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| Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236401] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 11:45  |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Like the title suggest. I like to be sure of the gross towing capacity of a GMC MH?
I will be using a 73 GMC MH with a 455. Sorry at this time I do not know what final drive it has.
"IF" all goes as planned; I hope to make it out to CA in JULY and I want to be able to tow a trailer with some boats on it.
Each boat w/trailer weighs around 850 to 1,000lbs.
This is a one time haul at this weight.
Tony
CORRECTION: Weight of each boat with trailer is a low of 850 and a high of 1,250lbs per boat w/trailer.
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
[Updated on: Fri, 17 January 2014 11:49] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236404 is a reply to message #236401] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 12:15  |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Well, mine tows either a '91 Diesel Jetta or an '88 Ranger with a big engine in. I dunno what they weigh, but it's more than a thousand pounds. I can't tell either is behind me unless I leave the back blinds open so I can see it in the mirror. Some folks here tow near 20K pounds behind them.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
From: Tony <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 12:45 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH?
Like the title suggest. I like to be sure of the gross towing capacity of a GMC MH?
I will be using a 73 GMC MH with a 455. Sorry at this time I do not know what final drive it has.
"IF" all goes as planned; I hope to make it out to CA in JULY and I want to be able to tow a trailer with some boats on it.
Each boat w/trailer weighs around 850 to 1,000lbs.
This is a one time haul at this weight.
Tony
--
Tony (Ontario Canada) Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm. Someday I hope to build the garage of my dreams. We have 4 Ultravans & 2 Corvairs. Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236408 is a reply to message #236401] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 13:06 |
Ultravan Owners
Messages: 443
Registered: March 2013
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Thank you Johnny.
I will be towing more than 2,000lbs.
I have a couple boats with trailers and I plan to put them on either a 20' car trailer or an 8'by20' flatdeck trailer.
I am guessing it will somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000lbs that I will be towing.. Just this once!!
Tony
Tony (Ontario Canada)
Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm.
Still hoping and more importantly praying to be able to build a garage.
Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236445 is a reply to message #236401] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 18:10 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Tony.
Click on the link: http://www.bdub.net/manuals/ops73/index.html
Download the 1973 Operators Manual.
On page 10 you will find:
TRAILER HAULING
The Motor Home is designed and intended to be used primarily as a recreational vehicle. Towing a trailer will affect handling,
durability and economy. Maximum safety and satisfaction depends upon proper use of correct equipment and avoiding overloads and
other abusive operation. The maximum loaded trailer weight which the Motor Home can pull is 2,000 pounds. GMC DOES NOT RECOMMEND
TOWING ANY TRAILER UNLESS THE MOTOR HOME IS PROPERLY EQUIPPED. Information on trailer hauling capabilities, special equipment
required, and available equipment can be obtained by writing to GMC Truck & Coach Division, General Motors Corporation, Technical
Service Department, Pontiac, Michigan 48053. (Or in Canada by writing to General Motors of Canada Limited, Owner Relations
Department, Oshawa, Ontario.) To assist in attaining good handling of the Motor Home-Trailer Combination, it is important that the
trailer tongue load be maintained at approximately 10% of the loaded trailer weight. Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper
distribution of the load in the trailer, and can be checked by weighing separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue. When
towing trailers, tires should be inflated to the highest inflation pressures shown on tire placard located on glove box door. The
allowable passenger and cargo load (GVW) of this vehicle is reduced by an amount equal to the trailer tongue load on the trailer
hitch. Refer to page 1 for further information on vehicle loading.
AND
CAUTIONS
1. Trailer brakes are required on trailers over 1,000 lbs loaded weight.
2. DO NOT tap into vehicle's hydraulic brake system if operation of the trailer brake system requires more than 0.02 cu.-in. of
fluid displacement from the vehicle's master cylinder. The Motor Home's master cylinder fluid capacity will not be to operate both
vehicle and trailer brakes under all conditions of use if more than 0.02 cu .-in . of fluid displacement is required.
3. Whenever a trailer hitch is removed, be certain to have any mounting holes in underbody properly sealed to prevent possible entry
of exhaust fumes, dirt or water. (See "ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION" in the following section.)
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Tony
Like the title suggest. I like to be sure of the gross towing capacity of a GMC MH?
I will be using a 73 GMC MH with a 455. Sorry at this time I do not know what final drive it has.
"IF" all goes as planned; I hope to make it out to CA in JULY and I want to be able to tow a trailer with some boats on it. Each
boat w/trailer weighs around 850 to 1,000lbs.
This is a one time haul at this weight.
Tony
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236471 is a reply to message #236445] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 22:15 |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Senior Member |
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Then again, some people here tow 8,000 pound trailers, but they do have
the 3.70 final drive (and are thinking about the 4.10). But make sure you
understand what you are doing.
On Fri, Jan 17, 2014 at 4:10 PM, Robert Mueller <robmueller@iinet.net.au>wrote:
> Tony.
>
> Click on the link: http://www.bdub.net/manuals/ops73/index.html
>
> Download the 1973 Operators Manual.
>
> On page 10 you will find:
>
> TRAILER HAULING
> The Motor Home is designed and intended to be used primarily as a
> recreational vehicle. Towing a trailer will affect handling,
> durability and economy. Maximum safety and satisfaction depends upon
> proper use of correct equipment and avoiding overloads and
> other abusive operation. The maximum loaded trailer weight which the Motor
> Home can pull is 2,000 pounds. GMC DOES NOT RECOMMEND
> TOWING ANY TRAILER UNLESS THE MOTOR HOME IS PROPERLY EQUIPPED. Information
> on trailer hauling capabilities, special equipment
> required, and available equipment can be obtained by writing to GMC Truck
> & Coach Division, General Motors Corporation, Technical
> Service Department, Pontiac, Michigan 48053. (Or in Canada by writing to
> General Motors of Canada Limited, Owner Relations
> Department, Oshawa, Ontario.) To assist in attaining good handling of the
> Motor Home-Trailer Combination, it is important that the
> trailer tongue load be maintained at approximately 10% of the loaded
> trailer weight. Tongue loads can be adjusted by proper
> distribution of the load in the trailer, and can be checked by weighing
> separately the loaded trailer and then the tongue. When
> towing trailers, tires should be inflated to the highest inflation
> pressures shown on tire placard located on glove box door. The
> allowable passenger and cargo load (GVW) of this vehicle is reduced by an
> amount equal to the trailer tongue load on the trailer
> hitch. Refer to page 1 for further information on vehicle loading.
>
> AND
>
> CAUTIONS
> 1. Trailer brakes are required on trailers over 1,000 lbs loaded weight.
>
> 2. DO NOT tap into vehicle's hydraulic brake system if operation of the
> trailer brake system requires more than 0.02 cu.-in. of
> fluid displacement from the vehicle's master cylinder. The Motor Home's
> master cylinder fluid capacity will not be to operate both
> vehicle and trailer brakes under all conditions of use if more than 0.02
> cu .-in . of fluid displacement is required.
>
> 3. Whenever a trailer hitch is removed, be certain to have any mounting
> holes in underbody properly sealed to prevent possible entry
> of exhaust fumes, dirt or water. (See "ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION" in the
> following section.)
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tony
>
> Like the title suggest. I like to be sure of the gross towing capacity of
> a GMC MH?
>
> I will be using a 73 GMC MH with a 455. Sorry at this time I do not know
> what final drive it has.
>
> "IF" all goes as planned; I hope to make it out to CA in JULY and I want
> to be able to tow a trailer with some boats on it. Each
> boat w/trailer weighs around 850 to 1,000lbs.
>
> This is a one time haul at this weight.
>
> Tony
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Plato seems wrong to me today.
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236473 is a reply to message #236445] |
Fri, 17 January 2014 23:04 |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Interesting! GM revised the towing capacity down to 1,000 lb. The 1976 Operating Manual states "GMC does not recommend towing any trailer OVER 1,000 POUNDS GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT." (Caps and bold print from the manual)
Just about everyone who tows anything is over that amount.
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236475 is a reply to message #236473] |
Sat, 18 January 2014 00:56 |
jimk
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
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Even though we promote the final drive gears, you need to weigh the
advantage vs. cost.
It is a fact that the 3.07 std gear is to high. The engine torque will not
begin to kick in till 70mph.
With the 3.70, the torque kicks in 58mph.
should one not want to spend the dollars, it is important to either install
the Aluminum tans pan and or good trans air cooler close to the
radiator so air will have greater chance of flowing through the cooler.
Aluminum Pan has cooling fins in the inside as well as outside, so it is
not a bad investment.
I would encourage one to change the fluid as the additive in the fluid gets
eaten up when transmission gets hot at times.
On Fri, Jan 17, 2014 at 9:04 PM, GEORGE BUTTS <george.b@reagan.com> wrote:
>
>
> Interesting! GM revised the towing capacity down to 1,000 lb. The 1976
> Operating Manual states "GMC does not recommend towing any trailer OVER
> 1,000 POUNDS GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT." (Caps and bold print from the manual)
>
> Just about everyone who tows anything is over that amount.
> --
> George Butts
> Apple Valley Calif.
> 73 "Custom 26 Q"
> _______________________________________________
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
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www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236498 is a reply to message #236408] |
Sat, 18 January 2014 10:11 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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I'd stay away from the mountains with that much behind mine, and I'd put good brakes on the trailer. Personally, I'd also get hold of our transmission and engine gurus privately for any pointers they might have.
--johnny
________________________________
From: Tony <Ultravanman248@yahoo.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2014 2:06 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH?
Thank you Johnny.
I will be towing more than 2,000lbs.
I have a couple boats with trailers and I plan to put them on either a 20' car trailer or an 8'by20' flatdeck trailer.
I am guessing it will somewhere between 5,000 and 7,000lbs that I will be towing.. Just this once!!
Tony
--
Tony (Ontario Canada) Marie and I are blessed to have had a 2nd chance to buy our farm. Someday I hope to build the garage of my dreams. We have 4 Ultravans & 2 Corvairs. Our 1970 Ultravan #520 has an Olds Toronado 455 in back.
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236518 is a reply to message #236473] |
Sat, 18 January 2014 12:25 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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| George B. wrote on Fri, 17 January 2014 22:04 |
Interesting! GM revised the towing capacity down to 1,000 lb. The 1976 Operating Manual states "GMC does not recommend towing any trailer OVER 1,000 POUNDS GROSS TRAILER WEIGHT." (Caps and bold print from the manual)
Just about everyone who tows anything is over that amount.
|
I guess the above is the official answer to the question, but as George stated, just about anyone who tows is over that weight. I tow a Tracker, four wheels down, routinely, and a 4.000 trailer, with a Jeep on it, regularly.
two of the first things I did to the coach were to builod and install a through the bumper receiver hitch, and an aux transmission cooler. I eventually upgraded to an aluminum radiator, a 3.70 limited slip final drive, and an aluminum (Gary Rockwell) transmission pan. I also have the reaction arm disc brakes and an electric brake controller for my trailer. I use a Brake Buddy for the Tracker.
Personally, I feel that I am safe and not abusing my coach, because of making the above modifications. I'm not sure I would tow anything that is much heavier than what I tow, but if you're careful (and lucky) you might get away with it.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Where can I find the gross towing capacity for a GMC MH? [message #236519 is a reply to message #236445] |
Sat, 18 January 2014 12:27 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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Senior Member |
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 17 January 2014 19:10 |
<snip>
3. Whenever a trailer hitch is removed, be certain to have any mounting holes in underbody properly sealed to prevent possible entry of exhaust fumes, dirt or water. (See "ENGINE EXHAUST GAS CAUTION" in the following section.)
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I love this.
You can tell some guy copied this right from the passcar manual of the period. Some of our DrawTite hitches did bolt through the trunk or rear floor of a wagon. This would be a serious stretch for a TZE.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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