Sounds like the transmission is slipping, or stuck in one of the lower gears.
To tow or not to tow or can my van really tow
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.
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.
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Here are the common gear ratios, currently being used by GM, for the trucks (although, the 3500 trucks might some I didn't list):I know the rear ratio might be a problem, I am looking into finding out what my ratio is.
GV3 = 3.08
GU5 = 3.23
GU6 = 3.42
GT4 = 3.73
GT5 = 4.10
Check the build codes on the glove box sticker. One of the above should be listed.
EDIT: I just googled some numbers. The 350 engine with a 3.23 axle can tow 6,400 lbs. The same truck with a 3.42 axle can tow 7,900 lbs.
Does the truck have a tachometer in the dash? If it does, give us the rpms when doing this hill climb and the engine is roaring.felt like I was going to blow out the tranny (engine roaring and barely gaining speed)..
The other thing that needs to be checked, is the rolling resistance of the trailer.
Do you have sufficient air in the tires?
Do you have a brake dragging?
Are the wheel bearings free?
It should push the truck down hills (if truck is in DRIVE)
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