To tow or not to tow or can my van really tow

5912 Views 12 Replies 8 Participants Last post by tsbrewers, Sep 18, 2014

MisterTea

Discussion Starter · Aug 5, 2013

Hey everyone,
I am new to the forum and I just purchased a used wells cargo trailer. My van is a 2001 GMC Savana 3500 LWB cargo van with the 5.7L Vortec and I believe a 4 speed transmission. The original owner states that the trailer has a gvw of around 7500 pounds and towed it with his Ford Econoline 350. Well the other day I loaded her up with about 3000 lbs and could barely get the vehicle speed over 35 MPH on the highway and pulling hills felt like I was going to blow out the tranny (engine roaring and barely gaining speed). The van was pretty much empty except for me, a passenger and a tool box. I figure the curb weight of the trailer is 2500 and together with the 3k load was around 5500 lbs gross weight.

I have hauled a few HEAVY loads in the van, upward of 2500 lbs, and that feels very heavy. Normally I move around 1000 lbs on average.

Right now I am under the assumption my van simply can't handle the trailer and I have to buy another van that is spec'd for towing. And buying a new or even used van is out of my budget. Is there anything I can do to increase my vans towing capacity? I know the rear ratio might be a problem, I am looking into finding out what my ratio is.

Save

1 - 3 of 13 Posts

j cat

· #2 · Aug 5, 2013

the vehicle should tow 6000lbs. with normal sluggish tow effort. now I would look to install a transmission cooler. also I would only tow in 3rd gear. you have to use 89-93 octane when towing. replace fuel filter/check fuel pressures , new air cleaner . use synthetic oil.

check for a restricted exhaust. could be clogged cat converter.

I used to tow with a 1983 307cu car a 4200lbs boat . towed real good , but I had a huge tranny cooler and with a carb a ram air setup . also a 3 core radiator. never had a problem 380,ooo miles sold vehicle. 17yrs of use.

Save

j cat

· #5 · Aug 5, 2013

synthetic oil transfers heat better also less friction help reduce engine temp.

what could be happening which I did not mention is detonation. this even if small will reduce the timing. this will occur with the higher engine/oil temps when towing in the warm weather.

when I change those items with the car towing my 4200 lbs boat I was amazed at how reducing the engine temp caused the engine to produce the rated HP. a overly heated engine cannot do it.

Save

j cat

· #9 · Aug 7, 2013

donl said:
My parents bought a new 1985 customized Chevy 20 van with the 305 and it was a huge gas burner and just gutless. Too much weight and not enough motor. It didn't have enough power to pull a stiff dick out of a lard bucket.

well at least this guy does not have that 85 chevy 20 van like your parents. the 305 cu is a cheap GM motor. Poorly or I should say cheaply designed. poor MPG and power. but GM made money selling those vehicles.

I still have the 84 camaro 305 cu carb. 12 MPG max.

Save

1 - 3 of 13 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month