Towing advice

Zonie · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:25 am

Maybe this info is somewhere else in the Forum, but for some reason this site doesn't want to search this morning. I want to tow a small travel trailer for long distances at speeds 55-60 mph. In looking at the set up on the trailer and the spare tire, I see a potential problem. So I have some questions for those of you who tow/have towed on any rig (I haven't).

1. Can I get a longer hitch for the receiver, or does it affect the towing, driving, handling?

2. Am I going to need an anti-sway set up for a 2000 lb., 14' 1960s aluminum trailer?

3. How will the Libby handle this? (I had one naysayer tell me what a weak vehicle it was, the size was a problem, the suspension, etc. Said I'd need anti-sway and some kind of a special hitch that shifted the weight to the front of the car. Sounded like a salesman!)

4. How about tires and towing? I'm anxious to get rid of the Goodyears, and get something a little meatier, but don't want to deal with lifting it. How big can I go without rubbing? I really love the Libby's turning radius and don't want to limit it.

5. Any additional suggestions, advice, etc. ?

allscan · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:31 am

As far as the tires, you can do what I'm gonna do, get meatier tires in the stock size.

Yes they do make hitch extensions, look around at a trailer shop or someplace like Tractor Supply.

As for your other questions, hopefully someone else can help.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:51 am

2000#'s...you don't need a weight distributing hitch set up...just buy a longer shank to go into the receiver to clear the spare tire. Make sure you get a shank with the correct drop or rise (depends on the trailer hitch height) so the trailer is level. If it has electric brakes install a brake controller. At 2000#s is the trailer a tandem or single axle setup? If the trailer has electric brakes then get the box for the car.

As for tires, if you are really loading down the KJ AND pulling the trailer you "might" want a higher rated tire. Just remember that if you are not getting a lift, the trailer and cargo will load your KJ down a little and not leave extra room for a "larger" tire. I know that the CRDs come with a 225/75/16 instead of the 235/70/16 (on normal sports). They are both rated for 1984# and 44psi...

WWV · **Joined:** Mon May 15, 2006 1:01 pm **Posts:** 121

I just picked up my 2006 CRD and hooked up my Coleman popup camper (about 3000lbs loaded). I had to open my back gate to put on hitch, but had about 2" of clearance from spare after shutting gate. Ran it around the house for a few miles up and down hills.....I live in Utah against mountains. Ran like champ and had no issues with clearance.

I know some guys on this forum have traded in their new tires for some of higher quality, but I think I'll wait until I wear these out.

I've got about 900 miles planned for this weekend with camper in tow. If anyone wants, I'll post my review.

WWV

Zonie · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:24 am

Please take notes and post them after your trip! Happy trails!

BCool · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:30 am

You will be perfectly fine with the crd and that load, some people (actually most now days) love to be negative and tell you that you cant do something and that your underqualified, he'll probably tell you you need a pick up and for towing you'll need a 3500 series truck. Don't listen I've towed a ton back and forth from utah, and california, thousands of miles with the CRD you'll be fine towing that weight especially at that low of a speed.

bugnout · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:37 am

I wrestled with spare tire a couple of times, and even considered getting an extension, but found an easier and more convienent way to hitch up.

I regularly pull a cargo trailer with my 2005 CRD with factory receiver. Rather than use a hitch extension, I just attach the ball and hitch to the trailer coupler then slide the hitch into the reciever. Its fairly easy to do since I have a tonge jack with a small tire on the end.

When I drop off the trailer, I just pull the pin and drive off. Very easy.

Its a little more difficult with my boat, only because the trailer is much heavier, but still do-able.

nycrd · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 2:58 pm

I've pulled our 4200# Coleman pop up with the CRD, no problem. I did have a hitch extension made up, installed a sway bar and brake controller. I'm sure by the time the kids pack up all thier stuff and load on the bikes, kayaks, etc its approaching the 5000# limit. But it does pull great!

valkraider · **Posted:** Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:32 pm

Don't get a hitch extender or extension... They drop your capacity significantly.

Instead just get a longer ball mount.

Since my trailer needed almost no drop, I got a 12.5 inch ball mount and it works nicely.

About a 3000lb 20ft boat trailer all over the mountains, tows wonderfully.

Towing advice

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