicle without sacrificing a lot of comfort?
- Is it true that the TV wheel diameter has no impact to the towing, aside from the known decreased comfort of a shorter sidewall? I'm not talking about changing the overall wheel/tire size; I'm talking about the difference between say a 17" and 20" wheel with the correct corresponding tire size. I'm not likely to change the wheels, but just in case...
- Obviously something I can't upgrade, but is 2WD or 4WD better? And is it true that the longer the TV wheelbase, the more stable you are in crosswinds, tunnels, and passing trucks?
So for the short amount of questions on the travel trailer.
- Single or double axle? And why?
- Does a weight distribution hitch reduce TT sway? If not, can sway control devices be added. Are there any setups that do both?
- How much impact does the shape of the front of the TT have? In other words, do the V shaped nose or curved top really improve the wind resistance and stability? Or or these sales gimmicks?
Anything else I'm not thinking of? Thanks,
AB