I just today bought a 1997 Cheyenne K1500 4x4 with the 5.0 liter with the 5-speed trans with 138K miles. I’m curious to know if I can realistically tow my car (1987 Buick T Type) on a trailer long distance…1,800 miles with it. I see that the GVWR on the door is 6100 lbs. My Buick weighs about 3,600 lbs and let’s say the trailer weighs 1,000 lbs – so 4,600 lbs total.
Wikipedia states that the ol’ 5.0 Vortec makes 230 hp and 285 lb/ft torque…not too hot in the torque department. Though the drivetrain and chassis may be able to tolerate the load, will I be able to get it over 55 mph? And is it likely to break something? Can the transmission handle it?
I bought the truck with a bad clutch, so haven’t actually driven it yet (not capable of engaging into gear) The motor ran fine standing still. So immediately after buying it, I had it towed to my mechanic, who will be installing a new clutch tomorrow…fingers crossed once the clutch is done, no other issues are revealed. I test drove a same generation Cheyenne with the 5.0 liter motor and manual trans and that one grinded gears every time when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear as I remember.
Being that this one has such low miles, and looks visually to be in very good condition, I decided to risk it (and got a very good deal on it). Anyway, back to my point – 4,600 lbs…1,800 miles. Should/could I do it? Aside from the fact I can’t expect to be doing 75 mph the whole way…can the truck handle it?
If so, any tips (that don’t require ordering parts online, I’m planning on leaving in a couple days if I go) on squeezing more power? Of course the K&N air filter is the common upgrade. Anything else?
Wikipedia states that the ol’ 5.0 Vortec makes 230 hp and 285 lb/ft torque…not too hot in the torque department. Though the drivetrain and chassis may be able to tolerate the load, will I be able to get it over 55 mph? And is it likely to break something? Can the transmission handle it?
I bought the truck with a bad clutch, so haven’t actually driven it yet (not capable of engaging into gear) The motor ran fine standing still. So immediately after buying it, I had it towed to my mechanic, who will be installing a new clutch tomorrow…fingers crossed once the clutch is done, no other issues are revealed. I test drove a same generation Cheyenne with the 5.0 liter motor and manual trans and that one grinded gears every time when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear as I remember.
Being that this one has such low miles, and looks visually to be in very good condition, I decided to risk it (and got a very good deal on it). Anyway, back to my point – 4,600 lbs…1,800 miles. Should/could I do it? Aside from the fact I can’t expect to be doing 75 mph the whole way…can the truck handle it?
If so, any tips (that don’t require ordering parts online, I’m planning on leaving in a couple days if I go) on squeezing more power? Of course the K&N air filter is the common upgrade. Anything else?