Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86020 is a reply to message #86016] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 13:06   |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
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| wally wrote on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:55 |
| greg wrote on Tue, 25 May 2010 11:21 |
hello, just wondering if somebody could help me answer a question from
a prospective bidder on my '76 Birchhaven.
They ask, "How much weight can the motorhome tow?"
I'm sure the answer is quite relative... but i have no idea what to
advise in terms of tons.
Its a 455 engine with standard gear ratio... and its a 23 footer...
standard tranny cooler.
Greg
Los Angeles
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Walt Taylor is probably the king of heavy towing.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=24370&title=taylor-rotorsports&cat=3092
A trailer, two cars and a golf cart....
HTH
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and he recently was on here asking about transmissions if i remember right.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86038 is a reply to message #86009] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 14:51 |
WayneB
Messages: 233
Registered: July 2008
Location: Ontario, Canada
Karma: 0
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In the operating manual it says not to exceed a trailer gross weight of 1000lbs unless the trailer has its own braking system and the motorhome is outfitted with required equipment.
It doesn't say what the required equipment is, but I always assumed it would be a good class 5 frame mounted reciever hitch and a HD transmission cooler.
Mine is outfitted in such a fashion and I have towed 3,500 lbs (car on a hydraulic braked open car trailer).
My motorhomes previous owner claimed to have towed his Corvette on an open trailer which would have weighed approx 4,500 to 5,000lbs.
You could probably tow a much bigger gross weight, but getting the thing to climb a big hill and stopping it going down the other side would be a hairy process IMO.
1976 23' GMCII By Explorer
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86059 is a reply to message #86009] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 18:01 |
Gail Marks Cruiser
Messages: 125
Registered: August 2009
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Karma: 0
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G'day Greg,
From your photos on the web , it looks like you have a ARCOA brand trailer hitch, though I can't be 100% sure. If it is and it is a class 2 heavy duty hitch it is rated at 3,500 lbs with a tongue weight of 300 lbs. (the class two hitch mounts on either side of the frame and bends under the bumper, where the two sides meet just behind the tow ball) The class 1 hitch (2,000lbs and 200lbs ball weight) is a single strip of steel along the frame with another single strip coming of it, under the bumper to the tow ball.
Just found the link- <www.bdub.net/publications/arcoa/arcoa1.html>
By the way loved your 23'GMC, just can't go past solar!
Mark Bennett
Gail & Mark's Cruiser
Gold Coast, Australia.
Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86076 is a reply to message #86059] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 19:29 |
Ken Coit
Messages: 151
Registered: November 2005
Karma: 0
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My '78 GMC has a 403. I towed a Toyota Camry on a dolly from Ohio to Raleigh
and that was the least of my problems. I don't think the toad or the dolly
contributed much to the vapor lock in Feb in WV, but the mufflers sure did.
I plan to tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee four down with no problems, but I
haven't yet. HTH.
On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 7:01 PM, Mark Bennett <mark.bennett.58@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>
> G'day Greg,
> From your photos on the web , it looks like you have a ARCOA brand trailer
> hitch, though I can't be 100% sure. If it is and it is a class 2 heavy duty
> hitch it is rated at 3,500 lbs with a tongue weight of 300 lbs. (the class
> two hitch mounts on either side of the frame and bends under the bumper,
> where the two sides meet just behind the tow ball) The class 1 hitch
> (2,000lbs and 200lbs ball weight) is a single strip of steel along the frame
> with another single strip coming of it, under the bumper to the tow ball.
> Just found the link- <www.bdub.net/publications/arcoa/arcoa1.html>
> By the way loved your 23'GMC, just can't go past solar!
> --
> Mark Bennett
> Gail & Mark's Cruiser
> Gold Coast, Australia.
> Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Ken Coit, ND7N
Raleigh, NC
Parfait Royale
1978 Royale Rear Bath, 403, 3.07
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86090 is a reply to message #86076] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 21:43 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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I have towed my Jeep on a trailer, on a relatively flat trip, about 480 miles on a couple of occasions. No problem. '75 coach with a stock 455 and 3.07 final drive, trailer equipped with electric brakes;
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34156&title=towing&cat=7>
I have also flat towed my Jeep Cherokee, about the same distance and about the same weight, using a Brake Buddy:
<http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=34157&title=towing&cat=7>
I plan to tow our recently acquired, four door Tracker, estimated weight 3,000 pounds on a regular basis. I also plan to upgrade to a 3.70 final drive as soon as the GMC budget allows.
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] Towing with a GMC [message #86100 is a reply to message #86059] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 23:08 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Anyone that want to tow more than 1,000 lbs with a standard ratio will
need a transmission soon.
People that are running the 3.70/4.10 gears are finding very little
transmission problems.
On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 4:01 PM, Mark Bennett <mark.bennett.58@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> G'day Greg,
> From your photos on the web , it looks like you have a ARCOA brand trailer hitch, though I can't be 100% sure. If it is and it is a class 2 heavy duty hitch it is rated at 3,500 lbs with a tongue weight of 300 lbs. (the class two hitch mounts on either side of the frame and bends under the bumper, where the two sides meet just behind the tow ball) The class 1 hitch (2,000lbs and 200lbs ball weight) is a single strip of steel along the frame with another single strip coming of it, under the bumper to the tow ball.
> Â Just found the link- <www.bdub.net/publications/arcoa/arcoa1.html>
> By the way loved your 23'GMC, Â just can't go past solar!
> --
> Mark Bennett
> Gail & Mark's Cruiser
> Gold Coast, Australia.
> Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86101 is a reply to message #86009] |
Tue, 25 May 2010 23:13 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Seems that I can tow my Exploder Sport Trac providing I put a driveshaft decoupler (It's 2WD) and rig it for a brake buddy. It weighs 4,000 lbs on the Gravel quarry's scale empty. I have seen two Cherokee toads now with GMC's.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86118 is a reply to message #86076] |
Wed, 26 May 2010 06:41 |
Wesley Chalk
Messages: 35
Registered: September 2008
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Got a Chevy HHR and it tows great with a Brake Buddy. Problem is it has to much room for storage so you tend to take a lot more (wifes fault, if you have room FILL IT)
Wesley Chalk
________________________________
From: Ken Coit <ktcoit@gmail.com>
To: gmclist <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Tue, May 25, 2010 7:29:05 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC
My '78 GMC has a 403. I towed a Toyota Camry on a dolly from Ohio to Raleigh
and that was the least of my problems. I don't think the toad or the dolly
contributed much to the vapor lock in Feb in WV, but the mufflers sure did.
I plan to tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee four down with no problems, but I
haven't yet. HTH.
On Tue, May 25, 2010 at 7:01 PM, Mark Bennett <mark.bennett.58@gmail.com>wrote:
>
>
> G'day Greg,
> From your photos on the web , it looks like you have a ARCOA brand trailer
> hitch, though I can't be 100% sure. If it is and it is a class 2 heavy duty
> hitch it is rated at 3,500 lbs with a tongue weight of 300 lbs. (the class
> two hitch mounts on either side of the frame and bends under the bumper,
> where the two sides meet just behind the tow ball) The class 1 hitch
> (2,000lbs and 200lbs ball weight) is a single strip of steel along the frame
> with another single strip coming of it, under the bumper to the tow ball.
> Just found the link- <www.bdub.net/publications/arcoa/arcoa1.html>
> By the way loved your 23'GMC, just can't go past solar!
> --
> Mark Bennett
> Gail & Mark's Cruiser
> Gold Coast, Australia.
> Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Ken Coit, ND7N
Raleigh, NC
Parfait Royale
1978 Royale Rear Bath, 403, 3.07
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86119 is a reply to message #86071] |
Wed, 26 May 2010 07:22 |
fred v
Messages: 999
Registered: April 2006
Location: pensacola, fl.
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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i started with the OEM final drive. when in cruise control if i went over a highway overpass the throttle would go to the floor and i'd slow down. i changed to a 3.55 and now i cruise over hills without loosing speed. no change in mileage.
Fred V
'77 Royale RB 455
P'cola, Fl
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86191 is a reply to message #86129] |
Wed, 26 May 2010 16:55 |
Arthur Mansfield
Messages: 290
Registered: April 2010
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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I have not towed a heavy weight vehicle (mine is GEO Tracker). I have to have assistance braking from the Tracker. I use a Brake Buddy and I stop quicker with the tracker than I do without the Tracker. The brakes on the GMC are not the best in the world. The owner before me use to tow a horse trailer but it had a braking system. I will agree that with stock differential you will slow down on the hills. My engine has a different cam than stock and I found I can pull the hills at 70 to 75 without much of a problem but cannot pull them at 55 or 60 without losing speed ( I need to change gear ratio). I can keep up with the big rigs going up the hills and I shift to second a 40 and then can accelerate if needed.
One problem not pointed out in the other write ups is the GMC is a front wheel drive and traction can be a problem on wet surfaces or poor surfaces going up hills. I have had to be assisted going into a camp ground since I did could make it up the drive way even when I disconnected the TRACKER. As for the transmission failure I would add additional cooling for the transmission if you are going to pull many hills or run hard down the road. The coach was design to operate with the 55 MPH speed limit and the cooling for the drive train is lacking some at 70 MPH speeds.
They are good coaches and give good service.
Art & Doris
76 EL
On May 26, 2010, at 8:31 AM, Dan Gregg wrote:
>
>
> Wesley Chalk wrote on Wed, 26 May 2010 06:41
>> Got a Chevy HHR and it tows great with a Brake Buddy. Problem is it has to much room for storage so you tend to take a lot more (wifes fault, if you have room FILL IT)
>> Wesley Chalk
>
>
>
> Wesley, I am sure that all of us that tow got a chuckle out of your statement. Had same issue here with the Vibe. But, with the 1200 lb baja, I have Teri convinced that even with the back seat gone we just can't pack the VW like the Vibe. So, now we pretty much tow an empty baja. Can't feel it back there.
> Dan
> Heading to the BIG VW fest next week in the coach with scooter, and Vdub in the back
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86198 is a reply to message #86191] |
Wed, 26 May 2010 17:41 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Art, sounds like you might benefit from our limited slip differential.
On Wed, May 26, 2010 at 3:53 PM, Arthur Mansfield <1104agm@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have not towed a heavy weight vehicle (mine is GEO Tracker). Â I have to have assistance braking from the Tracker. Â I use a Brake Buddy and I stop quicker with the tracker than I do without the Tracker. Â The brakes on the GMC are not the best in the world. Â The owner before me use to tow a horse trailer but it had a braking system. Â I will agree that with stock differential you will slow down on the hills. Â My engine has a different cam than stock and I found I can pull the hills at 70 to 75 without much of a problem but cannot pull them at 55 or 60 without losing speed ( I need to change gear ratio). Â I can keep up with the big rigs going up the hills and I shift to second a 40 and then can accelerate if needed.
>
> One problem not pointed out in the other write ups is the GMC is a front wheel drive and traction can be a problem on wet surfaces or poor surfaces going up hills. Â I have had to be assisted going into a camp ground since I did could make it up the drive way even when I disconnected the TRACKER. Â As for the transmission failure I would add additional cooling for the transmission if you are going to pull many hills or run hard down the road. Â The coach was design to operate with the 55 MPH speed limit and the cooling for the drive train is lacking some at 70 MPH speeds.
>
> They are good coaches and give good service.
>
> Art & Doris
> 76 EL
> On May 26, 2010, at 8:31 AM, Dan Gregg wrote:
>
>>
>>
>> Wesley Chalk wrote on Wed, 26 May 2010 06:41
>>> Got a Chevy HHR and it tows great with a Brake Buddy. Problem is it has to much room for storage so you tend to take a lot more  (wifes fault, if you have room FILL IT)
>>> Â Wesley Chalk
>>
>>
>>
>> Wesley, I am sure that all of us that tow got a chuckle out of your statement. Had same issue here with the Vibe. But, with the 1200 lb baja, I have Teri convinced that even with the back seat gone we just can't pack the VW like the Vibe. So, now we pretty much tow an empty baja. Can't feel it back there.
>> Dan
>> Heading to the BIG VW fest next week in the coach with scooter, and Vdub in the back
>> --
>> Dan & Teri Gregg
>>
>> http://danandteri.blogspot.com/
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> List Information and Subscription Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing with a GMC [message #86214 is a reply to message #86009] |
Wed, 26 May 2010 18:34 |
rallymaster
Messages: 662
Registered: February 2004
Location: North Plains, ORYGUN
Karma: -4
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Senior Member |
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Hey, Art, leave the Tracker connected, and use it to help push the coach
uphill.
RonC
On Wed, 26 May 2010 16:53:54 -0600 Arthur Mansfield <1104agm@gmail.com>
writes:
<<SNIP>>
> One problem not pointed out in the other write ups is the GMC is a
> front wheel drive and traction can be a problem on wet surfaces or
> poor surfaces going up hills. I have had to be assisted going into
> a camp ground since I did could make it up the drive way even when I
> disconnected the TRACKER.
Ron & Linda Clark
1978 Eleganza II
North Plains, ORYGUN
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Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
78 Eleganza II
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