TOWING

[6V92TA]

Thanks to the board. Picked up a Trailer Toad today in AZ. 5000Lb. model. Like new. Now to try it out.

[FirstEliminator]

  A hay wagon shouldn't have too much tongue weight.

[daveola]

I have a hitch on my MCI 102A3.  I have not connected it to the frame past the engine cradle and would love to do that if I could find the mechanic/welder who could do that job, but for now it's just on the engine cradle.  When the engine was out about 5 years ago I had all the cracks in the engine cradle repaired, but did not have the foresight to reinforce it to handle a hitch.

So I'm not currently using the hitch for anything yet, but have a situation where I have to move an empty 20' trailer.  Is that a safe enough load to put on the engine cradle, or is that trouble?

[6V92TA]

Ok so I will update this with my experiences. We have travelled about 27k miles with the MCI, most of it towing a 26' Pace stacker. Zero issues. Over half those miles are with a trailer toad. Bus rides better with just the trailer, handles the same.
Travelling from the Yukon to South Texas, and east and west from CA to MO. Mountains, flatland, open roads and congested traffic. The only place I had an issue was B.C. Canada where an RCMP check stop tried to tell me we were 'double towing'. Got that straightened out and were on our way. The 6V92 is no super power but a lot better than the 8V71 with no turbo. No trans issues. I sent oil samples last summer and all was well. I have an engine oil leak that is getting worse so that will need addressed. Otherwise off to Deadwood Thursday.

[dtcerrato]

I see zero issues towing the empty trailer. Just don't forget that it's back there!

[6V92TA]

Trailer has a workbench, cupboards, tool box, 5hp air compressor, Jeep yj, Street Glide and a Spyder RT inside. Gas cans, oil, and 2 spare tires. I love the thing, wife not so much. About 6,500# cargo. Deadwood trip postponed, going to Cranbrook tomorrow.

We do have to plan spots to stop as it's s bit of a  PIA if we have to park the trailer in an overflow or trailer lot. Happened a couple of times.

[dtcerrato]

I'd tow it anyway unless the route to be towed on is bad with dips and stuff but that's just me.

[frank4104]

Dan, I want to tow my Roxor 3400# in an enclosed trailer. 5k total, my 04 is set up with a hitch that is attached to the engine Fram from the front of the engine cradle fram and again at the rear.
Have you toad a trailer in that range before about 5k in your 04 ?
I have hauled my boat to the keys but it's 1500#
Your thoughts?

[dtcerrato]

Yes I have towed much heavier trailers. Four down toads up to almost 7k and I towed a Haulmark car carrier across country weighing the same. HTH
Our hitch is set up similar, it is attached at the front of the engine cradle/bulkhead. And again at the rear cradle/bumper.