Towing Checklist

[Truckie]

Hey,
I would like to ask everyone for some advice. I am going to be towing a 35' travel trailer from PA to NC. Estimated weight is 8000 lbs. It was purchased about 5/2025 and has new tires that I put on myself and torqued to the correct specs. My tow vehicle is my 2025 Silverado HD ZR2 with a 6.6 Duramax. I currently have about 2500 miles on it, oil was changed at 1500 mi. I have towed plenty of dump trailers for work since purchasing the truck but only locally. I have not towed a trailer of this weight or this distance before. The trailer has a weight distribution hitch and I am familiar with it's operation.

Here's my main question: What else do I need to consider, monitor while driving or generally do to be safe and successful in this adventure? I driving back to NC with the trailer on 10/26/25.

 

[AXE]

I personally like to have air bags with this soft suspension, but you should be fine with that weight if thats the gross and not just the listed trailer weight.

Make sure to run max 65 psi on your truck tires and whatever the sidewall says on the trailer tires (80 psi?).

Also make sure the trailer sits level and weight is balanced with a little forward bias. Run it across a weigh scale when you get loaded. That way you'll know how it's riding in case you need to adjust.

If you're running a diesel, probably want to top off the DEF tank. Then bring a 2.5 gallon jug with. I dont trust random stations that sell DEF at the pump.

 

[Truckie]

I had not thought about extra DEF. I will make sure the tire pressures are on point as well. Thanks very much for the advice.

 

[AXE]

I had not thought about extra DEF. I will make sure the tire pressures are on point as well. Thanks very much for the advice.

Mine drinks DEF towing. Almost double vs my previous rig. Used 7 gallons in 1500 miles, but I was also only getting 8.5 mpg towing about 11k in mostly favorable conditions.

Also dont forget to run tow/haul mode, exhaust brake and adjust the brake gain to 5 or 6.

Wouldn't hurt to make sure the trailer brakes are adjusted too if they are old school electrics. Also grease your bearings and bring a spare hub assembly.