Towing question

[kax2000]

Will there be any towing issues with this combo?

2007 Chevy Uplander - 3.9L -FWD
and
1987 Ebbtide Dyna Trak 166

 

[JB]

Re: Towing question

Models and names mean nothing, kax. You need the tow rating of the vehicle and the weight of the tow. Both rated in pounds.

FWD does mean trouble on ramps. 4WD or AWD works much better.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing question

Where you tow is also important. If you make a 10 minute drive to a local ramp that's one condition. If you travel a couple hundred miles or 10 miles on flat ground that's another. If you make long trips through the mountains or trailer in very hilly country that's yet another. Details, details, details.

 

[kax2000]

Re: Towing question

Details - GVW 5000 lbs.
Towing Capacity 3500 lbs.
GCWR 8500 lbs.
2866 lbs. front GAWR
2756 lbs. rear GAWR
Boat 2240 lbs. - TW 220(10%)
45 minutes towing time with no hills.
So do I put a hitch on it or buy something that is not FWD?

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: Towing question

How steep are the ramps you will be using?

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Towing question

Details -
Towing Capacity 3500 lbs.
Boat 2240 lbs. - TW 220(10%)
45 minutes towing time with no hills.
So do I put a hitch on it or buy something that is not FWD?

I'd put a hitch on it and give it a try if you have any attachment to your vehicle at all. I'm pulling a 17' bowrider I/O with a Ford Ranger that also has 2WD but an even smaller engine (3.0 liter). The ramps I use down here on Topsail Island are grooved concrete and I have yet to spin a tire.

If it doesn't work out as well for you as you think it should, having a hitch on your vehicle isn't going to hurt its resale value at all.

One thing I did do that I think is worth considering was purchasing a ScanGuage that plugs into my OBD-II port on the truck and mounts above my rear view mirror. Besides providing me with excellent fuel economy information, digital voltage, etc, I've got it set up to provide me with transmission fluid temperature. That, combined with a transmission cooler, makes for a happy transmission. I don't let things get hot.

 

[Titanium48]

Re: Towing question

If you can keep the front wheels on good pavement when launching you will be fine. If your launch ramp gets slippery or isn't paved you will have traction issues recovering your boat and you should start looking for something with 4WD / AWD.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Towing question

That boat should be well within the safe capabilities of the Uplander.

 

[kax2000]

Re: Towing question

Thanks for all the replies... great launching and recovery.

 

[Dewaynep]

Re: Towing question

I'd have an external transmission cooler installed before towing that much with that vehicle. Keep the transmission cool and it will last much longer.