Military Move

arbarlow · July 7, 2005

We are getting ready to move with an 05 1500 Crew Cab Z71. I used to tow my wifes car with a tow dolly(had a 96 ford) and carry about 1000lbs worth of stuff in the bed. I would like to trailer the car this time instead of using the dolly. The car weighs in around 3700lbs not including the 2000lbs car trailer. I did the math and I come in just under the GCWR of 13000lbs. Will the truck be able to handle this amount of weight for a 2000 mile move? I am sure I'll need some air lift or helper springs in the back. Anyone have any expertise on the air lift or firestone products?

July 7, 2005

Personally I think the truck will handle the weight fine. If you don't have a tranny cooler (I don't know the Z71 options well) I'd get one. 2000 miles is a long way in the summer heat.

Wingnut · July 7, 2005

6k lbs for 2000 miles?

Yeah, definately make sure you have a tranny cooler on there. And be ready to keep it about 60 for the whole trip.

Shouldn't hurt the truck as long as you keep the transmission happy.

Helper springs/air suspension would probably help quite a bit. But I think it will do fine as long as you don't go far over 6000-6500 lbs (this includes anything in the bed of the truck as well).

AG Bill 05 Z71 · July 7, 2005

I recently towed a tractor/trencher on a tandem wheel car trailer with a combined weight of about 5,000 lbs. I have 4.10s and the trailer package including the trans cooler. It worked fine, but would slow down to 55-60 MPH on medium hills. I left the tranny in OD using tow/haul mode and only shifted into 3 when the speed went below 60 mph.

What rear end ratio do you have? This could make a big difference if you have the 3.42s towing the weight you are planning...

JRW68 · July 7, 2005

I pulled a 6000 lb truck over 60 miles without any trouble. Pulled probably 3000lb in an enclosed trailer (6x12) from PA to TX without any trouble.

My truck is an 05 5.3L 4x4 ext. cab with 3.42s.

SierraClassic · July 7, 2005

You might check out a set of the Timbren rubber springs (http://www.timbren.com). They don't increase your payload capacity, but they do claim to improve the ride and handling under heavy load.

I can't say if they're worth the money or not because I've not used them myself, but maybe somebody else here has.

DJinCO · July 7, 2005

You don't say from where to where? 2K miles from San Antonio to Florida is different than Minot to San Diego. Mountains, hills, desert heat?

BTW, a sure fire way to toast a GM transmission is to tow in O/D. Double check your manual, but mines says NO TOW IN O/D.

If you have time, investigate installing a Westers tune and you'll be pleased!

JRW68 · July 7, 2005

Youll only cook the tranny if its locking and unlocking the TCC or shifting alot. If its allowed to shift constantly, youll burn any tranny up. Tow haul mode minimizes this. Im very observant as to what my truck is doing... especially while towing. Just dont let it shift constantly... its better to hold a lower gear and make the motor work, than it is to let it shift up and down repeatedly.

az'03Silverado · July 9, 2005

Try some Monroe Sensatrac Load-leveler coil-overs. They replace the rear shocks and make the back end rock-solid. I think Sears can get them for you or CSK (Checker/Schucks/Kragen).

MMM · July 10, 2005

Arbarlow, I have towed a lot a of gooseneck livestock trailers with the z71 I have. I think the truck will handle it provided you have a transmission cooler, but the only thing that I didn't hear you mention, and you may have it covered, but, do you have trailer brakes hooked up on your truck and trailer? That's too much weight to pull without electric brakes. Thanks, MWM

mmmikkke · July 10, 2005

You might check out a set of the Timbren rubber springs (http://www.timbren.com)...

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Nice animation from their site:

Looks like it'd help.

arbarlow · July 10, 2005

Thanks for all of the replys. I do have the tow package but it still has the 3.42 rear end. I think I may just put the thing on a dolly again. I thought the extra weight from the trailer would be ok so I could get some help with braking. The U-Haul trailer has the compression brakes in the tounge of the trailer. I burnt my brakes up pretty good on the last move with the F-150.