Trailering a 2500 extended cab

WEFs99 · August 21, 2002

I'm towing a 3/4 ton extended cab short bed on a 16' car trailer. Towing weight is no problem but putting that long truck on the trailer raises some questions. I've got an equalizer hitch and am trying to decide about putting the truck on the trailer frontwards or backing it on. Anyone actually done this and can give me a clue?

MarkD · August 21, 2002

Most vehicles are best towed facing forward. If you think a truck has the aerodynamics of a brick going forward, just think about going backwards. Also, it will be easier to position for tongue weight facing forward.

Jpshostr · August 21, 2002

Drive it on, don't back it on. The frontend is the heaviest part of the truck and you want more weight in front of the trailer axles than behind, otherwise you will have trailer wag that is just awful. One other thing to consider, you'll have a much easier time fitting it on that way. There is much more rear overhang than front, easier to have that hang off the back than take up valuable deck space on the front of the trailer.

Colorado Kid · August 21, 2002

No question, it's got to go frontwards. If you back it on there it'll be pulling up an the tounge, and your weight distributing system won't help that! It's good that you have the equalizer hitch,it'll allow you to put the truck farther forward on the trailer for better stability, without totally overloading the rear of the tow vehicle.

CMNTMXR81 · August 21, 2002

Frontwards is preferrable but he does have size constraints.

I had to tow a GMC Syclone this past weekend and had to put it on the trailer backwards. But that had more to do with the fact that the transmission only had reverse.

I had no problem pulling it.

WEFs99 · August 21, 2002

Thanks guys. The aftermarket wheels made it tough to squeeze it between the wheel wells and the 2' of truck hanging off the back of the trailer looked a little odd but it trailered great.