Towing with 2002,DRW and Lance 1030

[HWright]

We're moving in July to Crestone Co. for a while . Thinking about towing our second truck, a Chevy 1500 short cab short bed (loaded with a few things) but I'm worried about straining the transmission on the Dodge. With the 1030 and supplies the GVW will be 12000 lbs on the Dodge ;100lbs over max. I don't have a transmission temp guage but was thinking of towing on the flats and driving the chevy in the mountains to take the strain off the Dodge. And advise or thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[jtek]

Well I do not have a camper but to give some insight on flat towing a 2nd vehicle a few things to consider.

On flat land it should be a easy tow. in the mountains unless you have a brake buddy I recommend to disconnect and drive separate. Also think about the oil circulation in the gearbox on the Chevy. You may have to disconnect the driveshaft because the wheels are rotating but the transmission will not be pumping fluid.

The rear differential will sling oil around so it will be fine but the other drivetrain you may want to look in your instruction manual or ask the dealer about flat towing.

I myself flat towed a Land Rover Defender 90 from Houston to Utah and also Tennessee.

Even though I did not have a camper I had a lot of gear in the bed and the Rover weighed 4K.

I did not have any braking on the Rover and a couple of times it pushed my 2500 Dodge thru a stop sign.

As for driving thru the passes in Colorado, once was enough. Coming back I disconnected and had the wife drive. It was the first time I realized what those emergency cut offs were along the down side of the interstate.

Almost had to use it because of all that built up inertia.



Alan

 

[macdaddy]

HW



I wouldn't worry about leaving the 1500 in tow in the passes, other than the 1500's transmission lubrication issues. The 47RE is more than up to the task if your "seat of the pant's" driving skills are up to par. As long as you keep a keen eye on the tack, lock O/D out and maintain TC lock up at all times. This should be attainable if you have 4:10's (you didn't mention your trucks gearing).



When you hit the grades lock out O/D and maintain your RPM's as close to 2600 RPM's as possible. Staying at this higher RPM you will need less throttle allowing the TC to stay locked by not receiving a signal from the TPS to unlock. If you get down to around 40MPH it will unlock due to the ECM receiving a signal from the speed sensor.



Pulling long grades with the TC in fluid coupling mode (unlocked) will generate excessive heat potentially causing damage to the transmission when operated for over 20-30 min. I ran my stock 47RE on my 99 in this manner without getting over 220 deg transmission temps, but any longer will it will go beyond 220.



ORRRRRRRRR run down and get ya one of them thar 6K plus performance transmission's



Hope this helps you out!!!!!!



Mac

 

[HWright]

Thanks i'll drive it!