BillyW wrote:
The sway issue is very important and needs to be addressed ASAP. But the struggling to accelerate and maintain speed may just be that you are not used to towing. It's pretty normal for a gas engine to really wind up the RPMs to get the work done. They were built for it. There are many drive line modifications one can do to improve towing performance, IF the suspension/sway issues have been figured out. I've comfortably towed similar weights with a lesser tow vehicle.
Exactly.
Slowing down won't hurt you but that sway will kill you.
The first thing you need to do is lower your expectations.
Trailer tires are not generally rated for over 65 mph. The max speed I feel comfortable towing is 55-60 on a mostly level road. Going uphill, be willing to drop down to 3rd gear or even 2nd, and let the speed drop to 35-40. You are not in a race.
Go down a grade in the same gear you would go up it. Do not ride the brakes ever. Brake firmly and then let off.
Never let the transmission "hunt" or keep shifting gears. You will burn it up in a heartbeat. Do a manual down-shift and leave it there until you are out of the grade.
