The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Can a 55 2nd pull a 6,000 pound trailer with proper upgrades?

Couple of points: In 2010, I tried to rent a U-Haul pickup to pull my snowmobile trailer, when my tow vehicle was laid up from an accident. They would not rent the truck to me to pull a trailer. I tried all of the major rental company’s in NY with the same results. I suppose I could have rented the truck and said nothing, but was concerned if I had an accident towing the trailer, so I opted to skip the trip.

In dry conditions a 3,500 lb. truck would have no problem handling a 6,000 lb. trailer equipped with brakes. Once the environment changes such as rain, snow, or a slippery boat ramp, all bets are off. I towed my snowmobile trailer that was half the weight of the AWD SUV in snowy conditions that totally changed my assessment of tow weight vs. tow vehicle weight. Plenty of power to pull uphills but going downhill was such a scary experience, having the trailer push the vehicle around with very little control. I did make it home unscathed but vowed never to repeat such an experience.