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| Towing [message #250154] |
Mon, 19 May 2014 20:25  |
Lane Burrow
Messages: 29
Registered: October 2013
Location: Western NC
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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I am wanting to tow my 6000 lb truck 4 wheels down behind my 73 Canyonlands. Is this possible, and if so, what do I have to have installed or do to my unit in order to make this work? I obviously would need a good hitch and tow bar and wiring and I would want to use a brake buddy on the toad.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Lane & Nancy Burrow
73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
Columbus, NC
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| Re: Towing [message #250155 is a reply to message #250154] |
Mon, 19 May 2014 20:33  |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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some might say it can't be done. but I would just say, it might be taxing on the gmc. regearing it, boosting the brakes, and upgrading cooling to the max, I would say would be minimum. Aslo where do you live? do you plan on pulling that up mountains? I have heard people with lighter tow vehicles end up separating and driving them separate up the big hills.
I thought about towing my 5500 jeep grand wagoneer, but then just decided with the wear and tear on the gmc, and the gas it would take to move that much extra weight, I better try for something a little lighter.
good luck, and take pictures if you do.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing [message #250157 is a reply to message #250154] |
Mon, 19 May 2014 20:39 |
Bruce Hart
Messages: 1501
Registered: October 2011
Location: La Grange, Wyoming
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Stay on level ground, no hills :-)
On Mon, May 19, 2014 at 7:25 PM, Lane Burrow wrote:
> I am wanting to tow my 6000 lb truck 4 wheels down behind my 73
> Canyonlands. Is this possible, and if so, what do I have to have installed
> or do to my
> unit in order to make this work? I obviously would need a good hitch and
> tow bar and wiring and I would want to use a brake buddy on the toad.
> Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
> --
> Lane & Nancy Burrow
> 73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
> Columbus, NC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
Milliken, Co
GMC=Got More Class
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Bruce Hart
1976 Palm Beach
1977 28' Kingsley
La Grange, Wyoming
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing [message #250169 is a reply to message #250157] |
Mon, 19 May 2014 22:53 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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I can tell you as others that have towed 6,000 lbs that your going to have
to gear down to 3.70-4.10 and get a good trans cooler.
When I travel to conventions and pulling the mini van with all the parts,
it scales around 6500lbs
Hitch is least of your problem as there is no tong weight to consider.
You should consider towed braking system.
Sudden stops happen more times than you like, and should you get in an
accident, state trooper will site you for running without a tow brake.
I use the standard hitch as it can handle 6k easily for pulling, if you
have tong weight more than 200lbs, then go with the HD hitch.
On Mon, May 19, 2014 at 6:39 PM, Bruce Hart wrote:
> Stay on level ground, no hills :-)
>
>
> On Mon, May 19, 2014 at 7:25 PM, Lane Burrow wrote:
>
>> I am wanting to tow my 6000 lb truck 4 wheels down behind my 73
>> Canyonlands. Is this possible, and if so, what do I have to have
> installed
>> or do to my
>> unit in order to make this work? I obviously would need a good hitch and
>> tow bar and wiring and I would want to use a brake buddy on the toad.
>> Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
>> --
>> Lane & Nancy Burrow
>> 73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
>> Columbus, NC
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>
>
>
> --
> Bruce Hart
> 1976 Palm Beach
> Milliken, Co
> GMC=Got More Class
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List 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
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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 [message #250182 is a reply to message #250154] |
Tue, 20 May 2014 08:05 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Lane,
You have gotten a lot of good advice already. You also need to consider the cost of towing heavy. All prices are aprox depending on what you decide on, and don’t necessarily include labor.
The hitch assembly on back of coach.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/730
or
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1003
Next you're going to need a good tow bar and adapters for your vehicle. I use a Roadmaster set up and Blue Ox is a very good unit also. You will spend right at the 1200 to 1400 dollars for a tow bar and adapters for your vehicle if you buy new and less if you can find used in good condition.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/494
or
http://www.roadmaster-tow-bars.com
Absolutely must have a braking system. Many good units and depends on what you select.
or
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1523
or
http://www.usgear.cc/unified_tow_brake.htm
And there are more if you look. General cost new is $1000 to $1200 and less if you can find used.
Your transmission may or may not be up to the task depending on how many miles it has gone. Even with an upgraded aux trans cooler it may not survive. If not, you're looking at up to another $1500 for a replacement with HD converter. Manny builds a very good unit and they are available any many locations across the US. I have mine built by transmission shop near me following specifications and part spec’ed by Dave Lenzi.
Trans cooler is absolutely necessary even if you have the new aluminum radiator for heavy towing and a Rockwell or Ragusa Aluminum Transmission Pan.
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1324
and
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/996
or
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1047
The Final Drive is what will make it all happen. As Jim K has said you will need at a minimum a 3.70 or a 4.10 unit and the cost with FD and speedometer gear adapter will be right at $2K
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/1370
and
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/705
I know that I have used Jim K as examples because he has and sells this stuff at a fair price. You can contact Jim B or Ken F or the supplier of your choice. Also you must consider the wear and tear on the engine also and is it up to the extra load.
It will be right at $5000 at the high end for parts if you buy new, less if you can find preowned. Some of these cost are a given even if you tow light.
J.R. Wright
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On May 19, 2014, at 9:25 PM, Lane Burrow wrote:
> I am wanting to tow my 6000 lb truck 4 wheels down behind my 73 Canyonlands. Is this possible, and if so, what do I have to have installed or do to my
> unit in order to make this work? I obviously would need a good hitch and tow bar and wiring and I would want to use a brake buddy on the toad.
> Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
> --
> Lane & Nancy Burrow
> 73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
> Columbus, NC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: Towing [message #250283 is a reply to message #250154] |
Wed, 21 May 2014 19:39 |
Lane Burrow
Messages: 29
Registered: October 2013
Location: Western NC
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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As always you guys came through with what I needed to know. I have come to the conclusion that (1)we are going to tow something smaller and lighter (don't know what just yet) (2)I am going to put in a 3:70 final drive with posi-traction (3)I am going to install a transmission cooler for at least a 18-20000 lb load. FYI--my motor is a rebuilt crate motor with less than 1000 miles on it and my tranny was rebuilt at the same time. I have the paperwork on these so I feel pretty confidant about them at this point. I'll know better after we make a few trips. Also, progress is being made on the renovation of the "bullet". I just finished replacing all the floor and have begun rebuilding the rear boxes for the generator and the box where the lp gas tank was ( this will now house 4 golf cart batteries and an air hose reel). Thanks again for all your help and I hope we run into some of you on our travels.
Lane & Nancy Burrow
73 Canyonlands (silverbullet)
Columbus, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Towing [message #250288 is a reply to message #250183] |
Wed, 21 May 2014 19:53 |
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Rob,
It appears that JR is after you job.
I heartily agree, excellent job with providing a comprehensive response. I liked it, too.
USAussie wrote on Tue, 20 May 2014 09:58JR,
EXCELLENT comprehensive response! This is getting filed in my Towing folder.
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: John Wright
Lane,
You have gotten a lot of good advice already. You also need to consider the cost of towing heavy. All prices are aprox depending
on what you decide on, and don't necessarily include labor.
Snip . . . .
J.R. Wright
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GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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--
Byron Songer
Full-timing to enjoy the USA
Former owner but still an admirer
GMC paint schemes at -
http://www.songerconsulting.net
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| Re: Towing [message #250293 is a reply to message #250283] |
Wed, 21 May 2014 20:34 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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Lane Burrow wrote on Wed, 21 May 2014 17:39As always you guys came through with what I needed to know. I have come to the conclusion that (1)we are going to tow something smaller and lighter (don't know what just yet) (2)I am going to put in a 3:70 final drive with posi-traction (3)I am going to install a transmission cooler for at least a 18-20000 lb load. FYI--my motor is a rebuilt crate motor with less than 1000 miles on it and my tranny was rebuilt at the same time. I have the paperwork on these so I feel pretty confidant about them at this point. I'll know better after we make a few trips. Also, progress is being made on the renovation of the "bullet". I just finished replacing all the floor and have begun rebuilding the rear boxes for the generator and the box where the lp gas tank was ( this will now house 4 golf cart batteries and an air hose reel). Thanks again for all your help and I hope we run into some of you on our travels.
Lane,
That sounds like exactly what I did. The engine and transmission are original, but I have a 3.70 limited slip Differential, and a 20,000LB rated aux. transmission cooler, along with an aluminum radiator. I have never had any issues with the things I have towed:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/g5523-towing-etc.html
Those improvements can't help but make the drivetrain live longer.
I suggest towing the lightest vehicle you can, like an early model Tracker, if you can swing a designated towd, or a later model if you need to use it as a daily driver (like we do).
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: Towing [message #250305 is a reply to message #250154] |
Wed, 21 May 2014 22:28 |
74CanyonLands
Messages: 81
Registered: September 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Karma: 0
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Member |
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Great read and lot's of good advice...
I will take it to heart and I am only towing a Honda Fit.
Curt Remington,
74 Canyonlands
Los Angeles, CA
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| Re: Towing [message #250311 is a reply to message #250305] |
Wed, 21 May 2014 23:24 |
jim kanomata
Messages: 257
Registered: March 2007
Location: fremont,ca
Karma: 12
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Senior Member |
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I had the pleasure of having our Blue Ox rep stop over to give us some updates.
We are a full fledge installer and stocking dealer.
When it comes to towing heavy towed 4 on the ground, I can tell you first hand that you will want to have a Quadra Bag system.
Not for the weight, as there is hardly any vertical load, but the horizontal movement when the towed wants to go straight when encountering a slight turn at highway speed.
It is not much, but you'll feel the back being influenced.
Front wheel alignment toe in/out of 0 helps on a front drive towed as it is coasting and will toe in due to the dynamics of the rotating front wheels.
Also recommend not to tail load on the towed.
Having a brake system on the towed is almost imperative if your like me and tend to tail gate.
I have seen where the State patrol have issued citations to people tat did not have braking system.
One of the simplest brake system is the Patriot by Blue Ox.
It is an proportional braking system and no wires to connect to the coach, as it does by wireless.
We have sold few of then in the last few month and easy to work with.
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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