redwake
Visalia, CA
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Joined: 08/18/2008
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i'm new suppose to pick up my first TT in two days two questions
question 1
tv = 06 sierra k1500 4x4 w/5.3
tt = 29' 4900lbs dry
with a WD do i need a transmission cooler? is it a bad idea to haul in 4x4 HI mode?
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question 2
with a sway controller and a 2 way radio between TV & TT and only 2 adults in the TT how wrong would it be to occupy the TT while underway? comparable to driving without a seatbelt?
TT: 08 Monterey 27 PT by Extreme RV
TV: 06 Sierra K1500 SLE Crew - 3.73:1 4x4 w/5.3L
Hitched with a Husky WD & SC.
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pdvandusen
Snow Hill, NC USA
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Joined: 10/30/2007
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Congratulations on your new rig.
1) I would put a big transmission cooler on your TV. I would only use 4x4 mode when you need it. Most of the time you won't. 2) You should NEVER have any lining thing in the TT when you are moving. It's not legal in any state that I know of. It's also not smart. The movie "The Long Long Trailer" (Lucy and Desi) shows a comedy version that is based in truth. It's worse than driving without a seatbelt.
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2008 Chevy 1500 Silverado 5.3L LTZ 3.73, HD Trailer Pkg.
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Hornet28BHDS
Parker, PA
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Don't occupy the TT while driving. It isn't safe! It wouldn't hurt to install a transmission cooler, and there is no need to tow in 4WD. Good luck with the new TT!
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redwake
Visalia, CA
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pdvandusen wrote:Congratulations on your new rig.
1) I would put a big transmission cooler on your TV. I would only use 4x4 mode when you need it. Most of the time you won't. 2) You should NEVER have any lining thing in the TT when you are moving. It's not legal in any state that I know of. It's also not smart. The movie "The Long Long Trailer" (Lucy and Desi) shows a comedy version that is based in truth. It's worse than driving without a seatbelt.
Ok
So re question 1 I popped the hood to see were I would mount the thing and noticed a radiator in front of the radiator already so I ask now does it go to some thing else or did the previous owner install one already? This seems possible as I noticed there had already been a brake controller installed and removed.
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md2lgyk
Harpers Ferry, WV
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Do you know for sure you don't have the tow package? It does include a transmission cooler. You can take the truck's VIN to a Chevy or GMC dealer and they can give you a list of what options/features the truck left the factory with.
"The great object is, that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun." - Patrick Henry
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jplunkett
Virginia
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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Ditto! I don't think there's a benefit to 4x4 for towing unless there are challenging surface conditions. The only time I've used mine was to get some additional control when positioning the trailer.
Sounds like you may have a tranny cooler - check where the lines go to verify.
From what I've been told it is not legal to occupy the TT underway.
Just be sure to enjoy it!
safe travels,
John & Elizabeth Plunkett
Louisa, Virginia
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NHguy
NH
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You also want to go through the sticky posts at the tops of the various forums. The towing forum has some really great info on loading and weights. Make sure your trailer GVWR plus you loaded truck don't exceed your GCWR. And also make sure your truck is under it's own GVWR when it is ready to tow. That's your real weight rating. Going by dry weight ends up with overloads usually.
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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What is your Sierra's:
GVWR
GCWR
Payload Capacity
Max Tow Capacity?
What is your Trailers GVWR?
Never use the "Dry" weight as a guide
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redwake
Visalia, CA
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ok i know my truck has the factory tow package on it i didn't realize that included a trans cooler so that's good i see that they aren't to expensive but i question my ability to install one.
as for the 4x4 i have to get this thing up over a curb (i plan on getting ramps) but i would like to get some traction up front so i don't burn out in my lawn getting it into my back yard. in that condition i would use 4lo but i was also thinking about getting off the line it may be a good idea to leave in 4hi to help the rear end out a little?
in terms of capacity did the math on the unit i believe its correct i quoted in dry weight mearly to give an idea of the size of the trailer. the gvwr on the TT is 7590 and i expect it to actually weigh around 6000 which is just under 80% of my TV's max tow capacity of 7700. The sierra's GVWR is 6900.
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JDLEE1979
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Joined: 07/28/2008
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Don't ever use the 4WD for standard towing unless your in loose traction conditions where you would use 4WD normally off road. I wouldn't even worry about burning out on your lawn your going to have the benefit of the extra tongue weight providing more traction. 4Low would be good just for the low gears but your not going to want to be backing up and trying to turn with your 4wd engaged. I live in a circle on a a hill so after I make the loop and get my trailer lined up I will use 4low in my manual cummins just so I can slowly push the trailer back in reverse without burning up my clutch but like I said you have to have a good line so your not trying to turn while locked up.
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