Serpent Express

[Larry N Johnson]

Couple comments:

1. Towing In D (using OD). I too have heard the rumor to not use od when towing. I have towed with the same Explorer for over 4 years. OD is used all the time. Revs 1500-2800 typical. Speeds 65-75 typical. Tranny now has 173,000+ miles and still like to tow. Go figure.

2. The SE Jack handle: that is a very good practice, crank it all the way up to the stop and put some force there; it won't unwind that way.

3. The SE cover tightness. The frame wants to be tightened from time to time. the cover wants to be tight and wrinkle free as much as possible. The fittings are adjustable 3 ways: taller, wider, or longer. Look at the cover and adjust accordingly. Make the seams straight with the frame. The easiest way to adjust is using a heavy hammer and a 2x4 about 18" long. Lossen the fitting a little; apply a whack or two. I mark the tubing w a marker so the when the fitting moves, the distance can be seen. 1/4" movement makes a surprising difference in tightness. "Keep you cover tight"!!

[Speedysnake]

I've had real good success tightening the cover using a small hydraulic bottle jack & a couple pieces of wood of different lengths. I can make smooth adjustments & "check my work" as I go.

I've only made four trips of more than 1,000 miles, but have never worried about keeping the truck in 3rd gear - F-150 / 5.4 Triton

[Roush #1]

My Suburban has a tow/haul button to push when towing. It seems to make the shifts a little later and not quite as smooth when the button is activated.

I have also heard not to town in overdrive, but my owner's manual says it's o.k. It has worked well for me so far.

Jody

[Larry N Johnson]

Jody,

So...

How does your new SE tow?

Larry

[Roush #1]

Larry,

I have owned several auto transporting trailers in the past 25 years, some enclosed (Pace and Wells Cargo) and some open (Leggott and B&B). The 16' all aluminum SE "tows better" than any I have owned before.

"Tows better" to me means accurate tracking behing the tow vehicle, manuverability, ease of pull, stopping, and loading and unloading.

The SE is just what I wanted and more than I expected. I was suprised to find jack stands built on the trailer between the rear axle and the back of the trailer. I have never had those before on a trailer and expect they will come in handy unloading and loading the Gobra when the SE is unattached to a tow rig.

Thanks for building SE trailers!

Jody