Towing Cross Country- Need Help

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Hi Jhanek, You might want to read the article we did not to log about towing called "The Art of Towing: Tips, Ideas, and Hard-Learned Lessons". This might help you a little.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/consumer/163_0812_towing_tips_and_lessons/index.html  

Jhanek,

A 4.10 rear axle ratio is actually probably a pretty good one for towing. You're right in that you probably won't get very good fuel economy, but it's a trade off. GVW does not necessarily correlate to towing capacity. That's the gross weight of the vehicle and passengers. I might put on 32s or 33s for towing, but you could probably get away with the 35s.

The main things I would make sure you do before you go on your trip is a transmission cooler (if it's an automatic), and make sure your radiator and engine cooling system is in tip-top shape (replace radiator & water pump if necessary), and maybe get some helper springs for the rear axle, either air or coil springs. Roadmaster makes an effective and easy-to-install system.

A lot of people try to "cheap out" on these things but end up regretting it later. A trans cooler and engine cooling system inspection should be considered mandatory before you do a cross-country towing trip. Best Wishes!