Quote:
Originally Posted by KAdams4458
I am considering using my '77 300D for some heavy hauling in the future. The trip would be round trip from Western Washington to Missouri, so there are plenty of mountains in the way. If I haul an enclosed trailer, the trailer and load will likely be around 2,500 - 2,750 lbs. Obviously, the trailer would have brakes, and the car will have a custom 2" receiver installed. (None of this bumper mounted stuff.)
My car does have a a turbo OM617 swapped in, as well as a four-speed manual, and 3.07 gears. I also have alarmed gauges to monitor engine oil temp, boost, and exhaust gas temp. For that matter, I have an intercooler that I could even install that might just come in handy climbing long grades, though I have no data on whether that would really be helpful at all.
I already know that some people will consider it insane. (And I might just be!) That is beside the point. Let's just discuss the feasibility of the idea. Ready? Go!
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I towed a vw rabbit from MA to MO once with a 1981 240 4-speed pulling the rabbit on a tow dolly. I think your engine will handle it fine, the concern id have is tongue weight on the unibody. Even with the light tongue weight tow dolly attached to a custom 2" receiver on my 240, it was dragging a$$ for 1500 miles, a normal enclosed trailer like you are talking about may have you scraping along.