Mastering Diesel Pickup Truck Hauling: Best Practices & Safety Tips | Reiff Diesel Services

BY: Robert Gundermann
POSTED August 10, 2023 IN
Blogs

Towing and Hauling: Getting the Most Out of Your Diesel Pickup

Introduction

For many people seeking out a diesel pickup – and those who already own one – the enduring allure is down to its exceptional capability when it comes to diesel pickup truck hauling and towing. With the right gear and know-how, it’s possible to get the maximum work out of your diesel pickup truck. We’ll go into some detail below about the best practices for towing and hauling, while taking a look at weight limits and setups.

Understanding the capabilities of your diesel pickup

Diesel engines are famed for their power and efficiency, and these qualities make them a go-to for towing and diesel pick up truck hauling. The torque provided by a diesel makes hill climbs so much easier, gives greater acceleration power, and allows you to maintain speed even in high winds. The one caveat to this is that you need to be fully aware of the diesel’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and its Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), to ensure you are not overtaxing the vehicle.

The importance of weight limits

Weight limits are there for a reason. A vehicle that is consistently asked to tow more than it is rated for will not last as long and won’t be safe to drive. Modern diesel pickups can often tow more than 35,000 pounds, if correctly set up. However, the manufacturer will have rated a truck for its towing capability and if you want to keep towing for a prolonged period, you should always adhere strictly to those limits.

Setting your diesel pickup up right

Attaching the load

Modern diesel trucks are fitted with receiver hitches; this part is bolted directly to the rear frame of the vehicle. The hitch may need to be adjusted depending on the height of both truck and trailer; ensure that you have figured this correctly before towing.

Stopping the load

Momentum is a thing, and a trailer that is carrying thousands of pounds of weight takes some stopping. When choosing a trailer, it’s essential to get one with electric brakes that respond to the use of the brake pedal in the truck, thus adding braking capability.

Supporting the load

A heavier trailer can drag down on the back of a truck, so consider solutions such as airbags to deliver a smoother ride and a longer life for your truck.

Best practices for safety in towing and hauling

Securing the load

The heavier the load you are carrying, the more important it is that you’ve got it fully secured. Towing another vehicle or heavy machinery means finding a way to secure the cargo with equipment like sturdy chains, ratchet straps or similar to ensure nothing moves in transit.

Balancing the load

Balance is important in all things, and especially in putting a load on a trailer. It is considered that 10-15% of a trailer’s total weight should be on the tongue, reducing excess stress on your truck.

If you do it right, towing and hauling with your diesel truck can be simple and seamless; just make sure that you know what your truck is capable of and stick to the limits that have been communicated to you. Keep to those requirements, and you’ll have years of successful hauling and towing ahead.

Questions or Need Assistance?

Need assistance or have questions about getting the most out of your diesel pickup for towing and hauling? We’re here to help! Whether you’re a seasoned truck owner or new to the diesel pickup world, our team is ready to provide guidance and support. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice, tips on setups, or any other queries you may have. Your safety and satisfaction are our priorities, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you have the best towing and hauling experience with your diesel pickup. Contact Reiff Diesel Services today, and let’s make your truck’s capabilities work for you!

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