05 trail Blazer L6

[oldtiger]

Hi all, new to this forum, but having read a lot of the posts got the hots to get back into boating. My question is do I have enough power with my L6 engine to tow a boat that weights 3200 lbs? Ownder manuel states 5100lbs.
but just looking for some experience.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

The term "when properly equipped" must be applied when reading tow ratings. If your boat weighs 3200# you need to add another 800 or so for the trailer. You need to add 6# for every gallon of fuel on board. You need to add for batteries, gear, adult beverages and all the other stuff you intend to put in the boat. So you see, 5100# can be reached quickly. That motor is rated at about 275 HP so it should do fine. Again, axle ratio has a lot to do with how well or how poorly any vehicle will perform when towing.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

at that weight you need trailer brakes.

 

[oldtiger]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

Guess I should have mentioned it" a 4x4, with 3.42 gear ratio.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

With 3.42 gears and a fair load, I would suspect this rig will not tow well in overdrive. Perhaps ok on perfectly flat roads but if the tranny seems to be shifting a lot (torque converter unlocking and locking, or hunting between OD and direct) you best be towing in direct only. Max towing rates are generally based on optional axle ratios which generally fall in the 3.73:1 and 4:11:1 range.

 

[vtboatr]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

You'll have enough power but my experience with ours (an 04 4x4) is that the rear suspension is very soft, watch the tongue weight.

I've towed my 18ft tandem axle car hauler loaded with a 4x4 truck before and the L6 did amazingly well.

 

[fonthillhdtv]

Re: 05 trail Blazer L6

You will have no problem towing with that trailblazer. That engine is a straight inline 6 with plenty of torque and it comes from the factory with a transmission cooler installed. I've pulled a travel trailer of about 4500lbs from Niagara falls Ontario up to Thunder Bay one of the most steep mountainous drives in north america and had no problems on the steep climbs or decents . Just make sure you have the proper load leveling hitch and sway bars for the weight as the rear suspension is very soft. Pulling my 17ft alum boat I hardly know it's back there. Only thing i hate about that truck is the gas Mileage