Source for older towing limits?

[GMcKenzie]

Sorry, not really RV related.

Trying to figure out if I can tow my new-to-me boat with my winter beater.

I'm trying to find the towing capacity of a 1995 Chev S-10 Blazer, 2wd with a 3.08 axle. All I can find is a towing limit of 5,500 lbs "when properly equipped". Mine is not properly equipped and I would like know what the capacity is.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[sourdough]

Which engine? They came with an I4 and a 4.3L six if I recall.

With the 4 I don't think I'd try over 2000 lbs.(maybe 1500). The 6 was a pretty good engine but the 3.08 rear end isn't much of a towing ratio. Properly equipped probably meant a different rear end than the 3.08 and other things that you say you don't have. I'd limit my towing with the 6 cylinder to about 3000 lbs max.....if the rest of the truck is up to it - brakes, tires etc. Also, a 3000 lb trailer load behind such a small vehicle would sure be iffy; you'd want to make sure the boat trailer had either electric or surge brakes.........or the boat might take the truck for a swim.

[BirchyBoy]

Did you check the owner's manual? Do you know if it has a transmission cooler?

[GMcKenzie]

Owners manual doesn't answer the question. Best I can tell is it's rated about 4500 lbs with the 3.08. They only came with the 4.3L. And by not properly equipped I do mean no tranny cooler, no locking rear end and the 3.08.

I had a 92 with the towing package, tranny and oil coolers, 3.42 4wd and it was rated 5,250. Towed around 5K with it.

What I am really looking for is a site that shows the actual ratings for the truck as equipped. Tranny cooler isn't really an issue as this is my winter truck and I will be going no more the 30km to where I would launch and would be doing it in the winter. Once camping season hits, this truck gets parked and I think my diesel will be okay with the boat (sarcasm).

Anyway, I will keep looking for the RPO code descrpitions. I know I found them once but didn't bookmark them and can't find them again.

[notanlines]

You can access this information for your specific year by registering on the MyGMlink site, it is free.

[poncho62]

How heavy is the boat and does it have trailer brakes?

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by notanlines

You can access this information for your specific year by registering on the MyGMlink site, it is free.

Tried that. Gives me no more information. Really disliked the site as well.

[Desert185]

Originally Posted by GMcKenzie

Sorry, not really RV related.

Trying to figure out if I can tow my new-to-me boat with my winter beater.

I'm trying to find the towing capacity of a 1995 Chev S-10 Blazer, 2wd with a 3.08 axle. All I can find is a towing limit of 5,500 lbs "when properly equipped". Mine is not properly equipped and I would like know what the capacity is.

Any ideas?

Thanks

I found this. Not official, but sounds reasonable enough for winter time anyway.

http://www.answers.com/Q/What_is_tow...5_Chevy_Blazer

[GMcKenzie]

Didn't think this would be so frustrating.

Found lots of brochures for the C/K trucks that have what I would need. Found 1 1995 GMC Jimmy brochure but nothing on tow limits. I've found 2002 brochures, but they didn't have the 3.08 those years.

Oh well. I'm assuming it it above 4K and my boat is well under that. Axle was 3150. It's a 19 ft Crestliner aluminum. Trailer brakes. Probably ~300 lb tongue weight.

When hitched, the back of the truck drops maybe a 1/2". The front maybe comes up 1/16". Short tow (1.5km) was fine. I just like to have actual info on things.

[BirchyBoy]

I can understand your frustration. I found an owners manual PDF and it says to contact your dealer for questions about the max trailer weight. That's helpful!

It does say that trailers over 2,000lbs need a weight distributing hitch and sway control. And that any trailer over 1,000lbs needs its own brakes. And to not use overdrive. It is interesting that the book says a vehicle that was built with a towing package will include a rating for GCWR but not otherwise.

BTW - I sold my '99 Yukon and bought a '02 Blazer 2 door RWD for my daily vehicle, not a tow vehicle. It has been a money pit and I've only put 500 miles on it!

[sourdough]

In all honesty you are looking for detailed particulars on a 20 year old vehicle. Lots of stuff on the internet but not everything. You might try to find a shop manual for that vehicle on the web - might be your best option.

Another thought; unless I had owned the vehicle from day one I would not be towing much of anything very far with a 20 year old vehicle. Having built up and restored some old vehicles I can tell you that there is always something ready to quit at the most inopportune time unless you just replace the mechanicals from the ground up....which I always do; and even then you need to really love wrenching because as they say....."stuff happens".

[GMcKenzie]

Originally Posted by BirchyBoy

BTW - I sold my '99 Yukon and bought a '02 Blazer 2 door RWD for my daily vehicle, not a tow vehicle. It has been a money pit and I've only put 500 miles on it!

Bought this thing for $1K at an auto auction as a simple winter beater so I don't have to drive my diesel in the winter. Outside of a couple minor maintenance items, a hitch and a stereo, it has been so trouble free I can't believe it. My plan is to run it in the winter and the diesel in the summer. If it dies, it doesn't owe me anything.