I'm most likely going to buy my buddy's truck from him. It's a 2001 GMC Sierra extended cab. It's 2WD with the 5.3L and towing package. Odometer is at 66K.

You think this thing can handle towing my Zuk and Roxy's Jeep from Denver to TDS in February? I can take 25 to I-10 and avoid most of the big mountains (like Vail Pass).

Any suggestions for a good tow setup?


Hef

Towing two rigs ( I think that's what you mean) is gonna suck with a small block. Get something bigger if you're gonna tow that load often. Just because a manufacturer rates their truck to tow a large amount doesn't mean it'll do it well.

Originally posted by Hef
Need some West Coast opinions

Living in California all my life, I have LOTS of opinions:

We have shit for a governor. We also have shit for CHOICES for a governor. There's a lot of fags, but that doesn't bother me much. Housing is Goddamn expensive. I used to make 50k a year, and could barely pay rent and feed myself. There's too much traffic. Where do all our tax dollars go? It's not to the schools, it's not to the roads, it's not to public transportation or keeping our trails open. I think 50 degrees is cold, and time to put on a jacket and turn on the heater. Snow is something you drive to, not something you live in. I think the SUV craze is rediculous; but only because I can't afford to buy one that's bigger than my neighbor's.

oh.. did you mean opinions about the tow rig?

:flipoff2:

-tom

Originally posted by LandCroozer


Living in California all my life, I have LOTS of opinions:

We have shit for a governor. We also have shit for CHOICES for a governor. There's a lot of fags, but that doesn't bother me much. Housing is Goddamn expensive. blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah because I can't afford to buy one that's bigger than my neighbor's.

oh.. did you mean opinions about the tow rig?

:flipoff2:

-tom


Caulksucker. :flipoff2:

I meant "opinions on what I need to tow safely, will this setup work OK?, am I asking for an accident?, what size trailer ya think I should get/build?, etc".


Hef

Hef, it's going to SUCK with a small block. Also, you'll more than likely be
over gross on weight. Most 1/2 tons will only carry 1200 - 1400lbs in the bed and
tow about 8000lbs. Most have a GCWR of 14,000lbs, of which appx. 5500lbs is
the truck itself.

no no no, 2wd is a big no, and the 5.3 is weak for towing trust me driven one, put 2 rigs behind it and you are dead in the water

Ben

you need nothing less than a 3/4 ton w/ a healthy big block or a turbo diesel.

as for the trailer, im sort of a trailer newbie myself and im pretty sure to tow 2 rigs your looking at the 5th wheel/gooseneck variety.

So what y'all are telling me is that we'll have to leave Roxy's Heep in Denver and just tow my Zuk to TDS? Does that mean I'm obligated to let her drive my ZUK?!?!?!:eek: :laughing:


Hef :D

When you get to Denver rent a uhaul truck and car trailer, put the Zuk in the truck and the jeep on the trailer.

Originally posted by smurfsdad
When you get to Denver rent a uhaul truck and car trailer, put the Zuk in the truck and the jeep on the trailer.


Yup, that will work. Then we can lock Hef inside the back of the U-Haul. :D :D :D

I had a 99 GMC with the 5.3, ex-cab,4x4,shortbed, 1/2 ton. I had a camper shell on the back and loaded the bed area and towed my jeep on a trailer to Moab and back. It pulled the load great, but I would not try two rigs. I think that most people forget that the newer motors are revvers so you have to spin them to make 'em work. If you were interested in just towing one rig I would say go for it, pass for two rigs.

Looks like you're gonna buy a differeent truck :D :roxy:

Originally posted by Roxywheels
Looks like you're gonna buy a differeent truck :D :roxy:


I'll have them send the payment book to your house then.:flipoff2:


Hef

Ok...then you can hide it in my garage when they come to repo it :flipoff2: :roxy:

3/4 ton with a 6.0 would do it fine but a 1/2 with the 5.3 is pushing it. I know 2 people that have 3/4's with the 6.0 and they are runners!
my .02

The 5.3L can't even get out of it's own way empty. If you plan on doing a lot of towing get something more powerful. I'd also think twice about getting a 1/2 ton. If you ever plan to tow something heavier or want to get a camper your new truck will very quickly become inadequate.