13. Synthetic Lubricants
Another way to reduce the danger of heat-related part failure is by replacing petroleum lubricants with synthetic products. Man-made oils do not contain waxes and refining by-products that cause friction and heat in your truck's moving parts. In addition to parts running cooler, they will have less resistance, which can result in higher horsepower and torque output. You'll also save some cash in the long run because synthetic oils do not have to be replaced as often as petroleum products.
14. Load-Distributing Trailer Hitch
Like the name implies, a load-distributing trailer hitch will disperse the trailer's tongue weight so it's not all concentrated on the hitch ball. This is accomplished with spring arms mounted near the hitch ball that connect to the trailer using chains or shackles attached to brackets on the A-frame of the trailer. This spreads the tongue weight over a greater area, which increases stability and will help prevent the "trailer wheelie" look of an overloaded truck. The spring arms must be kept under tension to reap the benefits of the weight distribution. There is a great variety of weight-distributing trailer hitches, including units designed for a maximum tongue weight of 1,200 pounds and a trailer weight of 12,000 pounds.
15. Class V Trailer Hitch
If you are planning to tow more than 10,000 pounds of gross trailer weight or have more than 1,200 pounds of tongue weight, it's time to upgrade to a Class V hitch. These heavy-duty units are made to distribute the trailer weight and many are capable of pulling loads of as much as 14,000 pounds.
16. Gooseneck or Fifth-Wheel Hitch
If you want even more capacity than a Class V hitch is rated to handle, you need to step up to a gooseneck or a fifth-wheel trailer hitch. Both are able to manage enormous trailer and tongue weights because the hitch is attached to the frame above the rear axle. Goosenecks are commonly rated for trailers weighing more than 20,000 pounds with tongue weights of more than 5,000 pounds, and many include hitch balls that can be hidden under the truck bed when not in use. Fifth-wheel hitches include a locking jaw that will make a secure connection between your truck and the trailer. Another advantage to a fifth-wheel setup is the ability to adjust the placement of the unit on rails to prevent the trailer from hitting the cab, and to achieve optimum balance. Some fifth-wheels' hitches are motorized so you can move them on the adjustment rails from inside the cabin.
17. Larger Rear Sway Bar
Sway bars (aka anti-sway bars) are designed to distribute load weight evenly between your tires. When making turns, a sway bar transfers pressure away from the outboard wheels, which reduces body roll. Larger sway bars do a better job of keeping your truck on the proper track, which is ideal for towing heavy loads. Aftermarket sway bars are fairly inexpensive, include polyurethane bushings, and since they are usually bolt-on parts, you can install one yourself during a weekend.
18. Better Shocks
Ditch those factory shock absorbers for a smoother ride and better control in all driving situations. You have plenty of options for upgrading your shocks, including high-pressure nitrogen mono-tube units and shocks with remote oil reservoirs for heavy-duty cycling. Some shocks have valves that automatically adjust to different road conditions, while others have dials you can set to tailor performance for the load you will be moving.
19. Air Springs/Helper Springs
Maxed-out springs are an invitation to disaster when you are towing a trailer. If your stock springs can't handle the weight you need to carry, then supplemental helper springs or air springs should be on your shopping list. They are installed between your truck's frame and leaf springs to provide additional suspension capacity, and they keep the stock parts in their optimum operating range.
20. Tires with High Load Capacity
Go check your tire sidewalls. The number after the wheel rim size, such as LT245/75Rx17E, is the load range rating. On some tires, it is listed separately from the size. It refers to how much horizontal stress can be put on your tires-a critical measurement for trailer towing due to the lateral loads that come into play when a trailer attempts to wander. Your tow rig should be equipped with at least "E" load rated tires or higher ("D" rated tires may not be strong enough). Make sure to check the pressure required for your set because high load rated tires often require more pressure than standard light truck models.
21. Auxiliary Fuel Tank
Towing a trailer will lower your fuel economy, which means you'll have to stop more often to fill your tank. One way to stay on the road during long hauls is to have more fuel at your disposal. An auxiliary fuel tank is a simple way to add more range between fill-ups.
22. Towing Mirrors and Video Backup Camera
What good is having a big trailer, if you can't see what it's doing? When ordering a tow rig, make sure to get the trailer mirrors. Some of the best features include power extending/telescoping functions, heated glass, clearance lights, auto-dimming for bright headlights, and integrated turn signals to make sure other drivers stay out of your way. If you already have a truck equipped with small mirrors, you can order units with similar features from aftermarket suppliers. Beyond that, automotive video systems are becoming more common and less expensive. They are great for keeping an eye on what's behind your trailer and can be very helpful when you are navigating parking lots.
23. Dual Rear Wheels
If four wheels are good, then six must be better, right? When it comes to towing a trailer, it's hard to argue against having more load capacity, better contact with the road, and improved traction. If your truck is struggling to maintain stability while towing, you may need to start shopping for a dualie, especially if your trailer is large enough to require a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch.
24. Longbed Option
Another thing to consider when ordering a heavy-duty truck is the distance between the cab and the rear axle. The more space you have, the better leverage your truck will have while towing, plus there is less of a chance the trailer will come into contact with the cab when you are towing a fifth wheel. So, choose the 8-foot box and you should have a more stable towing platform.
25. Regular Cab 2WD Weight Savings
To get the maximum trailer weight capacity straight from the factory, you have to order the lightest diesel truck. Two-wheel-drive pickups with the standard cab don't have to carry around the extra weight of a transfer case, front drive parts, or the back seating area, so they can tow that much more weight. If your truck stays on-road, you don't need extra passenger room, and want to tow a large trailer, then a regular cab two-wheel-drive dualie may be your best choice.