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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: tskinner on May 01, 2017, 08:35:32 pm

Title: Towing Capacity
Post by: tskinner on May 01, 2017, 08:35:32 pm
I have a 1986 GMC Sierra 1500 long bed, not a Chevy, but basically a C10. I am wondering if anyone can tell me what I can safely tow? My setup is completely stock:
305 V8
700R4 Transmission
2.73 Axle Ratio
I have no idea why GM would put a 2.73 behind an overdrive transmission, but that's how it came from the factory. I eventually plan to change it to a 3.73 but, until I can get to it I'd just like to know how much I can safely tow with my current set up. Any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: zieg85 on May 02, 2017, 07:09:40 am
You can safely tow a bass boat but I would do it in OD
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: gunrac on May 02, 2017, 08:37:27 pm
You can safely tow a bass boat but I would do it in OD

would'nt  do it in OD   
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: zieg85 on May 03, 2017, 06:25:19 am
You can safely tow a bass boat but I would do it in OD

would'nt  do it in OD   

Sorry my bad... NO OVERDRIVE TOWING
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 03, 2017, 08:32:14 am
your gvwr (gross vehicle weight rating) should be about 6100 curb weight is somewhere between 4000 and 4500. so that leaves with about 2000 lb towing capacity. but dont think 2000 lbs??? that means i cant tow my truck. all that includes is the weight on the front and rear tires, it doesnt include the trailer weight just the tongue weight on the trailer. now your GCWR (gross combination weight rating) includes tow vehicle + trailer and everything in it). i cant help you with those numbers but you can tow a truck (OUT OF OD) as long as you dont have over 2000 lbs of tongue weight. also even with a class 4 hitch your max tongue weight is only 1400 lbs, if your using the stock bumper hitch i think the max is only 400 lbs and i wouldnt tow much more than a bass boat on that.

So as long as your truck can stop (trailer brakes are a must imo) and youre using a hitch you can safely tow another vehicle. but keep in mind the terrain youll be in, i wouldnt take that truck in the hills with a truck on the back.
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: North Central Ohio on May 06, 2017, 02:40:46 am
Weather it be a C10 or 1500,wouldn't it mean the same thing....1000 lb?
Title: Re: Towing Capacity
Post by: Irish_Alley on May 07, 2017, 07:42:17 am
no, the  its more of spring, tires, trans, engine, brakes and the frame