Towing with a 250 inline 6? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrGoodpliers · 02-23-2012, 06:55 PM

I have a 250 I6 in my blazer that is stock except for HEI. I'm going camping in the mountains in a few weeks and I was thinking about towing my pop-up with the blazer, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I think the camper weighs about 2000 lbs and coolers and other gear will probably be another 500. The blazer has a good reciever hitch and a recently rebuilt th350 trans. It is not very spunky with the stock monojet and it only has a 2 row radiator. The road to the campsite gets moderately steep in some places. I don't care about getting there fast, only getting there without breaking something. What do you guys think?

**Tim Christian** · 02-23-2012, 07:01 PM

I use to have a 67 GMC longbed with a 250 6-cylinder 3-speed on the column and I would pull a 18ft car hauler with a 67-72 truck on the trailer all the time with no problems

Coley · 02-23-2012, 07:08 PM

....no problem, but you won't get there quickly.
Quick check on:
-Brakes
-Tires
-Coolant level/belts
If its a 6 cylinder/4wd Blazer.....it might have a 3:73 in it?
Or is it a 2wd?
Either way, I stand by my first comment.....no problem.
Coley

MrGoodpliers · 02-23-2012, 07:17 PM

Yes, it's 4wd. One of the things I am concerned about is that it really bogs down while going up hills even without towing. Maybe I need to do a little tuning? It runs great aound town otherwise.

Coley · 02-23-2012, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGoodpliers

Yes, it's 4wd. One of the things I am concerned about is that it really bogs down while going up hills even without towing. Maybe I need to do a little tuning? It runs great aound town otherwise.

Start by running carb cleaner through the carb, then a tune-up. ie: plugs, air filter, (check the plug wires), oil change, timing and carb set-up. Use a vacuum gauge to help with this.
Make sure all of the intake manifold bolts are tight. If these have gotten loose you will develop vacuum leaks which will reduce performance and mileage.
Nothing above is too difficult or cost intensive....and is great pre-trip insurance.
Good Luck, keep us posted.
Coley

100%Chevy · 02-23-2012, 08:14 PM

I've a 79,full size with a 250 and 3 speed on the column.
I routinely tow a trailer that I haul cars on.
When the going gets tough,just go to a lower gear!
Mike.

1972RedNeck · 02-23-2012, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrGoodpliers

Yes, it's 4wd. One of the things I am concerned about is that it really bogs down while going up hills even without towing.

Does it have low range? If it does, you shouldn't be able to stop it no matter what you hook on.

**WorkinLonghorn** · 02-23-2012, 08:42 PM

If it's of any help, the suburbans and pickups with a 250 and 3.73 rear were rated at 6500 lbs. Combined Weight and trailers over 1200 lbs need separate brakes according to the literature.
I pulled a lot more than that with a 230 (manual trans) but if you have a low power condition then definitely solve that. Check that you are getting the proper timing advance, check the plugs to see how the fuel mix has been,check manifold vacuum etc. WLH

PanelDeland · 02-23-2012, 10:15 PM

The 250 has plenty of torque to tow with.You need to adress the driveablity stuff and just go.Power is usually all there by about 3000 rpm,but it starts around 800rpm.

rsavage · 02-23-2012, 10:30 PM

I'd suggest a transmission cooler for any towing. You can buy a decent one for about $40
from Summit.

ed2552 · 02-24-2012, 02:03 AM

I concur with all said above.

Also check the carburetor to manifold bolts. Mine came loose and the truck was running like crap. New gasket and torqued down, and it was a whole new truck. Make sure the timing is set right too. Too advanced or retarded and it won't run to its full potential. Between a tune-up and fixing all the issues I bet I regained 10 HP on our 67, which feels like a lot, lol. Granted, mine is 4 on the floor with granny low.

I haven't done a ton of towing with it, but the little I have it's been fine. Just don't make it a race and you'll be fine

eldogg · 02-24-2012, 06:38 AM

I'm in Gainesville too. Let me know if you get in over your head.

02-23-2012, 06:55 PM	#1
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Towing with a 250 inline 6? I have a 250 I6 in my blazer that is stock except for HEI. I'm going camping in the mountains in a few weeks and I was thinking about towing my pop-up with the blazer, but I'm not sure it's a good idea. I think the camper weighs about 2000 lbs and coolers and other gear will probably be another 500. The blazer has a good reciever hitch and a recently rebuilt th350 trans. It is not very spunky with the stock monojet and it only has a 2 row radiator. The road to the campsite gets moderately steep in some places. I don't care about getting there fast, only getting there without breaking something. What do you guys think? __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

02-23-2012, 07:01 PM	#2
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? I use to have a 67 GMC longbed with a 250 6-cylinder 3-speed on the column and I would pull a 18ft car hauler with a 67-72 truck on the trailer all the time with no problems

02-23-2012, 07:08 PM	#3
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? ....no problem, but you won't get there quickly. Quick check on: -Brakes -Tires -Coolant level/belts If its a 6 cylinder/4wd Blazer.....it might have a 3:73 in it? Or is it a 2wd? Either way, I stand by my first comment.....no problem. Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

02-23-2012, 07:17 PM	#4
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? Yes, it's 4wd. One of the things I am concerned about is that it really bogs down while going up hills even without towing. Maybe I need to do a little tuning? It runs great aound town otherwise. __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...

02-23-2012, 08:14 PM	#6
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? I've a 79,full size with a 250 and 3 speed on the column. I routinely tow a trailer that I haul cars on. When the going gets tough,just go to a lower gear! Mike.

02-23-2012, 08:42 PM	#8
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,883	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? If it's of any help, the suburbans and pickups with a 250 and 3.73 rear were rated at 6500 lbs. Combined Weight and trailers over 1200 lbs need separate brakes according to the literature. I pulled a lot more than that with a 230 (manual trans) but if you have a low power condition then definitely solve that. Check that you are getting the proper timing advance, check the plugs to see how the fuel mix has been,check manifold vacuum etc. WLH __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, stereo speakers, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme.

02-23-2012, 10:15 PM	#9
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? The 250 has plenty of torque to tow with.You need to adress the driveablity stuff and just go.Power is usually all there by about 3000 rpm,but it starts around 800rpm. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-23-2012, 10:30 PM	#10
rsavage Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Alden NY Posts: 2,705	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? I'd suggest a transmission cooler for any towing. You can buy a decent one for about $40 from Summit. __________________ 1961 C1 Corvette 1959 El Camino 350 TPI, 9" 4 w disc 69 Blazer K5 - sold July '20 2021 Durango RT 5.7

02-24-2012, 02:03 AM	#11
ed2552 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Charles City IA Posts: 1,626	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? I concur with all said above. Also check the carburetor to manifold bolts. Mine came loose and the truck was running like crap. New gasket and torqued down, and it was a whole new truck. Make sure the timing is set right too. Too advanced or retarded and it won't run to its full potential. Between a tune-up and fixing all the issues I bet I regained 10 HP on our 67, which feels like a lot, lol. Granted, mine is 4 on the floor with granny low. I haven't done a ton of towing with it, but the little I have it's been fine. Just don't make it a race and you'll be fine __________________ '67 C20, Under the Knife!, LWB, Eaton HO-52, Rear Coil Springs 72' GMC C2500, 350, TH400(?), Dana 60 '67 K10 4-spd., 305, SM465, Dana 44, 12 Bolt, RUST! '65 C60 292, 4 spd, 2 spd Rearend, 15' Grain Box, MINT! 09 Yukon Denali 82k Miles 6.2L/6A

02-24-2012, 06:38 AM	#12
eldogg Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mooresville NC/Gainesville GA Posts: 499	Re: Towing with a 250 inline 6? I'm in Gainesville too. Let me know if you get in over your head. __________________ Eric Evans Queen City Shop Truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post6139834 66 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543110



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