I'm headed to a family reunion later this summer and I want to take my quad. Normally, when I transport it somewhere, I just load it in the back of my truck and away we go. This time is different because in addition to my family of 4 and associatd luggage, I'll have a 5x8 enclosed trailer to tow the quad.

Anyway, my truck didn't come with the tow package. I've installed a AS 2.5" leveling kit, swapped out the 17" stockers for 18"s w/ 305/65R18, and put on an Airaid CAI. I also installed a Reese Class III hitch. I estimate the trailer + quad to be about 1500lbs. I'll be driving about 1000 miles over 2 days, with stops here and there ( a 3 year old (will be 4 by the time of the trip) takes quite a few potty breaks).

To be honest, the most towing I've done w/ this truck is a U-Haul to and from the storage facility. Other than that, I pulled a 5x8 U-Haul when I moved to VA, but that was w/ my stock Ranger. And I bet that wasn't even 1000 lbs.

So, should I be worried about the tranny and heat? What are some other things I should look out for? Any advice on getting the load balanced? Would you load luggage, etc. in the trailer or in the bed of the truck? Anyone have any advice on securing the trailer to the truck when we stop overnight (ie more than just a padlock on the ball latch)?

I know there are a ton of things to think about and I'm sure my questions are only a drop in the bucket. Thanks in advance.

 

If I could fit everything in the trailer, I would. Luggage in the back is easy for people to see and out in the weather. Unless, you have a weatherproof set-up. Also, a quad in the back let's people see items sometimes missing from their quad and they feel that it's ok to relieve you of ownership. I regularly tow a trailer in the 3-5,000 lb. range. I don't have the tow package either. I've done this at least once a month for 10 years and almost 100,000 miles. I don't think your truck will break a sweat with this load, at all. If you get in a lot of head wind you may feel the trailer. I don't think it will be enough to bother you though. If you don't have a lock on your draw bar, you will want to add that. This will work good with your lock on the trailer. Have a fun, safe trip. Post some pics of your quad adventures. Some buddies and I ride all the time and have had some of the best times of my adult life on a quad. Best of luck to you.
Rich

 

You won't have any problems towing less than a ton. position the quad to get your tongue weight right. It would be best if the quad was all the way forward but, if that makes the tongue too heavy block the wheels where you need it so your load doesn't slid around. I'd load the trailer rather than the bed, the weight will help stablize the trailer.

When you stop for the night try to block the trailer tires against a curb or something so that the trailer can't be moved unless the truck is moved. Thieves don't usually want to hang around motel parking lots rooting around in trailers, they prefer to cut your hitch lock, hook up and go to another location where they can take their time undisturbed.
And they have two cutting options, either lift it off your ball or just take your drawbar.

 

Thank you both. I appreciate your input.

OH... yeah, I have an Undercover Tonneau, so putting stuff in the bed isn't a problem. I failed to mention that. I was asking based on how best to load.

 

Load so the tongue weight is between 10% and 15% of the trailer gross weight. You can use a bathroom scale under the tongue jack to get a good idea where you stand.