newb dodge owner here. i have an 07 4.7L QC. 37K miles I tow a 6x12 utility trailer. whenever i back the trailer in next to the house, i have to take it real slow as there is very little room. in the process, i am burning the clutch. i have had no issues with the clutch other than just those times i am backing in. how long can i continue this? how long will the clutch hold up? any way to avoid burning it out quickly? any and all advice is appreciated.

 

Not to sound like an ***, but why are you burning it up? If you use the clutch correctly, you would not be burning it up. Reverse is your lowest gear....you shouldnt need much gas to back up...

My s-10 blazer went 160k on a stock clutch....I towed my banshees and snow mobile all over with it....I had it replaced because the rear of the intake started leaking and leaked down the block onto the clutch and it started chattering.....

 

+1^^^^^

 

If we're talking about a manual tranny, he is burning it up because he is riding it. Trust the force, dude. Gradually let it all the way out and use the low ratio reverse gear to guide that sum-'ich in there. Practice make perfect...tears up a bunch of stuff but eventually perfect.

 

Reverse in the 6 speed is like 3.8:1, and 1st is about 4.2:1.

In my Dak with 3.21 rear gears, I can start in 1st or R on flat ground without touching the gas; gotta let it slip a bit, but those gears are way low. Once moving, it will troll along at idle as long as the ground is fairly flat. Add a bit of throttle and I barely slip to get moving. The V8 has more torque, so I think you are indeed underestimating the power of the force.

Also, in my experience, if I need to go real slow, lugging the engine down to 500-600 RPM in 1st or R for a short period of time is no big deal. You'll feel a bit of vibration come on, but it's better than revving and roasting your clutch.

I'd try to get the trailer lined up as best as possible, get the clutch all the way out, and just let the motor chug along at 600 RPM as you guide it in.

 

I was not aware they were doing that....interesting....

 

R - 3.84:1
1st - 4.23:1

Nice-n-low, great for moving slowly and precisely.

 

do you have a riding lawnmower? if so use that to back it in.

 

thanx for all the responses. i am backing the trailer on an upward slope. i have 5 inches of clearance on each side. when i am in reverse and let the clutch completely out, i am still moving way to quickly. also, when i let the clutch completely out, and i get to a really low rpm, the truck wants to die, so i'm back on the clutch.(catch 22) its been awhile since i have owned a manual tranny, but wtf? what am i doing wrong here? the lawnmower idea is great! just wish i had one. maybe i'll just use one of the quads.
thanx again!

 

Sounds like too much throttle and a light touch on the clutch. Try bring the r's down and go a little faster.