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Car Forum / Driving, Maintenance, Tuning / RVs / May 2008

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towing

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Michael Pitts - 15 Apr 2008 02:12 GMT
Is a trail blazer generally a good towing vehicle for a pop up
Jim Redelfs - 15 Apr 2008 05:09 GMT
> Is a trail blazer generally a good towing vehicle for a pop up

It would be OK.  The longer the wheelbase, the better.
Signature

           :)
JR

Calif Bill - 15 Apr 2008 05:21 GMT
> Is a trail blazer generally a good towing vehicle for a pop up

Ours friends had no problems, except for tires on the trailer, towing to
Alaska a 2 years ago.  8200 Miles.  Smaller pop-up, but they have now
replaced with a much larger one, and I have heard of no problems.
tobe - 15 Apr 2008 19:00 GMT
> Is a trail blazer generally a good towing vehicle for a pop up

As always, it depends upon the year/age of the vehicle, what engine it
has (4.2L L6, 5.3L V8, or 6.0L V8 in 2008), 2WD vs 4WD, axle ratio, the
weight of the trailer plus supplies, where and how far you will be
towing, etc.

For 2008 models, the specs are at:

http://www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer/specifications/

under the 'trailering' tab.

The GCWR is the Cross Combined Weight Rating, which is the MAXIMUM
combined weight of the vehicle plus the trailer plus ANY passengers and
gear.  You will note that the maximum GCWR is 11,500 lbs, and the
maximum trailer weight is 6,800 lbs. See the NOTE which states that you
must use a weight-distributing hitch plus sway control for a trailer
over 4000 lbs.

Under the 'capacities' tab, you will note the curb weights of around
4,500 lbs, and the GVWR = Gross Vehicle Weight Rating = "weight of
vehicle, driver, passengers, optional equipment and cargo", of around
5,500 lbs (depends on model) meaning that the weight of the people plus
the gear in the vehicle cannot exceed about 1,000 lbs.

For the Maximum GCWR vehicle listed of 11,500 lbs, subtract the GVWR
Maximum vehicle listed of 6001 lbs, and you would arrive at 5,499 lbs.
This is the MAXIMUM weight of the loaded trailer you should tow, despite
the 'tow rating' of 6,800 pounds!!!  In other words, use the GCWR, curb
weight, and GVWR for your particular model to find the MAXIMUM weight
you should tow, and ignore the 'tow rating'!!!

Remember that knowledgeable people recommend towing only 75% of the
maximum weight as a safety margin, which would mean, in the case above,
4,125 pounds.  This would be the LOADED trailer.  The sticker on
trailers gives the curb weight, which at least sometimes does not
include the weight of common add-ons such as stove, fridge, A/C, awning,
full propane tank, battery, plus any and all gear you stow inside.  Gear
can easily approach 500 pounds!

Remember also to not believe the car dealer salespeople or the pop-up
dealer salespeople, as they commonly do not know, or lie, about what you
can safely tow.  IF you have done your homework as above, and then go to
a pop-up dealer and they give you the same advice, you have found a good
dealer.

Having said all the above, there are still plenty of decent pop-ups that
this vehicle can safely tow.
Mark Jones - 16 Apr 2008 19:09 GMT
> Remember also to not believe the car dealer salespeople or the pop-up
> dealer salespeople, as they commonly do not know, or lie, about what
> you can safely tow.  IF you have done your homework as above, and
> then go to a pop-up dealer and they give you the same advice, you
> have found a good dealer.

It is better to have too much vehicle rather than be right at or
over the tow capacity of the vehicle. I tow my Fleetwood Niagara
with with a 2004 Ford F-150 4x4 with a 5.4 L Triton engine and
3.73 rear end gears. This makes for comfortable towing and I
would not want a smaller tow vehicle.
asadi - 16 Apr 2008 15:56 GMT
A weight distributing hitch makes a TON of difference...

john

> Is a trail blazer generally a good towing vehicle for a pop up
Jim Redelfs - 17 Apr 2008 16:38 GMT
> A weight distributing hitch makes a TON of difference...

Sure, if the trailer is heavy enough and the manufacturer allows a
weight-distributing hitch.

In the world of pop-up campers, most don't NEED such a hitch and many,
if not most, manufacturers don't allow such a hitch anyway.
Signature

           :)
JR

Wesley - 18 Apr 2008 13:11 GMT
I got a class III 5000Lb 2" receiver hitch from my local RV dealership for
our 2002 Isuzu Trooper.  When I got home and pulled it out of the box, it
was labeled max 5000Lb trailer weight, 500Lb tongue weight.  "WEIGHT
CARRYING ONLY"  Huh??  I can't imagine anyone towing 5000Lbs w/o a weight
distributing hitch!  Needless to say I returned it and they got me one that
would work with weight distribution.

I would agree with you, but I've heard of a good number of folks talking
about their pop-ups that weigh in the 3000# range...wow!  That's as much as
my travel trailer!  I'm sure they do need all the add-ons...

Most all 2" receivers I've seen are capable for weight distributing...?

Wesley

"Jim Redelfs" <jim.redelfs@NOSPAMredelfs.com> wrote in message
news:jim.redelfs-CF3882.10380917042008@news.phx.highwinds-
> Sure, if the trailer is heavy enough and the manufacturer allows a
> weight-distributing hitch.
>
> In the world of pop-up campers, most don't NEED such a hitch and many,
> if not most, manufacturers don't allow such a hitch anyway.
surfwatch - 10 May 2008 03:17 GMT
I'm new here and need some advice.  I'm considering the purchase of
either a 1993 Colman Chesapeake (GVWR 1995) or a 1993 Colman Sedona
(GVWR 1395) both are in great shape  and both at a great price . . the
only thing I'm hesitating about is my tow vehicle. I have a 1995 Honda
Accord wagon that's in excellent shape or I could use my 1985 Toyota
long bed truck, it too is in great shape.  I prefer to use the Accord
because of the comfort factor but I really want to buy one of these
pop-ups this weekend.
Any thought or advise.
Thanks,
Surf
Andrew - 10 May 2008 06:10 GMT
> I'm new here and need some advice.  I'm considering the purchase of
> either a 1993 Colman Chesapeake (GVWR 1995) or a 1993 Colman Sedona
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Thanks,
> Surf

I assume that the Accord is rated to tow
1000-1500# if anything at all. This is definitely
not the best choice to tow with, Comfort aside you
have to worry about safety and wear and tear. Use
the Toyota. Make sure you check it's tow rating
first though.

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