towing with 4.3
 

i am looking at towing with a 4.3 what can i do to get it ready it.ll be pulling a tandem car trailer with a truck on top

i know first person will say a 5.3 or 4.8

thanks

Re: towing with 4.3
 

5.3 or 4.8 :lol:

really, i dont think there is much you can do to get ready, just be prepared to sit about about 50 mph or so, and dont push it too hard. keep the tranny out of overdrive.

Re: towing with 4.3
 

Also want to consider that it is not the power that is most important it is the stopping and control.

with a well balanced trailer and brakes u should be all set.

what is the 4.3 in and what are you towing on the trailer?

Defiantly no OD as suggested above. Have fun winding the 4.3 up

Re: towing with 4.3
 

Towed many a thing on my 4.3 powered 400 body. Including gross overloads (10k on 7k trailer, bent the axle, hubcaps would pop off on corners, etc) and 87 chevy (talk about fighting the wind!).

1. Tow in D not OD if you have a 4 speed auto, or you'll be looking for a trans.

2. Be very sure the trailer has brakes and they work well with the controller (you do have the factory wiring and tow package right?).

3. 50mph max.

4. Remember that it's not a big block. If you pass anyone you're going too fast.

5. Load the truck on the trailer nose first to be sure that the weight is slightly forward. If the weight is in the back the trailer will try to lift the truck and your traction and handling will be shot.

6. 4 chains/straps minimum, and not the crappy 1" ones either. Nothing worse than having the truck come off the trailer.

7. Be sure that the hitch is locked on the ball.

Your truck is light and will have a tendency to be whipped around by wind. if you feel the truck swaying apply the trailer brakes and slow down! And don't go that fast again!

Re: towing with 4.3
 

I pulled my 72 shortbed home (400 miles) with my 06 reg. cab short bed with a v-6 at 70 m.p.h no problem. As long as you have trailer brakes you should be fine.

Re: towing with 4.3
 

If you are going to do this much, I would install a tranny cooler, besides all the stuff mentioned about the brakes. I have seen plenty of folks here to with a 4.3 (and tow a lot more than what they should). Although we are pretty flat landed here. I am not sure I would want to attmpt that on any high altitude or sharp long incline/decline roads thoguh with your load and a 4.3. But it''l do it.

I towed a truck (87ish C30 Flatbed, Big block) about 300 miles (tow bar) with my 92 C1500 (5 speed). The only real issue I had was a few washboard type roads and I was going a bit too fast, so it made my C1500 a bit jittery/slippery feeling in the back end. Although it was never a problem the braking without trailer brakes DEFINITELY requires you to plan your stopping WAY ahead of time. I am told it would be a lot easier with the 4.3 & automatic.