I just noticed you have the 5-speed, you will be just fine.

You are probably gonna find 55-60 is pretty comfortable in 4th gear, without over revving. You probably shouldn't touch 5th gear with that load and those rear end gears. But my brother towed 4000 lbs. with a 4.2, 5 speed, and 3.08s with no issues.

As mentioned earlier, your feel on the road, and common sense will answer most of your remaining questions. Have a safe trip and let us know how it works out.

 

So I should keep it out of 5th gear for the entire trip? Will it damage the trans if I use 5th at all? Where does the 302 make its peak hp and torque, I know this engine likes to rev more than the 300. Thanks...

 

you shouldn't use 5th at all with over 50% of your trucks cargo capacity. You can probably go by feel. On long flats at 65 you may find it doesn't struggle at all in 5th. I have seen a 92 2wd 5.0 tear through a thrust bearing from carrying a bedload of tools on a regular basis. Now that's a little different than running one long highway trip, but something to consider.

With my 300, I would cruise at about 70 up the Masspike hills in 4th, it wasn't the speed i was choosing, it was the rpms. It was just shy of 70 at 2600 Rpm's. Get to about 2800 and the power tailed off on that engine. I was always taught to tow with the tach and temp guage, not the speedo. You wanna stay in you power curve so the engine is relatively comfortable, and back off if the temp starts to climb on you, Particularly on climbs in both cases. On flats you get a lot of leeway.

I do think you are correct that the 302 revved a bit higher for its power band. This should make it even more comfortable in 4th, and struggle a bit more in 5th.

My example above was towing about 1500# of pop-up, and a 1/2 bed load of firewood. Should be similar to what your towing/carrying.

That was a bit long winded, but you have enough tow vehicle to feel it out, and know whats comfortable once you get on the road. But I think you are gonna find 4th gear is your best friend at highway speeds.

 

Stay out of 5th gear, you can damage your transmission that way.

 

> What speed would you keep it at with these trailers?

The trailers say 45 mph on the fenders, I would not top 55 mph. What you might do is go buy a spare tire at walmart for $50 bucks, hopefully not use it, and return it when you arrive. That way you have a spare in case a tire blows. Check the trailer tire air pressure yourself to make sure it is good to go and do the safety check there at U-Haul.

Get the insurance for the $4 per day!

 

You much longer wheelbase than the Exploder has will make your truck much more stable when towing.