Trusting Foretravel members

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Trusting Foretravel members

January 02, 2022, 09:49:18 am

I recently sold my fortravel and I miss the old girl. However I decided to downsize to a small travel trailer. I ended chosing a Coachman 1943rb. It has all the things my wife and I need. I plan to pull it behind my 2019 Buick enclave. The tongue is rated 500 lbs and towing 5000 lbs. It's maxed out, but if I'm careful it should be ok. My trans temp on a recent trip was 234. That has caused me concern. However I'm think to change trans fluid out to a full synthetic. The Buick has 50000 miles. I'm asking for opinions on temp. Based on what I read 234 is ok and stay below 250. My Foretravel never got this hot. But I know that's not a good comparison. When not towing trans has reached 204. I have always received good info from members and I trust I will this time to. Happy New Years
And safe travels.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #1 – January 02, 2022, 11:01:22 am

I know nothing about the Buick Enclave, so I have no specific answer to your question. I am surprised to hear that your car has a transmission temperature gauge (or digital readout). I have not seen this device on cars in ages. Even back in the day a trans temp gauge was usually added on by owners. Most cars today you are lucky to get a gas gauge and engine temp gauge. And the temp gauge is usually pretty worthless.

If Buick has a factory approved full synthetic trans fluid available, I certainly think that would be a wise upgrade.

There must be some dedicated Buick forums that cover the Enclave. Perhaps you would get better feedback to your question there?

Good Luck and Best Wishes for the New Year.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #2 – January 02, 2022, 11:25:59 am

My transmission guy is also a Alison rated tech believes colder is better. My 3500 Dodge has a huge cooler and they actually have a thermostat available if you want to warm it up. He says keep it as cool as possible, the only hit will be a little less fuel economy when cold. It always runs about 160 degrees in the summer. 235 would make me want a bigger cooler. Don't forget to run lower speed and higher rpm's when hot.
Scott

Coachman 1943rb

DimensionsLength 23.83 ft. (286 in.)Width 8 ft. (96 in.)Height 11.08 ft. (133 in.)
WeightDry Weight 4,926 lbs.Payload Capacity 1,574 lbs.Hitch Weight 520 lbs.
So yes dry empty weight is below 5K but add anything and your over. Water, propane, food?

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #3 – January 02, 2022, 11:51:45 am

As Scott says, coolers are your friend! I would make sure you have one in the first place. Either way i would be adding one for sure at those temps. Maxing out your tow rating will cause heat to be your biggest issue. I would give the transmission all the help it can and change fluid more often if towing.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #4 – January 02, 2022, 12:26:19 pm

Can you lock out overdrive? Manually shift gears? It may be lugging the trans causing it to overheat. Drop a gear and raise the engine rpm and see if that lowers your trans temp.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #5 – January 02, 2022, 12:37:18 pm

I would suggest finding out under what conditions the TORQUE CONVERTER is locked/unlocked.

It is torque converter slip that really adds to transmission heat load.

Same applies to the Allison transmissions. Easy to see the highest transmission temperatures (excluding retarder use) in stop and go traffic where you are stopped and in gear. Long light-- shift to NEUTRAL.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #6 – January 02, 2022, 01:10:34 pm

Get an approved synth lube. Look for a trans cooler.

How ever, I find myself scratching my head over your decision to buy and pull a trailer that when empty is VERY near the max rated capacity of the rig towing it.

Until you remedy that. You are likely going to have issues in the long run.

Probably not what you want to hear. But it's my honest opinion. DWMYH just be aware of the consequences.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #7 – January 02, 2022, 01:31:04 pm

As always thank you for your comments. Yes the Buick has a separate trans. Guage. I have gone on a Buick forum and high temps like I'm getting don't seem to be a big deal til you reach 250. I do plan on putting amsoil full synthetic in. It does have a trans cooler which is part of the radiator. Also will look at a second cooler. The vehicle has a tow/haul mode which changes shift patterns. So I have to remember to have that on when towing. I know I'm maxed out . But I travel light no water, tanks empty and carry most everything in the vehicle. The vehicle has plenty of torque and hp. Plus while gm lists tongue weight at 500 lbs. Reciever is rated at 600 lbs. Will continue to monitor and stay away from mountains. I'm using a weight distributing hitch and something new a blue tooth brake controller. While a foretravel would be my choice we have to scale back.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #8 – January 02, 2022, 01:34:47 pm

The built in trans. cooler on radiators is as much a heater as cooler. Leave it hooked up and add an auxiliary cooler from any auto parts big box store in series between the radiator and the trans.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #9 – January 02, 2022, 01:47:51 pm

Quote from: bigdog – January 02, 2022, 01:10:34 pm

Get an approved synth lube. Look for a trans cooler.

How ever, I find myself scratching my head over your decision to buy and pull a trailer that when empty is VERY near the max rated capacity of the rig towing it.

Until you remedy that. You are likely going to have issues in the long run.
Probably not what you want to hear. But it's my honest opinion. DWMYH just be aware of the consequences.

Spot on information here. Just as important as keeping within limits for going, being able to stop is more important to me and completely unforgiving once exceeded. I think everyone except possibly Pierce has had a exceedance story and one never forgets once they have.
At capacity going into Bullhead city with a F350 on a correct trailer loaded correct behind a 3/4 ton suburban. Worked great as long as you didn't exceed 40 mph. DWMYH x2
Scott
Life is nothing more than a series of upgrades. Always remember to upgrade IE car, boats, Motorhome, wife's, you get the jest.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #10 – January 04, 2022, 11:35:20 am

I tow 7-8K with a GM van with the 6 speed trans. The book says to use all synthetic oils for HD towing , Trans, rear axle, engine. Tows fine.
The Specs for your Buick indicate a 9 spd trans with front or 4 wd. There is a good chance that the trans is a small FWD unit with the rear drive as an add on. It may come with synthetic oil init.

IMHO gets it serviced at GM for the 50K service, ask for synthetic oil and verify that your warranty is indeed good for 70000 miles ,and run it for a bit . Ask if a cooler will void the warranty. Get it in writing . Maybe have GM install one .

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #11 – January 06, 2022, 07:17:31 pm

After listening to everyone, I have purchased a 2022 Chevy 1/2 ton crew cab short box pickup. While I could have installed a second trans cooler and synthetic fluid I didn't feel safe given the weight of the trailer and what the Buick was rated. Thank you all and I 'll still looking for my my favorite rv a Foretravel . Safe travels.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #12 – January 06, 2022, 07:20:39 pm

Quote from: joeszeidel – January 06, 2022, 07:17:31 pm

After listening to everyone, I have purchased a 2022 Chevy 1/2 ton crew cab short box pickup. While I could have installed a second trans cooler and synthetic fluid I didn't feel safe given the weight of the trailer and what the Buick was rated. Thank you all and I 'll still looking for my my favorite rv a Foretravel . Safe travels.

Home run Decision in my opinion.
Scott

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #13 – January 06, 2022, 07:38:44 pm

ALWAYS use the GVWR for any trailer. Travel trailers (aka bumper pulls) use 15% of GVWR for the tongue weight. Fifth wheels use 25%. Then check rear axle weight limit. Get actual empty (ready to travel but not hooked up) weights for front and rear axle. Check GCVWR. If all numbers are okay you are good to go. If you are over on any one of them you need more tow vehicle OR an smaller trailer.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #14 – January 06, 2022, 09:36:59 pm

You made the right decision, a Buick is not designed to pull a trailer that size.....

Keith

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #15 – January 06, 2022, 11:21:47 pm

Good call. You won't be sorry.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #16 – January 07, 2022, 09:43:49 am

My father in law has a 2020. Same truck. 2wd. I first hand can say its one heck of a truck. Hauled a 10k trailer to Michigan twice and abused the transmission so painfully it actually went into safe mode till it cooler down. Power Braking during backing up

?? inerstate 70 going threw vail wide open throttle at 35 mph. made up for it going down the other side way too fast. can you say idiot!!!!! Regardless great truck. 👍👍 Great choice IMO.
Scott

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #17 – January 07, 2022, 02:39:31 pm

Nicely done! A truck will be so much better suited for towing that trailer! The new trucks ride great and handle very well. I am sure you will be thrilled! Plus you can put 20k miles on it and sell it for the same price these days

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #18 – January 08, 2022, 12:28:53 pm

Great move on your part. The pickup will make your life better. After many years of supervising a construction company shop, I have learned the hard way the consequences of operating a vehicle at on near max load.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #19 – January 19, 2022, 08:06:17 am

Timbren

This would be my next purchase. I believe etrailer has them cheaper. This will make all the difference in the ride and stability when towing and will not affect ride quality when unloaded. Total game changer when towing heavy.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #20 – January 19, 2022, 10:19:30 am

Quote from: EddieNel – January 19, 2022, 08:06:17 am

Timbren

This would be my next purchase. I believe etrailer has them cheaper. This will make all the difference in the ride and stability when towing and will not affect ride quality when unloaded. Total game changer when towing heavy.

So i actually have these on my dodge truck. They work well in that application. They would have no place if your thinking to install on your coach and also wouldn't be needed on your toad. So I'm confused why you need them.
Scott

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #21 – January 19, 2022, 11:04:36 am

Quote from: dsd – January 19, 2022, 10:19:30 am

So i actually have these on my dodge truck. They work well in that application. They would have no place if your thinking to install on your coach and also wouldn't be needed on your toad. So I'm confused why you need them.
Scott

It was for @joeszeidel. A suggestion for his 1/2 ton truck. He will be pulling a camper and they will help with his ride and control of the trailer. When I had them on a Tundra I noticed I felt more planted with less trailer sway and roll on curvy and uneven roads. I run airbags on my 1 ton now but I'm pulling heavier loads that I can adjust as needed. I definitely wouldn't recommend them (Tembren) on our coaches unless you have spring suspension.

Re: Trusting Foretravel members

Reply #22 – January 19, 2022, 12:02:12 pm

I had bags on my Super Duty. Another added benefit is being able to adjust trailer pitch and weight distribution over the axles (even tire wear, braking, etc..).

Being able to dump the air and bring the trailer down also helps when a low hanging wire jumps out at you

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