Should I tow?

[sikkmade]

Should I tow a 1998 ranger bass boat with a 1992 GMC jimmy? I have heard conflicting stories from friends/neighbors/co-workers. The jimmy has the 4.3 liter engine...I think HP is approx. 165-170. I cant find the tow ratings for the vehicle on-line anywhere...Does anyone know where I can find them.

 

[JB]

Re: Should I tow?

Hi, Sikkmade. You need to know the approximate weight of your trailer when loaded. Then call a GMC dealer and ask about your tow rating.<br /><br />Good luck.<br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[sikkmade]

Re: Should I tow?

Thank you...I appreciate the response.

 

[fone_man]

Re: Should I tow?

sikkmade:<br /><br />I agree with JB...<br /><br />I put a 5000lb/500 tongue weight hitch on my 96 Blazer 4x4 LT 4.3 & my boat was a little over 2200lbs, so you should be OK with good hitch... best insurance you can buy!!! But if I was going to tow a larger boat than what I currently have then I would make sure that I would have trailer brakes on the trailer because the additional weight would affect the handling/stopping of this vehicle.<br /><br />Have dealer check serial number in thier database to see if your vehicle has trailering package on it w/trans cooler... if not have one added... heat is what kills trans...<br /><br />When I replaced my Blazer w/new tow vehicle (21 yr old Ford PUP)... first thing I did was put another 5K hitch on it... never have trusted tralier ball on bumper... seen to many of them left on boat ramp w/boat sliding back to the water!!! <br /><br />

 

[kev_79]

Re: Should I tow?

I have a 96 4X4 blazer LT and a 5000lbs hitch, and this weekend, I pulled a 2900lbs boat with surge brakes from Illinois to Arkansas. I had no problems, so I don't think that you should. Mine and fone man's has the vortec so we have a few more ponies, but I think the biggest concern is always stopping. Good Luck<br /><br />BTW: I think I once saw the towing capacity of a 98 blazer on the chevy page rated at 5200 lbs, but I am not for certain. It is on up their though, more than I would pull very far.

 

[caos]

Re: Should I tow?

open up the driver side door and look near the latch or check the glove box. if that dose not help call a RV dealer and ask them what you can tow. they have all the tow ratings

 

[sony2001]

Re: Should I tow?

fort4short.......When did Vancouver join Washington?

 

[Ranger354]

Re: Should I tow?

Don't put it in overdrive and go catch some fish! My Ranger pulls like a dream.

 

[MITCH WELCH]

Re: Should I tow?

I would recommend at least a V-8 350 with a towing package for towing your Ranger. Depending on what part of the country you live in - hill or flat - a 4.3 liter could feel the strain of a heavy Ranger. Don't get me wrong, you can probably tow your Ranger many miles on the 4.3 before your engine and transmission start to give out, but for my taste the 4.3 liter is probably a little small for a fully equipped Ranger bass boat. Whatever the case - ensure you have the towing package!

 

[brs517]

Re: Should I tow?

fone_man, you mentioned a transmission cooler...am I correct in saying that this item is only necessary for an AUTOMATIC transmission? That's what I've read a few times, but I've never seen the reasoning behind it. I assume that the trans. cooler is intended to keep the transmission fluid cool, and since a manual transmission doesn't have transmission fluid, then it's not necessary? just wondering.<br /><br />thanks,<br />brian