Towing travel trailer with a standard tranny pros/cons

[dczrose]

I had mentioned this in another thread and wanted to bring it here to start a new one for more input (and so a newbie is not thrown out for getting off topic!)<div>We have a 1968 14 ft (I guess maybe 15 foot if I count the bumper) Shasta trailer we hope to be taking on the road after some repairs/updates. I have a 1996 Isuzu Trooper with a "tow package" noted in the original manual and on the original window sticker that says "up to 5000 lb" (we will have to install a bar). My hubby does not want to use it because it is a 5 speed and he thinks it will be hard on the clutch. (I secretly think he just wants a truck but thats another story). I am not knowledgeable on this stuff and he has less than he thinks he does&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif">&nbsp;as he has never done this before either.&nbsp;</div><div>We are planning on full timing. My reason for keeping the Isuzu is that it is a nice SUV with lots of enclosed storage area. Also the fact that I have put a LOT of money into this vehicle in the past 3 years. It has the original motor and tranny although the heads have been re-done entirely. Everything else that could be possible to replace on this vehicle (mechanically) has been replaced with new. I know I could never sell it and recoup my money. It has 170,000 actual miles on it.</div><div><br></div><div>My question is- what are others experiences with clutches and towing? I know the gross weight on the trailer is 2500 lb and we would travel with all heavy items stored in the tow vehicle itself. My argument- besides liking my Isuzu and the $$ I have sunk into it are that:1) we know this vehicle 2) not having to cover or chance damage to items in an open truck bed and 3) not having to add weight to a truck with any type of cap or other covering. Also we will be traveling with a 75 lb Lab and another medium size dog. Neither of which I am keen on leaving inside a trailer for any time (for their safety and my remodeling work!) So:</div><div>&nbsp;To clutch or not to clutch- that is the question<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/confused.gif">&nbsp;</div><div>All input is appreciated.</div>

 

[Juggernaut31]

<FONT size=4>Hi DCZRose.&nbsp; having had two troopers myself, 1 a four banger, and the 2nd a V-6, i think they are great SUV's.&nbsp; Now that being said, i'm afraid your hubby may be a little more right than he understands.&nbsp; the 5000 tow capacity, is rated on a new vehicle, and on flat ground.&nbsp; When towing uphill, the towed weight, (especially loaded) can be almost twice what the free follow weight is.&nbsp; I towed a large 21' Wahoo Boat with my trooper, over 80 miles to a boat ramp, at another place near me on the gulf.&nbsp; No problems, (not speedy) but no problems.&nbsp; However.... I ended up having to have another truck hook to my front bumper at the ramp, to pull the boat out.&nbsp; Before i got home, i could smell the clutch in my trooper, a little over $800.00 later i had a new clutch pressure plate throwout bearing, and new slave cylinder, and a great running Trooper agin.&nbsp; i bought an old truck to tow my boat with.&nbsp; Mine had the full tow package, complete with 3500 pound hitch from the dealer.&nbsp; Hope this help prevent problems for you down the road.&nbsp; My boat was GVW 1281 pounds.</FONT><BR><FONT size=4>Hank</FONT><BR>

 

[dczrose]

<b><font class="Apple-style-span" color="#3333FF">Very helpful Juggernaut- Strike ONE for the Isuzu! I did forget to mention that is is a 6 cyl. I don't want to be replacing the clutch for sure. That was an expensive process even tho Dave did the work. I do find that the parts for these Isuzu's are pricey at times. It now needs the final part not yet replaced- a water pump!</font></b>

 

[Guest]

Aha! Sheri, the truth behind Dave's stance on the Isuzu comes out! If I had spent as much time under the rig as it takes to change out a clutch, I would be dragging my heels as much as he is....it is a bear and he does not want to do it again real soon....I know, I've done a number of clutches..enough to not want to do many more...or any more actually........<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/bawl.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>Good luck!<br>Bri<br><br>

 

[dczrose]

@bk2valve- I read your post to Dave and.....he just smiled.&nbsp;<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif">&nbsp;Thanks for the input!

 

[polecat77]

<font size="4">I am a retired semi driver (22yrs OTR) a clutch is only needed to stop and start a vehicle moving. I have never burned a clutch out. If you know the vehicle well you can do what they call floating. Which is nothing more than timing the shift to the let up of the gas pedal. If anything towing would be harder on the tranny. - Polecat77</font>