Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Tow Weight
| Tow Weight [message #151467] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 18:01  |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
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I've read that some people tow a car with their GMC. Its been sometime since I looked but I thought the specs for towing were pretty light for the GMC. My GMC has the stock rear gears.
I bought a storage tray I guess thats what they are called for the rear tow hitch. How much weight can I tow. I'm guessing since people tow cars, its a fairly decent load.
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151473 is a reply to message #151467] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 18:39  |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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You can tow 2,000lbs with a stock final drive, but you will need aux.
trans cooler and change fluid frequently as the additive in the fluid
will be taxed more.
Suggest you start from start in Manual low and shift up. Trans will
lock up better in 1st and 2nd better and less wear and heat build up.
I can tell you that the life of the trans will be shortened.
When you get some funds gathered, you should drop in a lower gear to
help in overall endurance and performance.
I can guarantee you that your fuel consumption will not suffer by gong
to a lower gear as you will operate more in the higher torque range
where these engines develop its power.
Should this not be true, check you distributor advance as it will not
be free and or the carburetor not operating on the power valve.
On Sat, Dec 3, 2011 at 4:01 PM, Michael <radioactive626@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
> I've read that some people tow a car with their GMC. Its been sometime since I looked but I thought the specs for towing were pretty light for the GMC. My GMC has the stock rear gears.
> I bought a storage tray I guess thats what they are called for the rear tow hitch. How much weight can I tow. I'm guessing since people tow cars, its a fairly decent load.
> --
> ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
> _______________________________________________
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151489 is a reply to message #151488] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 21:15 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Towing a car or other 4-wheel vehicle puts virtually
NO weight load on the coach's suspension since it is
simply the small tongue weight of a tow dolly or that
of the tow bar. Since a platform that is fitted onto
a drawbar type hitch is not terribly far back from
the rear wheels, I suspect that the correct rear
suspension height could be maintained even with a
500 # "platform" load and not seriously affect the
overall coach stability. Those who have actually
done this should be able to advise you better!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> From: f25ccapt@gmail.com
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 21:59:43 -0500
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight
>
> Michael,
> I think what you are asking is how much weight can you carry on the
> tray, not how much can you tow. When we flat tow a vehicle there is
> very little weight on the rear of the coach. I have seen small
> motorcycles and scooters on the back hitch being carried without
> issue. So maybe #300 to #500 would be a reasonable estimate. I'm sure
> others will offer some opinions :^)
>
> Nelson Wright
> Orlando FL
> 78 Royale rear bath
>
> On Dec 3, 2011, at 7:01 PM, Michael wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > I've read that some people tow a car with their GMC. Its been
> > sometime since I looked but I thought the specs for towing were
> > pretty light for the GMC. My GMC has the stock rear gears.
> > I bought a storage tray I guess thats what they are called for the
> > rear tow hitch. How much weight can I tow. I'm guessing since people
> > tow cars, its a fairly decent load.
> > --
> > ***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
> > Michael, Casa Grande, AZ
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| Re: Tow Weight [message #151491 is a reply to message #151467] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 21:32 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Yes you got it correct. I was wondering first what the load weight could be for the tray. But my wording isn't always terrific when typing (or talking for that sake!) I was also in the back of my mind wondering how people towed cars with their GMC. So it was a poorly worded dual question!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: Tow Weight [message #151492 is a reply to message #151491] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 21:46 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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I did an album on the photo site about towing. It has a bunch of photos that you will probably not be interested in, but also has some information that you might be able to use. When towing my trailer, I try to keep the tongue weight somewhat light. Too much weight on the hitch will lighten the front end and affect traction and possibly steering. There is a cantilever effect on the rear suspension that will lighten the front end if the hitch is loaded too heavily.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5523
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151502 is a reply to message #151489] |
Sat, 03 December 2011 23:35 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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| k2gkk wrote on Sat, 03 December 2011 21:15 |
Towing a car or other 4-wheel vehicle puts virtually
NO weight load on the coach's suspension since it is
simply the small tongue weight of a tow dolly or that
of the tow bar. Since a platform that is fitted onto
a drawbar type hitch is not terribly far back from
the rear wheels, I suspect that the correct rear
suspension height could be maintained even with a
500 # "platform" load and not seriously affect the
overall coach stability. Those who have actually
done this should be able to advise you better!
|
I have carried my 450 pound Honda motorcycle with an additional 50 pounds of carrier on my Blaine Merrell through the bumper hitch. You do not know it is even back there. Luckily I can see the motorcycle windshield through the rear mirror and rear window so I know it has not fallen off. I have many thousand miles including up and down the mountains out west without noticing it is there. I have no idea how much weight you can carry, but 500 pounds is no problem. I also have towed a trailer with two motorcycles and lots of other stuff.
I have never towed a car but lots of GMCers do. Ken H, Dan Gregg, Blaine Merrell, John Richardson, and Emery Stora are just a quick few that come to mind. Come to any GMCMI rally and you will see lots of towed cars.
Oh by the way, Blaine made he last batch of hitches and when they are gone, that's it. He has said this before but this time I think he is serious. It is a lot of work and money investment for not much money. I'm surprised he stuck with it this long. So if you need a hitch get it now.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151522 is a reply to message #151502] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 08:29 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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A prime reason I bought "Money Pit" was to be able to
tow our Harleys to a nice area to ride AND have a place
to stay and also not have to ride the bikes such long
distances. Where we used to think nothing much of
a 400 mile day on the bikes, now that we are over 70
our outlook has changed considerably!
I imagine my 900# Harley on a platform would be more
than just a bit much!
We also have a 15 foot, 175 HP jet boat that we can
opt for instead of the Harleys on trailer and go to
a nice lake for a stay and fun.
Boys and their toys, right?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: n9cv@comcast.net
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 23:35:05 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight
>
> k2gkk wrote on Sat, 03 December 2011 21:15
> > Towing a car or other 4-wheel vehicle puts virtually
> > NO weight load on the coach's suspension since it is
> > simply the small tongue weight of a tow dolly or that
> > of the tow bar. Since a platform that is fitted onto
> > a drawbar type hitch is not terribly far back from
> > the rear wheels, I suspect that the correct rear
> > suspension height could be maintained even with a
> > 500 # "platform" load and not seriously affect the
> > overall coach stability. Those who have actually
> > done this should be able to advise you better!
>
> I have carried my 450 pound Honda motorcycle with an additional 50 pounds of carrier on my Blaine Merrell through the bumper hitch. You do not know it is even back there. Luckily I can see the motorcycle windshield through the rear mirror and rear window so I know it has not fallen off. I have many thousand miles including up and down the mountains out west without noticing it is there. I have no idea how much weight you can carry, but 500 pounds is no problem. I also have towed a trailer with two motorcycles and lots of other stuff.
>
> I have never towed a car but lots of GMCers do. Ken H, Dan Gregg, Blaine Merrell, John Richardson, and Emery Stora are just a quick few that come to mind. Come to any GMCMI rally and you will see lots of towed cars.
>
> Oh by the way, Blaine made he last batch of hitches and when they are gone, that's it. He has said this before but this time I think he is serious. It is a lot of work and money investment for not much money. I'm surprised he stuck with it this long. So if you need a hitch get it now.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151533 is a reply to message #151522] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 10:06 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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The Truly Suave would get a bigger boat trailer and hang the Hogs behind the boat.
--johnny
'76 Trandmode 23'
'76 Palm Beach
________________________________
From: D C *Mac* Macdonald <k2gkk@hotmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Sunday, December 4, 2011 9:29 AM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight
A prime reason I bought "Money Pit" was to be able to
tow our Harleys to a nice area to ride AND have a place
to stay and also not have to ride the bikes such long
distances. Where we used to think nothing much of
a 400 mile day on the bikes, now that we are over 70
our outlook has changed considerably!
I imagine my 900# Harley on a platform would be more
than just a bit much!
We also have a 15 foot, 175 HP jet boat that we can
opt for instead of the Harleys on trailer and go to
a nice lake for a stay and fun.
Boys and their toys, right?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: n9cv@comcast.net
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 23:35:05 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight
>
> k2gkk wrote on Sat, 03 December 2011 21:15
> > Towing a car or other 4-wheel vehicle puts virtually
> > NO weight load on the coach's suspension since it is
> > simply the small tongue weight of a tow dolly or that
> > of the tow bar. Since a platform that is fitted onto
> > a drawbar type hitch is not terribly far back from
> > the rear wheels, I suspect that the correct rear
> > suspension height could be maintained even with a
> > 500 # "platform" load and not seriously affect the
> > overall coach stability. Those who have actually
> > done this should be able to advise you better!
>
> I have carried my 450 pound Honda motorcycle with an additional 50 pounds of carrier on my Blaine Merrell through the bumper hitch. You do not know it is even back there. Luckily I can see the motorcycle windshield through the rear mirror and rear window so I know it has not fallen off. I have many thousand miles including up and down the mountains out west without noticing it is there. I have no idea how much weight you can carry, but 500 pounds is no problem. I also have towed a trailer with two motorcycles and lots of other stuff.
>
> I have never towed a car but lots of GMCers do. Ken H, Dan Gregg, Blaine Merrell, John Richardson, and Emery Stora are just a quick few that come to mind. Come to any GMCMI rally and you will see lots of towed cars.
>
> Oh by the way, Blaine made he last batch of hitches and when they are gone, that's it. He has said this before but this time I think he is serious. It is a lot of work and money investment for not much money. I'm surprised he stuck with it this long. So if you need a hitch get it now.
>
> --
> Ken Burton - N9KB
> 76 Palm Beach
> Hebron, Indiana
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151540 is a reply to message #151523] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 11:12 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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| k2gkk wrote on Sun, 04 December 2011 07:44 |
To reduce the tendency for a trailer to wiggle/sway from
side to side, you should have approximately ten percent
of the total trailer weight on the ball. Thousand pound
trailer? Hundred pound tongue weight.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ex-Palm Beach, 76 ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: carljr3b@yahoo.com
> Date: Sat, 3 Dec 2011 21:46:09 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight
>
>
>
> I did an album on the photo site about towing. It has a bunch of photos that you will probably not be interested in, but also has some information that you might be able to use. When towing my trailer, I try to keep the tongue weight somewhat light. Too much weight on the hitch will lighten the front end and affect traction and possibly steering. There is a cantilever effect on the rear suspension that will lighten the front end if the hitch is loaded too heavily.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5523
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
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My trailer, with the Jeep on it, pulls rock steady, with no sway, at about 50 - 75% that tow weight. In other words, about 5% of the trailer weight on the tongue. I've been doing this for over 35 years and have only had one time when I had any trailer sway, and that was due to too light tongue weight. It only showed up at speeds over 65 and was minimal. Since then, I always make sure I have at least 5% of the total weight on the tongue. I load the trailer a little lighter for the GMC than I normally would.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151618 is a reply to message #151540] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 20:11 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""My trailer, with the Jeep on it, pulls rock steady, with no sway, at about 50 - 75% that tow weight. In other words, about 5% of the trailer weight on the tongue. I've been doing this for over 35 years and have only had one time when I had any trailer sway, and that was due to too light tongue weight. It only showed up at speeds over 65 and was minimal. Since then, I always make sure I have at least 5% of the total weight on the tongue. I load the trailer a little lighter for the GMC than I normally would. ""
Being in the towing business, tongue weights of 8% to 15% are relatively common and acceptable assuming your hitch components can handle those loads. On the GMC, brakes are probably the major issue. Transmission temps even with the stock 3:07 will not be a problem. Many other factors such as tongue length can dramatically affect trailer stabilty as well as proper loading.
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: Tow Weight [message #151623 is a reply to message #151467] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 20:45 |
RadioActiveGMC
Messages: 1020
Registered: November 2010
Location: Hot AZ desert
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Wow, so much great info. I really do appreciate it all! (and appreciated the photo album) I hope to learn soon to use photo bucket or something so I can post a few pics!
***"Gettin There"-1973 23' Sequoia-
Michael, Onans smell, "Go solar/wind power!"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Tow Weight [message #151648 is a reply to message #151623] |
Sun, 04 December 2011 22:53 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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PLEASE don't post other than on GMCMHPhotos.com. It's not the easiest to
learn or use, but it's THERE. And always has been since its inception.
Unlike several other posting services which have abandoned us at the cost
of much valuable information lost forever.
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:45 PM, Michael wrote:
>
>
> Wow, so much great info. I really do appreciate it all! (and appreciated
> the photo album) I hope to learn soon to use photo bucket or something so I
> can post a few pics!
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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