Trailer towing ?????

[PURESTREET5006]

I have a 87 Suburban( 1/2 ton 2WD) with a 350 and 700R4 trans i believe..I was told that you're not suppose to tow anything In overdrive(D) but in drive(3) so i wouldn't burn the trans....any truth to this...Thanks

[Z28 c10]

ALWAYS tow out of OD. You will burn up the OD. The way I always pulled  my bosses sprint car trailer, ( 35' gooseneck Featherlight), is to get moving in D, then after up to cruising speed, above 55 or 60, then kick in the OD to save the fuel, but only on the interstate. NEVER leave the tranny in OD when you're in town towing with a load, the back and forth shifting from 3rd to 4th is what really kills em.

 JayTater

 Z28 C10

[Lt.Del]

I concur.  No OD when pulling.  In fact, get yourself a transmission cooler for insurance.  You cant have too much prolonged heat to your transmission or you'll be replacing it.

Same thing with mountain driving, or 4 wheeling, etc.  Keep it out of OD.  That is not what it was designed for.




1991 3/4 ton 4x4 Blu Burb

SgtDel

Edited by: SgtDel at: 5/5/06 9:52 pm

[PURESTREET5006]

I have trans & Oil cooler on the vehicle already...what about towing at Highway speeds(65-70mph) No stop-n-go...Can i use OD then? Once i get this thing moving.

[Z28 c10]

I put 110,000 miles on an'82 c30, 454, new 700r, pulling that 25,000 lb gooseneck. ALL of those miles were interstate running from Fl. to OH. and everywhere in between. OD off until the truck was up to about 60, then shift into OD. never had any tranny problems. Just fluid and filter changes every 15,000 miles.

 JayTater

 Z28 C10

[PURESTREET5006]

We guys i made the First long distance tow with the suburban about 2 weeks ago( from chicago to Martin mi..150 miles one way) Trailering my race and she ran like a champ  No issues what so ever and i was hauling at a good clip to( 75-80 mph) at times. I did have a blowout on the trailer and had to buy a new tire  But this 89 Suburban pulls well and we did tow in D until i hit 60 mph then we ran in OD....Thanks For the info.

[Lt.Del]

Sounds great.  I hope you didn't have the blow out at 80 mph.

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

[PURESTREET5006]

Also guys..with these BFG all-terrain tires(32x11.5x15) that i have what's the most Air pressure you should run while towing..I was told to run 55 PSI( in all tires) when towing....Any truth to this?


Thanks

[Blazin]

I would see what the tire says and what the truck recomends, then pick a happy medium that gives you a good feel while behind the wheel. I would lean closer to the tire recomended presure though.

[PURESTREET5006]

I've been to Joliet(RT66) Since then which is 30 mins from my house and to Columbus OH( Sept 2-4) and now where getting ready to go to Bowling Green Ky this up coming weekend( 9/28-10/1)...My suburban pulls good and tows straight. I just did my front brakes and installed new U-joints on the drive shaft. I'll tell you guys how that trip went when i return.

[DnStClr]

Whatever the tire pressure is rated at is what you should tow with. Some guys even go 5 psi higher .The tire rating is printed on the sidewall. Low air pressure is a killer while towing. It  causes heat buid-up and blowouts. Trust me  I know.
The addition of synthetic tranny fluid is another thing you can do for your tranny. It will not run as hot as regular tranny fluid.

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

[SLO 85 GT]

Thanks Guys for the responses...Now if you guys could help me out with the Electrical issue i'm having now that would be great...I had to change my screen name to SLO 85 GT..but it's still me Purestreet5006.

[Captkaos]

Thanks Guys for the responses...Now if you guys could help me out with the Electrical issue i'm having now that would be great...I had to change my screen name to SLO 85 GT..but it's still me Purestreet5006.

There is no reason to switch screen names, you just have to tell me what your login issue is.  Did your read this post?  http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=5300.0

[SLO 85 GT]

We guys i sold my trust 87 1500 series suburban last weekend for 1500.00 and i hated to see it go but i got a new beastfor a tow vehicle now!!! 1997 suburban 2500 with a 454. 4L80E, 4.10 GEARS and 4x4 with only 99k on it...I'll post pic's soon.

[DnStClr]

Well the new Burb will definitely tow your race car trailer.. How come you had to switch your name anyhow? IRS chasin ya?