Towing a Pop-up Camper Topic is solved

Post by **br0dy519** » 09 Sep 2020, 08:51

Hi guys,

We are Ready to purchase a camper and are looking at a 1700lb one. Transmission cooler, and tow-hitch installed this year

also changed tranny fluid every 30k since I owned the XC70. She's in great shape all around and ready to tow in my opinion!

I have read some threads recommending that we use the Geartronic "manual" shifting when towing. Is this true or can I just leave the car in D? I've never used the geartronic shift function nor have I ever driven stick

kind of embarrassed but I'm a millenial so don't pick on me too badly.

Thanks guys.

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 09 Sep 2020, 12:01

Driving in "D" is not a problem. The manual says to down shift on long up hill stretches if the rpms are under 2,000. Easy to do and just as easy to forget to upshift after reaching the crest of the long uphill climb!

I suggest practicing "manual" shifting, just to get the hang of it. Don't wait until there is a trailer hooked up and lots of traffic, you want to be able to move the shift lever without staring at it. Helpful when going down mountain passes.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 09 Sep 2020, 21:24

Klausc's advice is solid. Idea is not to be in overdrive when not cruising at speed. Same with all cars when pulling a trailer.

Post by **abscate** » 10 Sep 2020, 03:11

Just leave it in D. I don’t know why people make crap up on the internet. Your car senses the required torque and manages engine and transmission much better that the driver

If you are pulling up a hill and is it shifting between 345 a lot than move the shifter down A range to stop that. They don’t slam anymore as the controller reduce power when the transmission shifts, so fast you barely feel it. See above.

That’s heavy enough that you need to pay attention to tongue weight. It needs to be 10-15 of trailer weight, so 200 pounds plus.

This is really important if it is windy where you are

Look how even a small trailer can roll a truck in this video

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 10 Sep 2020, 07:08

Always amazed at how these fools refuse to slow down.
The second snip in abscate's video shows drivers behind a wagging trailer closing in for a better look!

Post by **abscate** » 10 Sep 2020, 07:18

I do all my trailering at 60 mph

Post by **br0dy519** » 10 Sep 2020, 17:51

Just wanted to say thanks guys. Yes I was going to check tongue weight. However I have decided to call off the camper for this year. No time for more projects.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 10 Sep 2020, 18:49

Some good information here from Ford.

https://owner.ford.com/support/how-tos/ ... owing.html

XC70Rider · Post by **XC70Rider** » 10 Sep 2020, 20:41

When I'm towing my 5 x 8 utility trailer I drive it just slightly slower. I live 3 miles off road with hills that are very steep past 50 degrees. When driving down those steep hills I manually downshift to save the brakes. Our trannies don't auto downshift when declining.
On this new estate I've been driving these hills about twice a day for the past year and the ceramic pads and metal discs appear to be the same thickness. Very little brake dust on the wheels.

Post by **BlackBart** » 11 Sep 2020, 10:58

Georgeandkira wrote: ↑10 Sep 2020, 07:08 Always amazed at how these fools refuse to slow down.
The second snip in abscate's video shows drivers behind a wagging trailer closing in for a better look!

Exactly - What's up with people following an unstable trailer so close that they can't avoid hitting it when it finally goes? And what's with people giggling like children when a truck is about to crash and maybe kill someone?