ok guys heres the low down. two of my best buds are moving to arizona from north central indiana. they have asked me if i'd like to go, which includes me pulling a car hauler flatbed loaded with a jam packed 94 lumina two door, they are goin to pack the car full of some of they stuff and load my bed with other items. just wondering if there are any pre departure "things" i should do? what i have thought to have done before the trip is:
oil change, new air filter, tire rotation( tires only 3,000 miles old), tranny check along with all other fluids, and have my brakes checked possibly new pads put on.

just wanting to know if there are any other tips or changes i should make before towing a good bit of weight nearly 1850 miles

thanks in advance guys

oh and the trip for me is free all i gotta cover is food-thats why im goin, its actually a fun drive, with friends of course

-*****

 

Carry some tools, knife, cellphone, flashlight(important), good jacket or blankets for everyone (in case you break down and have to wait a few hours in the cold), a couple gallons of water (for you to drink if you get stranded for a while, or to put in your radiator), soap and rags (to wash the crud off your hands after you fix your truck). A couple quarts of engine oil, jumper cables, a roll of duct tape (for rigging stuff), and some strong string and some plastic. (for tying down stuff or covering in case of rain)(plastic- get a cheap roll of plastic "painting drop cloth" from wal-mart). If you have an air tank, you should carry it and some tire plugs. (in case you get 2 flat tires, or a flat on your trailer) (believe me, 2 flats at the same time is VERY common) Pump your tires to the MAXIMUM that they are made to hold. (say 45 lbs instead of 32) This will make them resist nails/cuts better, carry the load better, and give you a lot of extra air to swap between your other tires, if you have several flats.(I have done it before!!!)

Flats are your biggest concern on a trip. Unlike the rest of your truck, tires are VERY unpredictable. You never know when you'll get hole or nail (or several nails ) in your tires. So make sure your spare is pumped up good, and carry an air tank. Tire plugs are also good to have on a trip. They are quick, easy, permenant, and you don't have to take the tire off, or have tire tools.

I have gotten tons of flats, and I have only put my spare tire down 2 times. The first time, was cause it came apart, and the other is because it had a huge cut in the tire. I couldn't plug either of them. But EVERY other time, I've just plugged them, pumped them back up, and kept on rolling!

If you are prepared for flats, carry water, and have a few tools, you'll be able to tackle anything that might happen. (except a blown engine, tranny, fuel pump etc..)

When your trailer gets a flat, and you jump out, plug it, and keep on going, you'll gain a lot of respect from your friends.

 

Make sure that your trailer wiring is good, and make sure you have the right kind of trailer wiring connectors and such, and if your truck doesn't have the factory trailer towing package, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get the trailer towing relays and install them, also check your battery and make sure it is putting out between 13 and 14 volts, but no less than 12.3 or 12.4

 

well don't be the average fool who does not know how to tow. sounds like you are going to have too heavy of a load behind you for the amount your vehicle weighs. pulling the car on the trailer should be fine but loading it full will be a mistake. good luck but please for your safety and the others on the road rethink what you are planning and think saftey

 

I would add a spare surpentine belt along with breaker bar or ratchet to reinstall it. Good Luck.

 

That sounds like a pretty big load. Be careful, take breaks to rest the truck and yourself, and stay in the granny lane. Be sure to change all the fluids again when you return, especially the tranny fluid.

 

If you haven't done a tranny fluid change yet, you should. Ya, check the brakes, tires should be fine, but might as well rotate having them off to check the brakes anyways. Check the suspension and steering and grease where applicable. My experiences with bad tie rods is a no good one so I stay on top of checking especially them. A good going over is about all you can do, 90% of the breakdowns are unforseen anyways, or unavoidable.

 

Nothin a 150 couldn't handle. Is this a dolly or a deck trailer?

Get a real jack and a breaker bar.

Adrianspeeder

 

the truck will be ok but if the trailer is old, repack the wheel bearings, check the brakes and tires. have a spare wheel and tire for the trailer.

i pulled my mustang and all my gear from TX to PA with my 82 bronco with no real problems. take your time and be safe.