the highs and lows of prepping for Moab

[TurboMinivan]

It took place about two hours later than expected, but the planned towing of the dead TJ did indeed happen.

Everything went great. Now that my GTW was up around 5200 pounds or so, I could certainly feel that something was hanging off my rear end... but I could hardly notice a change in how it drove. Both temperature gauges stayed right where they always do.

I was most of the way down the MV Corridor when it dawned on me: I forgot to engage tow/haul mode. When I did, it just took overdrive away from me (I was doing 45-50 at the time) but this didn't really seem to matter under those circumstances... so I turned it back off a few miles later in the interest of fuel economy.

So far I'm very happy.

 

[Unimog]

The towing mode isn't for economy, it is to save your tranny. Overdrive is pretty weak and builds a lot of heat, where drive is direct, so it should be the strongest gear with the least friction (less friction = less heat).

 

[TJDukit]

Whenever you are towing more than 25% of your towing capacity you should use tow/haul mode for the sake of your transmission, even on the flats you can limp your trans fairly easily towing in overdrive. A one time limp on your trans causes internal damage and makes it that much easier to hurt it in the future.

 

[TRD270]

Glad it's working for you Dempsey. Arrived a bit ago at Mr. Bryson's camp spot. Careful driving down tomorrow, had a hell of a head/crosswind today coming down

 

[TurboMinivan]

The towing mode isn't for economy, it is to save your tranny.

Whenever you are towing more than 25% of your towing capacity you should use tow/haul mode for the sake of your transmission

Noted.

Careful driving down tomorrow, had a hell of a head/crosswind today coming down

Thanks for the heads up. The weather outlook suggests there won't be any major winds to deal with, but I'll be cautious just in case.

I managed to get loaded onto the trailer this evening; just a few more items to go and I'll be ready to head out.

 

[Caleb]

That sure is purdy! Some folks rent out their trailers to help offset the cost of purchase when they aren't using them, but if you do this make sure it's folks you trust.

Worst idea ever! If you want your trailer to get trashed, loan/rent it out. Even if it's only to family or close friends, it will still get trashed. You may have to be rude, but keep that nice trailer nice for you to use yourself.

 

[J Kimmel]

yep...everytime mine has been lent out I end up re-wiring something, replacing the jack, etc. Never again.

Worst idea ever! If you want your trailer to get trashed, loan/rent it out. Even if it's only to family or close friends, it will still get trashed. You may have to be rude, but keep that nice trailer nice for you to use yourself.

 

[UNSTUCK]

We're not all bad! I've rented trailers several times. I've replaced bulbs and fixed wiring before I even loaded my junk. I can say that they were returned in better shape then when I picked them up.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

We're not all bad! I've rented trailers several times. I've replaced bulbs and fixed wiring before I even loaded my junk. I can say that they were returned in better shape then when I picked them up.

I replaced all of the wiring on my buddy's trailer because it was so jacked up.

 

[TurboMinivan]

I made it to Moab!

I left the Suburban in tow/haul mode all the way, and it pulled like a champ. I haven't used half a tank of gas yet, so I haven't added any since I left... which means I have no idea what kind of mileage I'm seeing. (I'm secretly hoping for a double digit figure.)

I already hooked up with Josh and Bart. Now I'm sitting in the Moab Grill waiting for my dinner to arrive. (Everybody seems to go to the Brewery, so I thought I'd be different.).

Anyway, it's good to be here.

 

[LT.]

If you get a chance and remember say hi to Bart for me. He is an amazing driver and i hope to wheel with him again one day. Thank you.

LT.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I made it to Moab!

I left the Suburban in tow/haul mode all the way, and it pulled like a champ. I haven't used half a tank of gas yet, so I haven't added any since I left... which means I have no idea what kind of mileage I'm seeing. (I'm secretly hoping for a double digit figure.)

I already hooked up with Josh and Bart. Now I'm sitting in the Moab Grill waiting for my dinner to arrive. (Everybody seems to go to the Brewery, so I thought I'd be different.).

Anyway, it's good to be here.

Make sure you hit Milt's for a burger while you are down there, and a smothered burrito at the Moab Diner, two of my favorite places.