Suburban needs towing help

warmstrong · October 15, 2005

I recently purchased a ranger 520vx bass boat and thought that my 94 suburban with 5.7 would be more than adequate for my towing needs. I live in coastal Oregon and when I head toward the central part of the state I have to pass the Coast range mountains (elev about 1000ft) My suburban has been absolutely getting its butt kicked on those hills. I literally cant get it above 45-50 mph without red lining it. No other performance problems, no leaks and the maintenance has been meticulous. Everything is stock on this vehicle and Im looking for suggestions on some mods I could do to make it tow better. The boat im towing probably only weighs about 3500. Any suggestions?

Mr. Smith · October 15, 2005

If you are revving it that high sound like serious tranny slip. Have that looked into.

I recently purchased a ranger 520vx bass boat and thought that my 94 suburban with 5.7 would be more than adequate for my towing needs. I live in coastal Oregon and when I head toward the central part of the state I have to pass the Coast range mountains (elev about 1000ft) My suburban has been absolutely getting its butt kicked on those hills. I literally cant get it above 45-50 mph without red lining it. No other performance problems, no leaks and the maintenance has been meticulous. Everything is stock on this vehicle and Im looking for suggestions on some mods I could do to make it tow better. The boat im towing probably only weighs about 3500. Any suggestions?

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2004GMC1500CC · October 15, 2005

I recently purchased a ranger 520vx bass boat and thought that my 94 suburban with 5.7 would be more than adequate for my towing needs. I live in coastal Oregon and when I head toward the central part of the state I have to pass the Coast range mountains (elev about 1000ft) My suburban has been absolutely getting its butt kicked on those hills. I literally cant get it above 45-50 mph without red lining it. No other performance problems, no leaks and the maintenance has been meticulous. Everything is stock on this vehicle and Im looking for suggestions on some mods I could do to make it tow better. The boat im towing probably only weighs about 3500. Any suggestions?

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Supercharge it.

asilverblazer · October 16, 2005

Are you using overdrive or drive? Regardless the truck should be more than adequate for the boat you are pulling.

willfxp · October 19, 2005

The boat is 3500... how heavy is the trailer?

BRZ71 · October 19, 2005

The boat is 3500... how heavy is the trailer?

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That doesn't matter, that vehicle should pull that boat very well. Did you check your fuel filter, plugs, and the trans???

warmstrong · October 19, 2005

The boat is 3500... how heavy is the trailer?

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Total weight including trailer is 3500. I do use just drive (not overdrive) anytime im towing.

willieboy · October 19, 2005

I think the mod to do is get the tranny/Torque convertor looked at/fixed. I have towed a 4000 lb boat/trailer combo with a V6 Dakota and never had any problems keeping it going. On the really steep stuff it would slow down, but that was mostly because I would never redline it. Do you have a tranny temp gauge? I am guessing you are getting a moderate amount of slipping in the driveline with the additional load.

The other mod would be to remove the armor plating, LOL...