[drimran]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 2001 Camry 4cyl and I am about to drive across counry from NJ to CA and I will be renting a U-Haul trailer to tow about 1500 lbs. Any recommendations or advice for me?

Do i need a transmission cooler? Is it hard/expensive to install?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[DigitalStitches]

When you go rent the u-haul,MAKE SURE you pay CLOSE attention when they do the predrive inspection with you.My huby and I rented one to drive from south fl to south carolina (8 hr drive) and found out only when we had got on I-95 that the damn side view mirrors couldn't be turned for a better view.Basically to remedy this,i had to change lanes and leave room for him to get in front of me whenever we had to change lanes. I was following him in our wagon.Good luck on your trip!

 

[SolaraTRD]

wow, about 135hp and XXX amount of torque hauling 1500lbs? On a 2.2l engine....

Hhmmm. Man, that sounds like it's gonna be VERY VERY stressful on the car.

Best wishes to u.

 

[Rudy]

yeah, gl with that.

 

[Phi]

That's one heck of a load!

tranny cooler is highly recommended. Here's what installation involves on a V6. Should be pretty much the same on an I4.
http://www.cardomain.com/id/camry99v6 Don't forget to add fluid to adjust for the cooler.

You can buy a cooler from http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=BMM-70268&N=120 300221

Make stops during your trip and inspect the car thoroughly before continuing (ie. tire pressure, fluid levels, signal lights)

Good luck and drive safely

 

[Nick]

get a tranny cooler definetly, and drive gingerly, leave o/d off

i was towing about the same with a v6 and i was debating leaving o/d off

 

[csaxon]

I'd suggest a U-haul truck and tow your car. I drive home to San Diego from everywhere and I see plenty of dead cars that tried to get through the mountains (Rocky, Laguna, San Bernadino) towing things. They even have radiator fill stops on some of the routes due to boil overs. Good luck.

 

[LonelyDriver]

Go slow, especially up hills or you'll over heat your engine.

 

[drimran]

Thanks for all your advice guys. I'll keep the tips in mind.

 

[Tex97]

I've pulled close to 2000lbs with my Camry V6. It was always with a 5X8 UHaul as well.

I honestly wouldn't do it in a 4 banger. It was hard enough going up overpasses in my 6 I can't imagine what a 4 would be like.


When you hit the rockies you're gonna wish you rented a truck and pulled your car behind you I guarantee it.

 

[kenratboy]

I'm in 5th.
Then I slam it into 3rd.
Then I upshift into 4th.
I'm going fast.

The end.

---

 

[csaxon]

We've pretty much talked about transmission and engine cooling, did I mention the deserts (120degees in the shade?), but the most important item is your BRAKES! If you make it up the mountains then you have to make it down the mountains. With the trailer and downhill grades and traffic conditions you WILL be riding your brakes the entire trip down and yes you can burn up your brakes and the rotors can get so hot I've actually seen burning tires and blow outs. They even have runoff ramps for vehicles with brake failure. Your Camry can handle it alone but I'd be concerned about pulling the trailer up the mountains and having it push you down the mountains. Good Luck.

 

[drimran]

Does anyone have any knowledge about which freeway is the easiest to take when driving accross country. Is 40 better than 80 since it does not go through the higher elevations?