Re: [A/S] Trucks

[Jerry Flanders]

I had that exact trailer model until two years ago. Nice trailer. When ours 
was completely loaded for a long trip, I think it was near 8000 pounds.

The first thing you need to look into is: Does your truck have 
factory-installed HD towing equipment like extra radiator capacity, tranny 
cooler, and a reasonable rear end gear ratio. The factory offered this kind 
of stuff as options and your truck may already have some/all of them. 
Without them, it resembles a big passenger auto in towing capability.

The size of the engine is not terribly important - a small engine will just 
require that you go more slowly. Cooling is critical - overheating the 
engine and (especially) the transmission can ruin things quickly.

Your tranny probably (and you can check this) locks up at highway speed. 
This removes a tremendous heat load on the transmission (the torque 
converter isn't slipping and absorbing power when it locks up). This can 
reduce your need for tranny cooling some, but slowly going up a grade 
unlocked can cook it rapidly.

I don't see where shocks would make any difference.

I have a '97 also, but I have the 2500HD model, with a V10 (480 ci) engine 
and all factory towing stuff. Mine is rated at 18500 lbs GVWR, if I 
remember correctly.

Jerry