Towing question

[justinburnett]

Just curious what would be better as far as gas mileage goes. Towing something that weighs 4000lbs with low air resistance, or something that weighs 2500lbs with high air resistance. Trying to decide between trailers. Also, anyone who tows stuff regularly, I have a 350 with an auto trans in my '73 gmc 4x4 3/4ton. Don't know what the rear gears are for sure but the guy I bought from says 4.10. Would I be able to tow 4,000lbs comfortably in mild to medium hilly terrain? Thanks

[wyattglock]

Assuming that you wouldn't be driving into a strong headwind, the 2500 lb trailer would be better for towing.
If the gears truly are 4.10, you should be fine in mild to medium hills. Make sure you have a good trans cooler, I don't like to run just the factory unit. Get a good aftermarket and plumb it in, remember that heat kills transmissions faster than anything.
Also, if you will be towing on a regular basis. Spend the money for a mild rv style shift kit. A firm shifting transmission can handle the load better because it doesnt slip going between gears which helps reduce heat buildup.

[justinburnett]

Do you have a company that you would recommend for the shift kit, and how difficult would that be to install? Should I just go and have a complete trans overhaul at the same time? Everything seems fine with it right now but if it's going to be all ripped up....

Anyway, I think that heavier trailer is sold now anyway so it makes the decision easier.

[Mkcustums]

Originally Posted by wyattglock

Assuming that you wouldn't be driving into a strong headwind...

In the gorge... OMG windy!! I live in Oregon so I know what it's like through there, just cracked me up when I read what you wrote then looked where he lived.

He lives 30 minutes from the windsurfing capital of the world!

[MTCK]

Don't forget brakes All that go and no whoa isn't good. You should pull that load all day with 4.10's.

[justinburnett]

Yeah, it's windy as hell out here but most of my towing would be out of the gorge.

I didn't check to see if the lighter trailer had brakes, but I know the heavier one had electric brakes on both axles. That would be kinda hard to stop going downhill otherwise.

[78 Chevyrado]

This trailer and stuff weighed about 2500lbs to 3000lbs.


on the freeway, I got the same mileage as I did without the trailer.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by justinburnett

Just curious what would be better as far as gas mileage goes. Towing something that weighs 4000lbs with low air resistance, or something that weighs 2500lbs with high air resistance. Trying to decide between trailers. Also, anyone who tows stuff regularly, I have a 350 with an auto trans in my '73 gmc 4x4 3/4ton. Don't know what the rear gears are for sure but the guy I bought from says 4.10. Would I be able to tow 4,000lbs comfortably in mild to medium hilly terrain? Thanks

You don't want wind resistance. Remember that the drag increases by the speed squared, so the faster you go the more it increases exponentially.

Better off with more weight but lower.

Said differently, I get better fuel economy with my open trailer, loaded, than I do with my enclosed trailer empty.

K