Towing a 1997 GMC 4x4 Z71 Pickup - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

brcompton · 07-11-2004, 06:07 PM

Per my owners manual I should not tow my 1997 GMC 4x4 Z71 Pickup more than 50 miles with drive wheels down. I am considering towing the pickup behind a motorhome cross-country. I will use the pickup to get around when the motorhome is parked. Is it possible to modify the pickup for long distance towing with all four wheels down? If so what needs to be done?

99-2door · 07-11-2004, 08:45 PM

They are correct. For long distance towing you need to pull the drive shaft. For short distance, say less than 50 you should put the transfer case into neutral.

oldtrucknut · 07-11-2004, 10:02 PM

just pulling the driveshaft would only be good for a 2 wheel drive right? Plus, would the truck trying to turn be bad on the CV axles? I would at least get a dolly and get the front wheels on it, then take out the driveshaft. You probably would be wise to find a good used open car trailer- it might save you money in the long run.

99-2door · 07-11-2004, 11:07 PM

Why would the front wheels matter? They turn free when you are driving the truck down the highway in 2wd. I would ask someone at your RV dealer, they can help you find a solution that will work for you.

07-11-2004, 06:07 PM	#1
brcompton Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 1	Towing a 1997 GMC 4x4 Z71 Pickup Per my owners manual I should not tow my 1997 GMC 4x4 Z71 Pickup more than 50 miles with drive wheels down. I am considering towing the pickup behind a motorhome cross-country. I will use the pickup to get around when the motorhome is parked. Is it possible to modify the pickup for long distance towing with all four wheels down? If so what needs to be done?

07-11-2004, 08:45 PM	#2
99-2door Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Broken Bow, OK Posts: 1,385	They are correct. For long distance towing you need to pull the drive shaft. For short distance, say less than 50 you should put the transfer case into neutral. __________________ 95 K3500 SRW 5.7L Vortec 4L80e 4.10 G80 2001 GMC C3 6.0 AWD, Volant, 3/5 drop TBSS intake, HP tuners, pullies, 05 efans, 05 front brakes, etc. 2003 Tahoe Z71 Silverado front clip

07-11-2004, 10:02 PM	#3
oldtrucknut 67-72 truck surgeon Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 155	just pulling the driveshaft would only be good for a 2 wheel drive right? Plus, would the truck trying to turn be bad on the CV axles? I would at least get a dolly and get the front wheels on it, then take out the driveshaft. You probably would be wise to find a good used open car trailer- it might save you money in the long run. __________________ 1969 Chevy C10 1993 Toyota Camry LE 1999 Ford F250 Super Duty 4x4 diesel 2008 Dodge Charger Super Bee 1953 International R182

07-11-2004, 11:07 PM	#4
99-2door Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Broken Bow, OK Posts: 1,385	Why would the front wheels matter? They turn free when you are driving the truck down the highway in 2wd. I would ask someone at your RV dealer, they can help you find a solution that will work for you. __________________ 95 K3500 SRW 5.7L Vortec 4L80e 4.10 G80 2001 GMC C3 6.0 AWD, Volant, 3/5 drop TBSS intake, HP tuners, pullies, 05 efans, 05 front brakes, etc. 2003 Tahoe Z71 Silverado front clip



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