Why Your Trucks 4×4 Pickup Isn’t Towing Like It Should

By dongfeng
2025-10-31

If your trucks 4x4 pickup feels weaker every time you hook up a trailer, you're not alone. From our perspective as the manufacturer, poor towing rarely comes from a single flaw. It's usually a mix of setup, load management, and component choices. Below we explain the real causes, then show how the New RICH model family addresses those pain points, and end with a quick setup checklist you can use today.

The Real Reasons Your Trucks 4x4 Pickup Isn't Towing Right

When a trucks 4x4 pickup struggles, the first suspect is "power.” Yet most issues trace back to how that power reaches the hitch and the road. Tongue weight that's too light induces sway; too heavy overloads the rear axle and brakes. Tire pressure matters even more when towing: under-inflation increases heat, drag, and sidewall flex. Hitch height also changes trailer attitude; a nose-up trailer steals stability and braking efficiency. Finally, cooling and driveline stress rise on grades or in headwinds. If airflow is restricted or you climb slowly in the wrong gear, heat builds and performance fades.

  • Gear Use And Torque Curve

Staying in the gear that keeps you near the engine's torque peak is essential. Long steady-state climbs reward consistent revs rather than low-rpm lugging. Short-shifting feels smooth when empty, but with a trailer it invites detonation, heat, and clutch wear on manual boxes.

  • Chassis, Brakes, And Control Systems

Even a powerful trucks 4x4 pickup can wander if the chassis and braking aren't spec'd for towing. Soft rear springs squat. Generic ESC calibrations may over-correct sway. Weak trailer brakes push the truck in panic stops. Integrated stability logic and firm pedal feel matter more than headline horsepower.

How The New RICH 4x4 Fixes The Pain Points

We designed the New RICH series to turn those weak points into strengths. Two proven engine options let you choose how you work: the efficient 2TZD 2.4L gasoline and the torquey Y24 2.4T. Both pair with a robust 5MT that's easy to gear for grades and overtakes. If your routes include muddy job sites or rutted launches, select 4WD; if you stay on pavement, 2WD keeps costs low. Either way, the chassis, cooling, and control logic are tuned around real towing use, not showroom tests.

At the frame level, the 3050 mm wheelbase provides calm straight-line behavior, while 215 mm ground clearance and 31° approach / up to 25° departure angles keep the truck composed on uneven boat ramps or farm tracks. A curb weight up to 1840 kg helps the truck out-mass small and medium trailers, which improves stability in crosswinds. The bed is sized for practical work - 1395 x 1390 x 430 mm - so straps sit low and loads ride centered. Nominal load capacity is 490 kg, matching typical job tools or weekend gear without upsetting balance.

Inside, day-to-day comfort reduces driver fatigue - the silent killer of towing confidence. Expect central locking, remote key, one-touch front windows, electronic A/C, and a 7" MP5 with Bluetooth/phone mirroring for maps and trailer-camera feeds. Power mirrors with built-in indicators widen awareness; a tilt steering wheel and height-adjustable driver's seat help you find a posture that keeps reaction times sharp. Choose black faux leather or durable fabric depending on how hard you work the cabin.

Safety tech is tuned for loaded conditions. The RICH integrates driver & passenger airbags, TPMS, reverse radar, daytime running lights, and a comprehensive ESC suite (ABS/EBD/TCS/VDC/HBA/HHC/RMI/HAZ). In plain language: it monitors wheel slip, assists hard braking, helps on hill starts, resists rollover, and keeps you stable when a gust hits the trailer sidewall. Electrically adjustable headlamp height prevents blinding others when the rear sags under tongue weight. These details add up on long hauls.

❓ Why The 2.4T Shines For Towing?

Turbo torque arrives earlier in the rev range, which keeps you in the fat part of the curve without constant downshifts. On rolling terrain, that means fewer speed swings, lower coolant temps, and calmer trailer behavior. Pair it with 4WD if your boat ramp or construction site demands grip.

Setup Checklist To Restore Confident Towing

Don't change trucks before you try a correct setup. Most owners recover performance with simple steps.

✅ Pre-Tow Essentials

•  Verify tongue weight at ~10 - 15% of trailer mass; re-position cargo to balance.

•  Level the trailer: adjust hitch height so the trailer rides flat.

•  Set tire pressures to the door-label for the truck (rear often higher) and to the trailer's sidewall spec.

•  Use the right gear to keep the engine near its torque plateau on climbs.

•  Test trailer brakes and controller gain in a safe lot before you hit the highway.

✅ RICH-Specific Tips

•  Choose Y24 2.4T + 4WD for frequent grades, gravel, or ramp launches; go 2TZD 2.4L if you prioritize light loads and urban routes.

•  If your hitch or accessories push weight aft, use the RICH's ESC and TPMS readouts to confirm stability after each change.

•  Leverage the 7" phone mirroring for live trailer-cam or nav; keep eyes forward, not on a dangling mirror.

Call To Action: If towing stability, cooling margin, or brake feel are holding back your trucks 4x4 pickup, book a test with the New RICH today. Our team will help you spec 2WD or 4WD, pick 2.4L or 2.4T, and demonstrate how the chassis, 215 mm clearance, and safety suite transform real-world towing. Message us to schedule a demo and a tailored setup walk-through - bring your trailer.