Pulling a car on an open trailer question.

bennington28 · March 19, 2004

I need to take my 99z28 to Chicago for some computer tuning. The trip is 700miles round trip from Cleveland. I am thinking about pulling the car on an open trailer with my 2002tahoe lt 5.3. I have never pulled a car. Do you think this is too much wear and tear on the tahoe? The z28 weighs around 3200pounds. Do you have suggestions for preparing the tahoe or tips for pulling?

Shaners · March 19, 2004

Your Tahoe will pull it fine. You'll know it's back there though...

If you have the towing package, then you should have the tranny cooler.

Run the truck in Tow/Haul mode, and if it seems like it can't hold OD then pull the shifter down into "3".

If the trailer has electric brakes, then add a brake controller to your truck. If the trailer is a U-Haul, then it should have surge brakes, and you should be OK.

Just take your time, and keep some added distance between you and everyone else.

Also (and you probably already know this), pull the car on the trailer so you have plenty of tounge weight.

tmf6902 · March 19, 2004

Yeah the first time I towed was with a uhaul open car trailer. The first couple miles were interesting to say the least, but everything went fine once I got used to it. Definatly plan for some extra braking time, besides that my truck drove pretty much normal. Tell ya the truth the hardest part about it was getting the car on the trailer....the d**n uhaul trailers have the spray guard over the wheels of the trailer.....well like the dumbass I am, I didn't know they flipped up so you could open the car door and get out once you put the car on there......it must have been a site to see my 6'8" 240 frame trying to squeeze out of the front window of a corsica loaded with clothes....LMAO

99silveradoz71 · March 19, 2004

Bennington, welcome aboard. I'm in North Ridgeville, where are you at? Everybody has it covered above. The truck will tow that. Just take your time and just be aware of the added length and stopping distance. Have a safe trip.

bennington28 · March 19, 2004

I live in Euclid and I am in the process of looking for a new home in a more progressive Cleveland area city.

bennington28 · March 19, 2004

99silveradoz71 , how do you like those revo tires? How much did they run per tire?

99-2door · March 19, 2004

I tow my vette short distances with my 2-door Tahoe if the 3500 is tied up. It weighs about the same as your car and it pulls it "ok". Anything more than a few miles and I wait till I can hook up to the 3500.

willfxp · March 19, 2004

If you have the towing package, then you should have the tranny cooler.

What is the towing package? RPO Z82?

Also (and you probably already know this), pull the car on the trailer so you have plenty of tounge weight.

What do you mean by this......? Hehe, sorry.

Shaners · March 19, 2004

If you have the towing package, then you should have the tranny cooler.

What is the towing package? RPO Z82?

Also (and you probably already know this), pull the car on the trailer so you have plenty of tounge weight.

What do you mean by this......? Hehe, sorry.

Yes it's the Z82 option, which includes the hitch platform, 7-pin wiring, tranny cooler and heavier suspension.

By pulling the car on the trailer (as opposed to backing it on) you put the heaviest part of the car in front of the trailer tires. This transfers more weight to the rear of the tow vehicle, and allows the trailer to tow straighter. If you have ever towed a trailer with a light tounge load, you will have had your hands full!!! It can be a white knuckle experiance because the trailer will be all over the road (ie. whipping back and forth).

Mr Mojo · March 19, 2004

How'd you get the car so light? 3200 lbs is the same as my vette.

99silveradoz71 · March 19, 2004

99silveradoz71 , how do you like those revo tires? How much did they run per tire?

Love the Revo's. I had them put on at 36k and now have 62k. They're exceptional in the wet and the snow as well. The tread is aggressive, but I did not notice any real significant change in road noise. I basically got a buy 3 get the 4th free deal on mine. I know they were less than $600 for all 4...that's including lifetime balancing and such.

As for moving, depending on where you work, I'd suggest either west or south of town. I'm not sure how long you've been in the area(whole life here). I grew up in North Olmsted and moved in October. A lot of the development is moving further west(at least on this side of town). There is also a great deal of growth down South near Medina, the only problem with that area is the interstates aren't quite ready for the traffic volume. The drive would be a while. So I'd try to swing west if you're looking.