Tow ratings

m&mswift · June 26, 2003

Hello, I am looking into buying a 1991 Chevy K1500 extended cab 4WD with the 4.3L V6 engine 4Speed manual w/OD and was wondering if anyone new what the towing capacity is for this engine. I tow a 2800# travel trailer and was wondering if this truck can handle it i can get a sweet deal on this truck. ($2000 w/120000 miles) Mint condition. Please Help!!!

Thanks Mike

Shaners · June 26, 2003

Mike,

I think the truck can handle the load. You will probably never see OD when towing though...

If you're not towing long distances, then you should be fine. Your biggest problem will be wind-drag and not the weight.

Good Luck, and Welcome to the Forum!!!

k1500chevy97 · June 26, 2003

That engine will handle that load and beg you for more

m&mswift · June 26, 2003

Mike,

I think the truck can handle the load. You will probably never see OD when towing though...

If you're not towing long distances, then you should be fine. Your biggest problem will be wind-drag and not the weight.

Good Luck, and Welcome to the Forum!!!

Shaners, Thanks for the input any suggestions on how to minimize the drag? I think I am going to go and buy this truck today after work.

Thanks again Mike

Shaners · June 26, 2003

There's not alot you can do about wind drag. You can try to deflect some air over the trailer, by putting a tonneau cover or cap on the bed, but you will always be pulling that big pocket of dead air behind the camper, and there is nothing you can do about it except put your foot further down on the "GO" peddle.

I've towed close to 12K lbs on a flat bed trailer and it pulled almost the same as my 32 foot (8500 lb) travel trailer. I'm guessing when I tow my travel trailer, I have the equivelant of a couple thousand pounds of wind drag.

BDBWTE · June 27, 2003

That engine will handle that load and beg you for more

Rodger that. My buddy before he got his new K2500 with a 6.0 had a 94 or so K1500 4.3 5spd and we would put two four wheelers in the back of it and pull his toyota to a off-road recreation center over 150miles away no problems.. so you figure 3000lbs for the toyo at least a 1000lbs for the trailer.. so 4000lbs pulling plus 1000lbs of payload with two quads and all our gear.. The 4.3 is a stout little motor..