A few questions for the pro's

I am planning to get a hitch on the van @ Uhaul?? and then hauling a trailer 4x8 or 5x8 from MO to CA full of a product I am selling.

My questions are
Must I have the towing package?
Extra tranny Cooler?
Does anyone have any idea on how this will change the mileage?
I read somewhere about not using overdrive?
What about cruise control?

ANy input will be appreciated.

Thank you
Jan

 

Bumping for input Please

 

Uhaul's website has details on the weight of it's trailers. I couldn't put a tow package on my 99 3.3L Sport, but I know I can do a 5 x 8 if the total weight is < 2000lbs. The frontal surface area of a 5 x 8 can be handled by my Sport.

 

I have a 98 GC with 3.8L.
I towed a 5x8 from wisc to CO and it towed allright. I had to replace the trans fluid both ways.
It cut gas millage from about 20 to 10 or 11.

I really wish I had put a trans. cooler on first.

 

Thank You for your input everyone.

One more question plz. They will be travelling the I40 across to LA,Ca. Unsure of the grades that they will be getting into. They know not to drive in Overdrive but should they gear down for going down the mountains?
They are towing the 5*8 with @ 1500 lbs inside

It is the 3.3 NO tranny cooler

Please advise I am writing this for my friend that is actually leaving Kansas City today going west.
Thank You, Jan

 

Did they tow ok? A 5x8 with 1500lbs looks like overloading a 3.3L with no tranny cooler!

 

Hello sport Thank You for the nudge I meant to let you all know how it went.
Now obviously I would not recommend it to others
But
Yes Everything went great. Top temps in the mountains were 117. They did use the AC altho I am not sure about constanty. The actual weight in the trailer was little over 1700 lbs. The van was full also, but not weighty items .. of course they added up too. The mileage was pretty constant at 15.8 as per the computer in van .

She loves her sport they took their time, 500 miles each day for 2 days then 600 on the last day .

I think thats everything I know
Thanks again for the input pre-trip
I am very happy they are home safe .. I think its harder for those at home ... I read to many nightmare Uhaul stories