Towing with a 1/2 ton

datsunmudder · 07-17-2013, 07:06 AM

I'm towing my rig around with a 2010 gmc crewcab short bed 4.8 auto
Truck has plenty of grunt to pull my rig on a 20' car hauler. Only thing is she likes to buck after I hit a bump or pot hole! Lol
And I really have to watch the trans temp because if I get over 60 mph she try's to get up around 190*

What's a good easy fix for the trans temp and the bucking??

Rebelrider · 07-17-2013, 07:12 AM

More tongue weight will take care of the bucking. Are you running in OD?

brug33 · 07-17-2013, 07:27 AM

Yup, scoot your truck up a little!

datsunmudder · 07-17-2013, 07:31 AM

Whatcha think, move my back tires to the center of the 2 trailer tires?
Yes I'm towing in o/d

brug33 · 07-17-2013, 07:40 AM

Not that far, just move it up and watch your truck squat a little, maybe back tire almost to back trailer tire. I don't know **** about new trannys, but I typically use drive. Course I never worry about mileage.

Rebelrider · 07-17-2013, 07:44 AM

Od shouldn't be used unless its very flat. Try 3rd and see what the temps do. I know it sucks for mpgs, but its cheaper than a Trans.

I'd move the truck 6-8" forward....

datsunmudder · 07-17-2013, 07:49 AM

Cool ill try that!
I know it has tow haul mode and I've towed with that on but yea mileage sucksballs and it still seem to get hot!!

Anyone know what the ideal trans temp should be at??
I've Hurd that the fluid will start boiling at 200* but not 100% sure whats a safe temp

maskale · 07-17-2013, 07:50 AM

as others have said, more tounge weight. A littel google research will turn up articles on tongue weight and how to judge how much you should have.

If your tranny has a cooler under the chassis you can build a little air scoop to send more air to it. Or install another cooler on the radiator.

maskale · 07-17-2013, 07:54 AM

offroadman83 · 07-17-2013, 07:55 AM

I tow with a 2011 chevrolet silverado with the 5.3 and 6spd trans. It does great especially since changing to 4.10 gears (sucks down the gas now lol) but it still gets really too hot for my comfort transmission wise as well. I ended up ordering the biggest tru cool cooler and have yet to put it on as I haven't towed too much lately and been lazy lol. I have read it does wonders!!

THE Tru-Cool 40K GVW Transmission Cooler Install Thread - Page 16 - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums

datsunmudder · 07-17-2013, 08:00 AM

Thanks guys!!

09z71 · 07-17-2013, 08:36 AM

with a 4.8, you probably have 3.42s, 3.73s or 4.10s would help.

I cant remember if 4.8s come with a tranny cooler or not, but the bigger, the better

when towing 8k with my 09 with a 5.3/4l60/3.73s and stock tranny cooler, id be around 175*

redbird00 · 07-17-2013, 12:17 PM

If yours does not have one, definately put a trans cooler on it. If it has one put a bigger one.

Dirty "OLE" Man · 07-17-2013, 01:27 PM

I tow with a 2010, 5.7 Tundra with 4:30 gears and 6speed auto. It is rated for 10,600 lbs towing. I tow between 65-75 mph depending on the hiway. Trans runs normal temp. I run 5th gear and tow-haul mode and get 10-11 mpg. The Tundra pulls like a beast. I have runa lot of diesels. But, the Tundra does more than expected.

datsunmudder · 07-17-2013, 01:40 PM

Tundra are a beast my neighbor pulls his 5th wheel with one.

I'm going to look into a bigger cooler!!
Was also thinking about running helper bags on the rear. Because if I pull my rig up any more it'll squat the rear of the tow rig pretty bad.
What do yall think about them? Good place to get them pretty cheap??

Hiapo · 07-17-2013, 02:28 PM

My buddy's all run those timbren rubber things seem to work good and are cheap. I'm getting ready to order some my self.

Amazon.com: Timbren GMRCK25S Suspension Enhancement System: Automotive

offroadman83 · 07-17-2013, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datsunmudder

Tundra are a beast my neighbor pulls his 5th wheel with one.

I'm going to look into a bigger cooler!!
Was also thinking about running helper bags on the rear. Because if I pull my rig up any more it'll squat the rear of the tow rig pretty bad.
What do yall think about them? Good place to get them pretty cheap??

You must have some pretty lousy rear springs. Had the 1 ton blazer on the back of mine and it didn't squat too bad. Pulled good other than the trans temps.

72blazer · 07-17-2013, 03:17 PM

Duramax time

09z71 · 07-17-2013, 03:18 PM

i have an add a leaf on my 09, helps with squat but rides like **** now. firestone makes a pretty good kit thats bolt on.

autoanything.com usually has pretty good prices, they always have promotions going on. if you find it cheaper somewhere else, tell them and they will match it AND free shipping

brug33 · 07-17-2013, 03:37 PM

Just pull it up a little bit, your just looking for a little more tongue weight. I wouldn't jack with bags, springs or rubbers. That truck will pull your rig just fine!

Dirty "OLE" Man · 07-17-2013, 06:00 PM

Look for a used equalizer hitch. Like people use on RV trailers. I use one on my camper. No squat at all.

dabshr · 07-18-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty "OLE" Man

Look for a used equalizer hitch. Like people use on RV trailers. I use one on my camper. No squat at all.

X2 on this look for the one with square torsion bars & without chains...

Turbos10 · 07-18-2013, 04:27 PM

190 is absolutely nothing to worry about. You are fine up into the low 200's. I run wide open 70-75 at around 18K GVW in my duramax and it stays 200 or so the whole time. Hit a big hill and more like 230. I towed with a chevy just a few years older than that one all over the place loaded just like that and had no issues at all.

Put some helpers or air bags on that dude....or dont....and go wheel!

brent460 · 07-18-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirty "OLE" Man

Look for a used equalizer hitch. Like people use on RV trailers. I use one on my camper. No squat at all.

Id do this maybe with the anti sway bar.

I generally move the vehicle on the trailer far enough forward so your tow vehicle squats or sits level. Too much tounge weight can cause bucking aswell. And if your worried about trans temp you might see if they have a larger factory cooler. Alot of Lightning guys use factory trans coolers out of superdutys. Might work the same for Chebys. Worth a look.

kling-on · 07-19-2013, 08:52 AM

I love my air bags they really help towing ... Also think about all the crap you'll haul in the bed to events when your hauling the trailer... And I also say pull the truck up 6 in

07-17-2013, 07:06 AM	#1
datsunmudder Flex Master Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kaufman texas Posts: 1,622	Towing with a 1/2 ton I'm towing my rig around with a 2010 gmc crewcab short bed 4.8 auto Truck has plenty of grunt to pull my rig on a 20' car hauler. Only thing is she likes to buck after I hit a bump or pot hole! Lol And I really have to watch the trans temp because if I get over 60 mph she try's to get up around 190* What's a good easy fix for the trans temp and the bucking?? __________________ 1981 datsun 720 ME? WEIRD? beetch IM LIMITED EDITION!!! Damn son, I think you just swallowed stupid!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 07:12 AM	#2
Rebelrider Gonzo Wheeler Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vidor,TX Posts: 2,892	More tongue weight will take care of the bucking. Are you running in OD? __________________ 94' Toyota LQ4/Atlas/Tons Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook brug33 likes this.

07-17-2013, 07:31 AM	#4
datsunmudder Flex Master Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kaufman texas Posts: 1,622	Whatcha think, move my back tires to the center of the 2 trailer tires? Yes I'm towing in o/d __________________ 1981 datsun 720 ME? WEIRD? beetch IM LIMITED EDITION!!! Damn son, I think you just swallowed stupid!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 07:44 AM	#6
Rebelrider Gonzo Wheeler Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Vidor,TX Posts: 2,892	Od shouldn't be used unless its very flat. Try 3rd and see what the temps do. I know it sucks for mpgs, but its cheaper than a Trans. I'd move the truck 6-8" forward.... __________________ 94' Toyota LQ4/Atlas/Tons Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook kling-on likes this.

07-17-2013, 07:49 AM	#7
datsunmudder Flex Master Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kaufman texas Posts: 1,622	Cool ill try that! I know it has tow haul mode and I've towed with that on but yea mileage sucksballs and it still seem to get hot!! Anyone know what the ideal trans temp should be at?? I've Hurd that the fluid will start boiling at 200* but not 100% sure whats a safe temp __________________ 1981 datsun 720 ME? WEIRD? beetch IM LIMITED EDITION!!! Damn son, I think you just swallowed stupid!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 07:50 AM	#8
maskale Trail guide Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lake Jackson, TX Posts: 279	as others have said, more tounge weight. A littel google research will turn up articles on tongue weight and how to judge how much you should have. If your tranny has a cooler under the chassis you can build a little air scoop to send more air to it. Or install another cooler on the radiator. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 07:54 AM	#9
maskale Trail guide Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Lake Jackson, TX Posts: 279	Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 07:55 AM	#10
offroadman83 Gonzo Wheeler Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Edinburg, TX Posts: 2,322	I tow with a 2011 chevrolet silverado with the 5.3 and 6spd trans. It does great especially since changing to 4.10 gears (sucks down the gas now lol) but it still gets really too hot for my comfort transmission wise as well. I ended up ordering the biggest tru cool cooler and have yet to put it on as I haven't towed too much lately and been lazy lol. I have read it does wonders!! THE Tru-Cool 40K GVW Transmission Cooler Install Thread - Page 16 - PerformanceTrucks.net Forums Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 08:00 AM	#11
datsunmudder Flex Master Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kaufman texas Posts: 1,622	Thanks guys!! __________________ 1981 datsun 720 ME? WEIRD? beetch IM LIMITED EDITION!!! Damn son, I think you just swallowed stupid!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 08:36 AM	#12
09z71 Trail guide Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: san antonio Posts: 256	with a 4.8, you probably have 3.42s, 3.73s or 4.10s would help. I cant remember if 4.8s come with a tranny cooler or not, but the bigger, the better when towing 8k with my 09 with a 5.3/4l60/3.73s and stock tranny cooler, id be around 175* Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 12:17 PM	#13
redbird00 Trail Blazer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Floresville Posts: 633	If yours does not have one, definately put a trans cooler on it. If it has one put a bigger one. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 01:27 PM	#14
Dirty "OLE" Man Flex Master Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 1,199	I tow with a 2010, 5.7 Tundra with 4:30 gears and 6speed auto. It is rated for 10,600 lbs towing. I tow between 65-75 mph depending on the hiway. Trans runs normal temp. I run 5th gear and tow-haul mode and get 10-11 mpg. The Tundra pulls like a beast. I have runa lot of diesels. But, the Tundra does more than expected. __________________ Dirty "OLE" Man 409-651-1818 http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m...nt=TheFlop.flv Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook redbird00 likes this.

07-17-2013, 01:40 PM	#15
datsunmudder Flex Master Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Kaufman texas Posts: 1,622	Tundra are a beast my neighbor pulls his 5th wheel with one. I'm going to look into a bigger cooler!! Was also thinking about running helper bags on the rear. Because if I pull my rig up any more it'll squat the rear of the tow rig pretty bad. What do yall think about them? Good place to get them pretty cheap?? __________________ 1981 datsun 720 ME? WEIRD? beetch IM LIMITED EDITION!!! Damn son, I think you just swallowed stupid!!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 02:28 PM	#16
Hiapo Trail Blazer Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Abilene Posts: 619	My buddy's all run those timbren rubber things seem to work good and are cheap. I'm getting ready to order some my self. Amazon.com: Timbren GMRCK25S Suspension Enhancement System: Automotive Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 03:17 PM	#18
72blazer Wheels 4 Food Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: The Real South Texas Posts: 7,127	Duramax time __________________ The Web Wheeler's '72 Motorsport Syndicate:::Edinburg TX H&H Fabrication:::Amarillo TX Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook Rastus and whitesnake like this.

07-17-2013, 03:18 PM	#19
09z71 Trail guide Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: san antonio Posts: 256	i have an add a leaf on my 09, helps with squat but rides like **** now. firestone makes a pretty good kit thats bolt on. autoanything.com usually has pretty good prices, they always have promotions going on. if you find it cheaper somewhere else, tell them and they will match it AND free shipping Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-17-2013, 06:00 PM	#21
Dirty "OLE" Man Flex Master Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Waxahachie, TX Posts: 1,199	Look for a used equalizer hitch. Like people use on RV trailers. I use one on my camper. No squat at all. __________________ Dirty "OLE" Man 409-651-1818 http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m...nt=TheFlop.flv Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook

07-18-2013, 04:27 PM	#23
Turbos10 Flex Master Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Stephenville Posts: 1,532	190 is absolutely nothing to worry about. You are fine up into the low 200's. I run wide open 70-75 at around 18K GVW in my duramax and it stays 200 or so the whole time. Hit a big hill and more like 230. I towed with a chevy just a few years older than that one all over the place loaded just like that and had no issues at all. Put some helpers or air bags on that dude....or dont....and go wheel! __________________ CJ2 fiberglass and tube buggy, L67 supercharged 6, RVB Art Carr 700R4, 3.8 Atlas, 60's welded/detroit, 40" Sticky Creepies, and a whole lotta SLOW because I dont want to break any more. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Facebook brug33 likes this.

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