2,500 pound towing questions

dixonpower · May 8, 2004

This is my first post so please bear with me, Thanks.

I have a 2002 STD Cab long Box Chevy W/T. It has the Auto trans and 4.8L.

I will be towing between 2,500 and 3,000 and would like to know how big a trans cooler should get (the truck doesn't have one). Also should I run the trans lines to just the ext. cooler or should I connect both the rad. cooler and the ext. cooler?

I just got the truck and I really think the brakes need help. I was thinking new more aggresive pads and new rotors. I was also thinking braided brake lines (has any one done the braided brake lines?). I was also going to put brakes on the trailer but my question is in the interim will the stock brakes stop a 2,500 pound trailer?

Also everyone keeps saying that the 1500s have weak transmissions and rear ends, is 2,500 to 3,000 asking too much? I would not think so but my last truck was a 1990 GMC heavy half ton and I never had issues with that truck.

I will be towing the trailer a couple weekends a month in the summer, so how often should I change my fluids? i.e.: trans and rearend?

Also do you think I will have any issues with overheating in the summer when on the expressway running the A/C?

Thanks to anyone that answers this,

Bob

PS I normal don't post on messages boards because most of the time people just give you a hard time, but after reading this board for a couple of days it seems that you guys are more helpful and less into giving people a hard time. Thanks again.

99silveradoz71 · May 8, 2004

No hard times here, welcome. I've got a Wells Cargo enclosed trailer that I tow with my truck. I forget the weight off hand, but I want to say it's in the 2-3k category. I use tow/haul with it. My truck does have the trailering package, so I'm good shape in that regard. I just do my best to anticipate stops so I'm not pounding the brakes or anything drastic. I've had my pads/rotors replaced due to normal wear, but that was before towing this thing. So far, the truck has pulled it nicely and it stops good for the size and weight. I'm not really educated regarding aftermarket coolers and such, so I'll leave that for someone else.

496 CUBIC INCHES · May 8, 2004

Your truck should stop the trailer fine. I'd still look into brakes ASAP. The standard for a trailer needing its own brakes is 2000lbs. My old 98 1500 with the crappy GM brakes stopped my boat just fine,its just over 2000lbs.With the added 4 wheel disks in the new trucks,you'll be good for a time.

As far as a tranny cooler goes, look in your manual and get a cooler at least as big as your trucks GCWR (Gross combined weight rating).

You might consider synthetics for the tranny and rear end. For the tranny I'd change it every year. If you make a tough hot pull you may want to change it right after. My theory is when in doubt change it out. A fluid and filter change are cheap compared to a new tranny. Maybe even look into a tranny temp gauge,than you won't need to guess how hot the trannys running.

The new GM cooling system is pretty darn good. Towing 5000lbs with my old 98 in 100deg temps,and I NEVER saw the temp gauge get anywhere near overheating. Pulling a good hill and it would rise some,but after leveling out it went right back to normal.

frdfandc · May 8, 2004

My 03 Z-71 tows without any problems. I've towed almost 8000 lbs with the truck and no issues with brakes. Just have to remember to start slowing down way sooner than you normally would.

03GMCSierra4.8L · May 8, 2004

dixonpower,

I have the exact Truck as yours with the exception of its on 03 and a GMC. We pull a 2K approx PU with ours. 180lb tounge weight. Our PU does not have brakes and it stops it just fine. We do have to leave a bit more room for stops but that is std with towing. I added an OEM AT Cooler Kit to my truck, $90 local around $70 from gmpartsdirect.com. I did not want to go aftermarket and give the GM boys an out if I had AT troubles and still under factory warrenty. I also put a Reese Class III hitch on also.

I run all std fluids, and plan on AT changes at 50K per the manuals recommendations. No problems with over heating with or without AC. I think you will be just fine. As you approach the 3K mark on the trailer you MAY want to consider braking the trailer and adding a controller to the truck. I would not want much more pushing me then the 2K that I have, just from a comfort standpoint.

Terry

dixonpower · May 9, 2004

Thanks for all the great answers.

Bob

JamesB · May 10, 2004

I'm jumping in a little late in this discussion, but I tow a 3500lb BBQ smoker at least twice a month with my '02 Z71 Ext Cab with no problems. I have the towing package and use the tow/haul mode. The smoker trailer does not have trailer brakes, so I keep the speeds in check and keep my eyes on the road, always planning for extra breaking distance. No problems in 33,000 miles so far...

James.