Posted by AJ on January 17, 03 at 05:30:06:
In Reply to: Towing questions with a 96 K1500 posted by Vic96 on January 16, 03 at 17:28:34:
I used to own a '94 1500 5.7l 3.73, which served our family of 5, all our stuff, and a 4000# boat in tow. On level terrain (to Atlantic shores) did very well. But steep climbs in western MD mountains were challenging while towing. The truck's gearing couldn't maintain speed in 3rd gear (as mentioned in another post, don't use OD while towing), unless it was over 85 mph which is unsafe and impossible with traffic on a steep climb. Power wasn't there below 3000 rpm, and 2nd gear was buzzy; hard to do more than 50mph on some hills.
So, if you're NOT dealing with major elevation changes, you should be ok (barely). But if big hills (or worse..) are in your path, you may want to reconsider.
PS. I'm jealous of anyone with a racecar. I gave it up 15 years ago (BK!). I couldn't even afford a tow vehicle/trailer at the time. It was a tagged, street legal SCCA road racer. Best wishes!
My current '01 2500 8.1l 3.73, and can drive up same hills without any problems. Even get better gas mileage on that route, than did my '94.
: I just purchased a 96 K1500 with 3.42's, it a 4x4.
: I plan on towing my race car with it. Total weight should be about 4700lbs (car+trailer).
: The manual states that that the max trailer is 5500lbs.
: What do you guys think ?
: Vic