pulling power?

This topic has 8 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 16 years, 4 months ago by Hooter.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

Author

Posts
January 16, 2010 at 4:09 am #441322

aju
Participant

Alright guys question for ya. Im about to sell my 1994 chevy 1500 that ive always used to pull my cats over the years. Im hearing that todays v6s are just as power full as the v8s of those years. Does anyone out there use a smaller suv or truck such as a trailblazer or something similar to pull with? If so does it do the job? Im not sure if this is the right place to post this question but the people at the dealership will tell you anything to make a sale, so any opinions appreciated. My truck has always pulled my panteras with ease so im tempted to go that way. Im not sure if the gas ill save when not pulling is worth the risk of killing a new, underpowered engine.

January 16, 2010 at 2:29 pm #441323

billius
Participant

I did pull an old Venture 17 bassboat with an S-10 Chevy Blazer I used to have. It did okay, but it really seemed to have to work hard with the 4.6 V6. Since then, Ive always had V8s. I personally think, for the longevity of your tow vehicle engine and transmission, a V8 is the way to go. Ive had a lot of Silverados with the 5.3 V8 and now have a Dodge with the 5.7 Hemi. The Chevys were great, the Hemi is better it seems. I suppose to…it depends on how far you tow and what kind of terrain you tow most often. Ive got a buddy with a small Chevy van with the 4.6 V6, he pulls his 18 bassboat on local trips…it doesnt seem to do very well.

January 16, 2010 at 4:29 pm #441324

unclemike
Participant

Had a new 2000 Silverado, 4X4, V6,. It was just ok for local stuff. Traded for a 05 Silverado, 4X4, 4.8 V8. This did ok for our 01 Pantera Classic, but now that I have a Cougar FTD, Im getting a Duramax. My towing is generally between 5 to 8 hrs. one way….Mike

January 16, 2010 at 10:35 pm #441325

Basscat36
Participant

I pull a classic with a nissan frontier 4×4, it does ok, long hills will drag it down, but on flat ground it does just fine.

January 17, 2010 at 12:45 am #441326

Tx76
Participant

I had a Nissan frontier and it was fine if I wasnt in a hurry. Great truck.

January 17, 2010 at 2:31 am #441327

EARP64
Participant

A, I:ve been working at GM dealerships since 1983. V-8 will always be my recommendation for towing. I did pull a 18 footer at one time with a V-6 for about 2 years. Was real sluggish at first but would catch up over time. Pulling hills was tough and on some ramps would get a little tricky. Usually with a V-6 your going to have a high rear end ratio, so taking off is pretty sluggish, till you get up to speed. Just my 2 cents, but in my opinion, V-8 ! Wyatt

January 17, 2010 at 3:40 am #441328

LAbassman
Participant

Owned a Trailblazer for a few years. I pulled a 20 Skeeter, it did ok, but not much on mpg. A V8 is the way to go.

January 18, 2010 at 3:41 am #441329

aju
Participant

Thanks for the posts everyone. I live in Michigan so hilly country isnt plentiful but Im really leaning toward staying with the V8s, and hopefully one day I will escape this winter wonderland and move to a place where I can fish more than 7 months of the year. Good fishing everyone!

January 18, 2010 at 1:02 pm #441330

Hooter
Participant

I had a 2000 V6 F150, and on the highway it seemed to be straining when I was towing my Sabre. Fuel consumption also went way up. I traded for a 2003 F150 with a small V8, and the truck does a great job.
Author

Posts

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register