Greg, you didn't have the Aero drag issues he'll have with a trailer. That'* a major factor in transmission loading from towing.

I've had three different hitches on a unibody FWD (all Bonnevilles as a matter of fact). They're classed the same as a convential hitch for a rear-wheel drive vehicle.

All of mine have been Class IIs and they handle the abuse just fine. The most I've towed with my 99 is 1,750 lbs for a distance of 250 miles one way (2 Seadoos). I had no issue and the trans is still kicking (mushy shifts, albeit) with 164,000 and no tranny cooler, nor ever had a flush.

The Buick Roadmaster with the tow package has the same suspension as many SSEi'*. They tow 5000lbs so I don't think suspension is a problem. And honestly I don't think boosting will be a problem as a Ser2 L67 or any L67 for that matter will tow around 1200lbs effortlessly.

Former Roadmaster LT1 owner here. The Roadmaster has a higher tow rating because it'* a V8 and a RWD. And it does NOT have the same rear suspension as a Bonneville.

Don't some Bonnevilles have F41? According to the Roadmaster guys on the Impala forum the tow package has F41 with ELC. The grand touring suspension for them is the FE2 w/ ELC. Even though they are the same code # are the suspensions different somehow?

Here is an excellent cooler: http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/me...roduct_Count=4

Some Bvilles have F41. Sure. But the suspension setup is TOTALLY different on the Roadmaster. It may have F41 springs, but they're RATED that and for the weight and frame of the Roadmaster. They are NOT interchangeable. Rating means nothing in this case.

So the Roadmaster isn't a good comparison here at all.

I personally believe you'll regret towing that load that far. I've towed with both of my L67'*, and from what I've learned, I'd never tow that load that far.

mcsslover1987,

Assuming you are properly equipped, I think you can do this. Like I said earlier, I tow a popup, gear, and 5-6 people on summer vacations with my 98 LeSabre. I am planning to install the Tru-Cool tranny cooler for our Rockies trip this summer.

I can't recall, what month/season are you planning this trip?

Post all the RPO codes from the sticker in the trunk, and we can end the speculation over what suspension (and gearing) you have.

What part of California are you going to? If Central or Southern, have you considered an alternate, more Southerly, less mountainous route?

How much weight altogether are you towing and hauling?

We know what suspension he has. There was only one option for the SSEi. FE2 with ELC. Gearing is also not optional. 2.93 or 2.97 depending on year and trans.

A couple more notes: I think you're going to be over the weight you estimated, with oak dressers, bed, and other items. Since it sounds like you're moving, I'd give you the following advice:

See if you can lighten the load. Can you leave your furniture with people in PA, or sell it -even for a little bit of money- and buy new/used furniture in CA? If you can get it down to your tools and your totes, and go with a very small trailer and get a good tranny cooler, I'd feel a lot better about what you're doing.

I've driven from Cincinnati to the San Jose area three times. I recommend taking the southern route (following old Rte 66) that I took. Go through St. Louis, then head through Tulsa Oklahoma, across the Texas panhandle, cross New Mexico, through Flagstaff Arizona (detour and see the Grand Canyon), and on to wherever your destination in California is.

Hauling furniture to California makes no sense to me, there'* a freaking Ikea and a CostCo in every big city so you can get something basic for cheap to get you by, and there'* always Craigslist. If you rent a trailer I recommend Ryder over U-Haul.

It'* just a really long distance and I think you're underestimating the total weight of your trailer and your load. If you lighten it up by eliminating the furniture, and get a tranny cooler, I think you'll be risking a lot less. because you don't really want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with a fried tranny and a bunch of stuff in a trailer.