I was wondering if many of you start off from a stop in first (low) gear while trailering. My construction trailer is rather light at 4500 lbs fully loaded, and it doesn't feel like I really need to start off in first, unless on a grade or something.

Better to start on first always when trailering?

I start in 1st when towing my fifth wheel camper, but it is around 13K. When I had my travel trailer, which weighed about 5K, I also pulled out in 1st. If I am on a downhill grade and can let off the brakes and start rolling, I'll pull out in 2nd.

I only use 1st with heavy loads on an uphill.

I haul all different trailers and seldom use first.

I only use 1st with heavy loads on an uphill.

I haul all different trailers and seldom use first.

Same here. You do need to use 1st otherwise it will never loosen up. Mine shifted terrible out of 1st until I purposely used it for a few days. Made a big difference for me.

Same here. You do need to use 1st otherwise it will never loosen up. Mine shifted terrible out of 1st until I purposely used it for a few days. Made a big difference for me.

the book said to use first for the first 500 miles to break it in.
I never use first to get moving with a 7000 lbs load unless on a hill

I have a horse trailer that weighs about 5k empty and about 9k with 3 horses in it and I always use first gear to take off loaded or empty unless im facing downhill. Even if the truck will take off in 2nd just remember its gonna be easier on your clutch and the rest of the drivetrain.

Pulling about the same load as tettruck, I find it necessary to use 1st when launching on even a slight grade. I could probably use 2nd if I gave it more throttle and slipped the clutch a little. I figure there's no point doing something that could be detrimental to the life of my DMF. On level ground it will idle away in 2nd gear just like driving unloaded.

I do it the same, 1st on a hill and second most other times hauling all different types and weights of trailers. i find that the SMF DD Clutch makes it a bit more tricky to pull out in the higher gears with a trailer, it just will not slip!!!!!!!!!!!!!