Towing with a 250 inline 6?

[MrGoodpliers]

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]

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]

....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]

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]

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

[1972RedNeck]

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.

[100%Chevy]

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.

[WorkinLonghorn]

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]

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]

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

[ed2552]

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]

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