Towing Question
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: San Antonio
Towing Question
I'm being moved to Fort Wainwright Alaska and I've decided to take my 66 Chevy stepside with me. So my question is, should I have any issues towing that much weight with my truck. Its a 2007 Screw 4X4 with a 5.4 it has 3.55 gears and no towing package. the hitch was added after I purchased it and is rated to 6K.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,565
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I would not attempt it without a transmission oil cooler, electric trailer brakes, and a good class IV equalizer hitch. Depending on the GVWR of your truck, you'll probably wish you had more rear spring under it as well. You can install the air bags, Add-A-Leaf, or a couple of additional leafs to the rear springs and that will take care of the springs. It will tow on an open trailer better for you since you will be traversing some mountainous terrain. The weight might not be a problem, but the aero drag of an enclosed trailer will pose a problem. And you might get a good quality trans temp gage installed and try to keep trans temps under 210 degrees F. With these precautions, it should do it for you. And thank you for your service to the USA.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 493
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From: Albuquerque
Taking that trip is really going to wear on your truck. That long of a trip, you have to remember you will also have a lot of luggage going with you. That will take away from the weight you will be able to pull. Will the government ship it for you? Are you sure you want to take the truck up with you? You will only have about 4 months to drive it up there. The Alaska interior, has wicked winter weather. On a side note, make sure you get the magazine called Mile Post. It will give you information on gas stations and hotels all the way up there. Good Luck
Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 47
From: League City, TX
If you don't have the factory tow package the maximum amount of weight you can tow with an add-on hitch is 5000lbs. How much does an old Cheby and trailer weigh?
If you had the tow package you could tow 7700lbs assuming you have the 18" or 20" tires, 8200lbs with the 17" tires...
If you had the tow package you could tow 7700lbs assuming you have the 18" or 20" tires, 8200lbs with the 17" tires...
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
trans temp is just a very safe precaution...especially for such a long long drive.
you have a Class III hitch? if so, your bumper is already rated to 5,000 lbs...so that hitch is essentially worthless.
I would swing by a dealership, or U-haul and buy a Class IV hitch
a class IV is rated typically to 10,000 lbsbtw, your truck does have a trans cooler, it is just smaller than the tow package cooler. to be sure, check the front bumper area
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
btw, I did a pretty damn similar move back in 2002 when I was PCS'ing from Georgia to West Coast for the Navy. Moved from Temple, TX to Seattle WA
the route I took had a bare minimum of mountains to cross, and it was pure major highway the entire trip. There are shorter ways to get out there, but they have some extreme pulls, and scary ranges to travel.
but yeah, send me a P.M. if you'd like any suggestions or recommendations on the U.S. portion of your trip. I've made that drive 5-6 times in the last few years, and I've learned the hard way which areas to avoid
the route I took had a bare minimum of mountains to cross, and it was pure major highway the entire trip. There are shorter ways to get out there, but they have some extreme pulls, and scary ranges to travel.
Take I-35 north up to South Dakota
Pick up I-90 West where they meet up...and keep on trucking. Once you reach Seattle, I-90 will drop you onto the I-5, where you can start heading North again into Canada and beyond.
plus, you can hit up Yosimite, Mt. Rushmore, and some random Trading Store that you'll literally see signs for over 1,000 miles away from
Pick up I-90 West where they meet up...and keep on trucking. Once you reach Seattle, I-90 will drop you onto the I-5, where you can start heading North again into Canada and beyond.
plus, you can hit up Yosimite, Mt. Rushmore, and some random Trading Store that you'll literally see signs for over 1,000 miles away from
alternatively, you can draw a line from Seattle to San Antonio...and there is a highway system to drive that...but it has some serious stuff that towing a trailer will suck with...driven that route a few times, and it's no walk in the park
did that route with a little 4x8 trailer once, and it was a horrible experience with my SUV...I hate mountains
did that route with a little 4x8 trailer once, and it was a horrible experience with my SUV...I hate mountains
but yeah, send me a P.M. if you'd like any suggestions or recommendations on the U.S. portion of your trip. I've made that drive 5-6 times in the last few years, and I've learned the hard way which areas to avoid
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 215
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From: Culleoka TN
I wouldn't think you would have that much trouble. I towed a 89 leSabre when I pcs'ed from fort drum to campbell, and I have a 4.6 with 3.55's I do have the tow package though. Transportation should ship one vehicle for you, but you will lose a little money you would get for doing a diddy move is the army moving your house hold good or are you doing that your self. If they are doing it I say let them move your truck to.
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Fomoko1
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