Towing Question

[Augnmike]

Hi guys, I know this has been discussed a million times here but frankly I never paid much attention since I never towed anything big before. I am considering buying a toy hauler for three atv's and dirt bike. Total weight for these is 1300 lbs. The sales guys are giving me crap about having an H2 saying there isn't much I can tow with it. Seems like total weight for everything I have looked at comes in around 6800-7400 lbs. Those are loaded weights. Can you guys advise me on what I can and can't do safely?

[Racer-X]

I'm not positive but I think that well over the tow rating for an H2. Even if it wasn't, I've had trouble towing my 3500 lb boat. It handles it fine but I've had mech issues with the drivetrain.

[GeorgeSSSS]

1,300 pounds is nothing. I towed about 1,000 lbs of trailer and equipment from Utah to Los Angeles at speeds exceeding 75 mph without a problem. The best measure is the transmission temperature gauge. It ran about 5 degrees warmer than normal -- -- which makes sense.

I split the driving with a friend who is a traffic engineer. He said, "Georgie this thing isn't a truck. It's a locomotive with tires."

Ignore the salesmen and have fun.

[MSeeb]

I tow around a 20' enclosed car hauler with a car where the total weight is somewhere around 8500-9000 lbs and it's about all that I would care to load it up with. I'm even running a supercharger which I'm sure helps out quite a bit. I can't even imagine towing this without the SC.

[Racer-X]

1,300 pounds is nothing.

Read the post again - it is a bit confusing.

6800-7400lbs

[PARAGON]

I would go back and re-check things. First, why are you towing a 4,000lb trailer (that's giving you plenty of room to add accessories, fuel, etc.)

Second, the H2 can drag 7,000lbs all day long. Who knows where you are, so hills will be an issue, even with 1500lbs behind you, but the H2 with a properly set up brake contoller and e-brakes tows just fine.

IT IS NOT A MAIN TOW VEHICLE though. If you are going to tow often, then figure something else out. If it's once a month then you are set.

I am running 37" MT/Rs with no S/C and quite often tow 10K lbs and I tow a 20 ft enclosed with various weight as well. Hills/mountains are the only issue. I have the Warn winch bumper and Warn light bar with 4 lights on it and my tranny temp never gets too high.

Of course, I consider having rear air a must on the H2 for towing any serious weight also.

[Augnmike]

OK my post was a bit confusing, sorry. The total weight I would be towing with all gear and water would be between 6800-7400 lbs. I am in So Cal area no big mountains but a few tough grades. I am currently towing a box trailer with a total weight of about 3500 and I don't hardly notice it. I would essentially be doubling that weight with the toy hauler.

[raptor2ride]

Hello, I have lots of experience in this catagory. For 3 years now I have towed toy haulers down to Hatfield McCoy trails in W.V.
Along with other locations here in OH.
The first trailer I had was a Work n Play 20' toy hauler. It weighed 5000lb empty and I hauled 3 500lb quads with all our gear.I ran 70-80 mph every trip.
I now have the 27' Work n Play that weighs 6500lb empty. I dont fill the fresh water and whatch the weight.
I talked to the dealer and I run in tow haul with the trainy in 3. I also added an after market trany cooler. My fluid stays just at or below 200 Degrees. Also I have the Air Lift bags in my rear coil springs to lift the rear end where I want it. The weight dist. setup helps with the tounge weight also.
This is the most weight I would want to run. I like the Raptor toy hauler that my budie has but its just too much for me. Hope this helps!

[Racer-X]

The question is not rather the H2 will do it or not.

A 6 liter vortec will pull the ass out of a cat. As for braking? 4 wheel disk under 6000lb H2 will stop a freight train. Not to mention your trailer will have it's own brakes.

The issue is doing it on a regular basis. The tranny in the H2 is undersized. It's essentially a beefed up version of what my buddy has in his compact chevy blazer.

Would a aftermarket tranny cooler help? Of course. But from what I've read you can expect a 20 degree drop in temp. Is that enough to eliminate the problem? I doubt it.

[PARAGON]

some H2s have tranny cooling problems, pulling a trailer or not. Average ones do not.

I've seen my temp above 200 for a few minutes when it was working real hard a couple of times.

There is nothing wrong with the transmission in the H2. "Beefed up" is all that is done to bullet proof transmissions whose housings are the same.

Do a find on here and read about ALL OF THE TRANSMISSION FAILURES. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

[Kevin B]

Paragon, when towing 10k what kind of tounge weight are you dealing with?

[raptor2ride]

I would highly recommend getting the trany cooler. Before I installed it I checked with the dealer to see if they sold one. They didnt so I went to Jegs. I informed the Hummer mechanic that I my trany fluid was running at 225 when I was towing and he replied that was still OK.

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Kevin B:
Paragon, when towing 10k what kind of tounge weight are you dealing with? I don't know for sure. It's a tractor and equipment and it's loaded fairly well balanced.

If I were to hazard a guess, it would probably be in the 800lb ball park.

[Big Z]

OK, http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif here's the short:

10K=Don't do it except for short moves, (nothing else to use, not afraid of breakage, or prosecution if in an accident!) otherwise,--And Strongly Advised!--STAY WITHIN RECOMMENDED RATINGS!--Check The Manual!.

Fill-up and load your rig--run to a scale--NOTE weight of Front Axle--Then Note Gross Weight--Then Note the REAR Axle Weight, (ADD Weight of Passengers Or other things, as required, if not on board!) this is Part 1. Loaded H2 Weight! (8600# MAX)

Part 2 is simple, Fully loaded Towed, Weighs LESS THAN 7000#--AND!--WITHIN The Gross Combined Rating. (14,000#--MAX!!)

Towed=Anything you want to, As long as you-- DON'T EXCEED 7000#, OR YOUR GROSS COMBINED TOW RATING http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Tongue Weight cannot exceed 670# period!

Section 4-53 through 4-67 pretty much ecplains it all! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Except it's as POS for a TOW Rig! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Alan06SUT]

I towed a 18 ft dual 3500 lbs. axle trailer loaded with a 1975 K5 blazer (full size) from atlanta to Tellico without any problems. The total weight of the trailer/K5 was about 7900 lbs.

If you tow, Dont forget to push the tow haul button evey time you stop, because when you turn the H2 off, it doesnt stay in tow haul. Personally, I wouldnt tow over 5000 lbs without trailer brakes. Mine has brakes.

It was a very mountainous drive with some extreme grades, but it did just fine. No, its not an F250 but really, I have towed with much worse.

That being said, I don't think I would tow much more than maybe 8500 lbs., unless it was local.

[Alan06SUT]

http://elcova.com/groupee_files/photo_albums/3/6/7/3671049071/5671049071_74469317D9861B0F696AFA37096BBA42.JPG

[MarineHawk]

Originally posted by Alec W:
I’m not an expert on towing and don't tow much these days but I think my Suburban had a higher towing capacity than the H2. Assuming that’s correct, is the weight of the H2 the reason or is something maybe undersized?

I believe that the reason that the H2 (with the same engine, rear gears, and tranny) tows about 2K lbs less than the Tahoe/Yukon is tire size. 35" tires on the H2 provides essentially a roughly 20% higher gear ratio than on the 30" tires that come stock on the Tahoe. Thus, the H2 can tow about 20% less. That's why those big Sierras and Silverados some with ridiculous 245s - they are rated to tow a lot more with iddy biddy Class-E tires - it helps the towing specs. If you put 30" tires on an H2 (or lower rear-end gears), you could tow 10K lbs with no problem.

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Big Z:
OK, http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif here's the short:

10K=Don't do it except for short moves, (nothing else to use, not afraid of breakage, or prosecution if in an accident!) otherwise,--And Strongly Advised!--STAY WITHIN RECOMMENDED RATINGS!--Check The Manual!.

Fill-up and load your rig--run to a scale--NOTE weight of Front Axle--Then Note Gross Weight--Then Note the REAR Axle Weight, (ADD Weight of Passengers Or other things, as required, if not on board!) this is Part 1. Loaded H2 Weight! (8600# MAX)

Part 2 is simple, Fully loaded Towed, Weighs LESS THAN 7000#--AND!--WITHIN The Gross Combined Rating. (14,000#--MAX!!)

Towed=Anything you want to, As long as you-- DON'T EXCEED 7000#, OR YOUR GROSS COMBINED TOW RATING http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Tongue Weight cannot exceed 670# period!

Section 4-53 through 4-67 pretty much ecplains it all! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Except it's as POS for a TOW Rig! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif We've been through this time and time before.

If you want to follow what your manual states is the reccomendation, then fine, read it. I am to assume if you are asking questions here, you want to know real world experiences and realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution.

To say that the tongue weight cannot exceed 670lbs period, is ridiculous. Why didn't you use the 15% number? The thing that restricts the H2s trailer weight rating is it's own gross vehicle weight rating. The combined rating has to be 14K or less to stay in it's class, so politics has more to do with those numbers in the manual than real world ability.

We agree the H2 is not a good tow rig and that you don't tow 10K lbs except for short distances. But stressing over whether or not you fall into the recommended numbers is a little too much if you ask me.

[Agriv8r]

Although the posted rating is 6700 with a tongue wieght of 670, a customer owning a Boat sales dealership weekly tows a 35' Scarrab with no trouble. He states that the weight far exceeds the owners manual reccomendation.

[PARAGON]

So, if I come see you this summer, think he will take us out and run around up in the bay http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif being H2 brethren and all

[PARAGON]

Mine barely makes it over 200 and it's for a short time when working hard. I'm still amazed at how the wide range of tranny cooling.

Mine's stock, no aftermarket cooler.

[It\'s a Dry Heat]

spec:

[It\'s a Dry Heat]

specs:

[Big Z]

I am to assume if you are asking questions here, you want to know real world experiences and realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution.


Your right, been thru it before! lol http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I tow a lot of chit around, and, of course, can only reply with MY, "Real World" experience. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution --Give us some Numbers Please--for real!--800#-1000# tongue weight??---10-12-14,000# tow Cap??

YOU SURE DON'T WANT TO ERROR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY! or common sense--Yours or others!

So!, Fk It! The Sky's the limit! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif if you can put a ball on the hitch thingy, You-CAN DOOOO It! Yank That Park Model! You CANNOT HURT THE H2! It--It-It's Like Nothing Else! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ah, but what the hell--I'm getting a new SUT, and mounting a Goose Neck on er!--I just Know It'll take It! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That Mighty Small Block, Bullet proof Drivetrain, strikingly good looks! And Exceptional Braking System-- I'm Sold! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Tell a newb, they can do it! Chances Are!------ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Big Z:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am to assume if you are asking questions here, you want to know real world experiences and realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution.


Your right, been thru it before! lol http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I tow a lot of chit around, and, of course, can only reply with MY, "Real World" experience. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution --Give us some Numbers Please--for real!--800#-1000# tongue weight??---10-12-14,000# tow Cap??

YOU SURE DON'T WANT TO ERROR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY! or common sense--Yours or others!

So!, Fk It! The Sky's the limit! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif if you can put a ball on the hitch thingy, You-CAN DOOOO It! Yank That Park Model! You CANNOT HURT THE H2! It--It-It's Like Nothing Else! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ah, but what the hell--I'm getting a new SUT, and mounting a Goose Neck on er!--I just Know It'll take It! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That Mighty Small Block, Bullet proof Drivetrain, strikingly good looks! And Exceptional Braking System-- I'm Sold! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Tell a newb, they can do it! Chances Are!------ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>as with everything in life, it's not all black and white, hence common sense.

If you can't figure it out for yourself that there are other things besides capability and safety behind a vehicles tow rating, then it's all moot. You want to go by the book, fine. It's quite easy for whomever to read the book to get their answers and that's all you've done is quote manufactured stated ratings.

And I gave some numbers, as did others. Did you miss that part?

I'm guessing those of us that go offroad should heed the manufacturers ratings there too just to err on the side of safety. Since we are apparently too stupid to use common sense.

[Big Z]

ROFLMAO! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Thought I gave some real #'s!

If you can't figure it out for yourself that there are other things besides capability and safety behind a vehicles tow rating, then it's all moot. You want to go by the book, fine. It's quite easy for whomever to read the book to get their answers and that's all you've done is quote manufactured stated ratings.


Really! YOU ASSUME WAY TO MUCH!!--(must be long term memory loss!) lol http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

What do you want to hear or see?!

That, towing weights over 5K# will nearly DOUBLE fuel consumption (depending on terrain), or that it's best to just leave it in 3rd gear/tow haul mode, so it's not constantly shifting, or (on the experience side) that I log more hour a year driving a house, and TOWING My H, than most people tow in years! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Launch the boat more a month than most tow in a year!--Now this is gettin fun! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Plenty more, but WHY? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Speaking of Armchair bookwork!
Everyone-(novice to Know It All) could Get something out of this read! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif And, Do You REALLY KNOW, Your Tongue Weight?--I Do! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm

I'm guessing those of us that go offroad should heed the manufacturers ratings there too just to err on the side of safety. Since we are apparently too stupid to use common sense. Now that's some funny Chit! ROFL http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I guess I can't be part of the off road crowd! Even though, I've broke my rig--ALSO!--before most others here! LOL

Really need to put this into perspective! capability and safety ARE!, A BIG PART of Towing!

I'm done! lol Time for a beer! I'll Buy! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PARAGON]

I'm suggesting a wee bit of a chill.

Never said you didn't offroad, didn't say you don't have experience. But there are a lot of variables that are just being swept away here in an attempt to make this simply cut and dry and it's not.

I've been towing for 20 years and have yet to get a tongue weight. As I stated before in this thread, it's about proper balance and the 10-15% rule does not apply to all trailers. If you don't use common sense and simply use books, you'll make mistakes.

Prime example is many older U-haul trailers that had a single axle that was too far forward. It required more weight loaded forward of the axle (more tongue weight than 15%) to keep it from swaying and wrecking some of the vehicles they were sticking them behind.

[raptor2ride]

Well running trany temp of 225 may wear it out sooner than 100. However more, or harder work on ANYTHING mechanical will wear it out faster so that is irrelevant.I know there are people here with common sense and mechanical aptitude. I am a mechanical contractor and have lots of friends in many trades. If you change your trany fluid and add Lucas additive it will help lengthen the trany life.
Yes, there is a difference with printed numbers and stats thats "SAFE", and the "real" world. My manual for my utility quad says to never let water get more than half way above the tires, HAAA yah right!
As far as tongue weight, that is what a WEIGHT DISTRIBUTUION hitch is for!

[Alan06SUT]

Originally posted by Big Z:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I am to assume if you are asking questions here, you want to know real world experiences and realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution.


Your right, been thru it before! lol http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif I tow a lot of chit around, and, of course, can only reply with MY, "Real World" experience. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

realize that the manufacturer is going to err on the side of caution --Give us some Numbers Please--for real!--800#-1000# tongue weight??---10-12-14,000# tow Cap??

YOU SURE DON'T WANT TO ERROR ON THE SIDE OF SAFETY! or common sense--Yours or others!

So!, Fk It! The Sky's the limit! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif if you can put a ball on the hitch thingy, You-CAN DOOOO It! Yank That Park Model! You CANNOT HURT THE H2! It--It-It's Like Nothing Else! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ah, but what the hell--I'm getting a new SUT, and mounting a Goose Neck on er!--I just Know It'll take It! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif That Mighty Small Block, Bullet proof Drivetrain, strikingly good looks! And Exceptional Braking System-- I'm Sold! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Tell a newb, they can do it! Chances Are!------ http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Big Z what have you towed with your H2?

[Big Z]

A couple shown here.

http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5106011751/m/6...826070355#5826070355 (http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/5106011751/m/6646005255/r/5826070355#5826070355)

[Hart1]

What Can I tow? (http://www.rvtowingtips.com/what-can-i-tow.htm)

I tow a 23' Safari Airstream with no problem. The above site helped me to understand what I could tow based on my wheel base length (just over 122,), and, how to use weight calculations when loading up your trailer.

Watch out, in most states, if you are involved in an accident and it has been determined that you exceeded your vehicle's towing limits, your insurance can deny your claims and you can be prosecuted.

Hope this helps.

[Dug]

I generally put enough weight on the rear hitch until the front tires come off the ground. Then i add weight to the roof and front hitch to level her back off. She (H2) seems to haul around 19-20K pounds alright. I have a redneck tranny cooler , its called take the grille out on long trips . And when the motor get so hot its pinging turn on the heat for twenty miles or stop at pizza hut and let'er cool down. Believe me. Doug

[Big Z]

roflmao http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Now that yar sum funy chit!---Don't care who ya are! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Big Z:
roflmao http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Now that yar sum funy chit!---Don't care who ya are! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif does the H2 accumulate miles when you flat tow it?

[Big Z]

Nope! Also Why I get 20+MPG! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

Originally posted by Augnmike:
Hi guys, I know this has been discussed a million times here but frankly I never paid much attention since I never towed anything big before. I am considering buying a toy hauler for three atv's and dirt bike. Total weight for these is 1300 lbs. The sales guys are giving me crap about having an H2 saying there isn't much I can tow with it. Seems like total weight for everything I have looked at comes in around 6800-7400 lbs. Those are loaded weights. Can you guys advise me on what I can and can't do safely? Yes, you will be able to tow it. Have a trailer brake and use the Tow/Haul button.

[SnakeH2]

I generally put enough weight on the rear hitch until the front tires come off the ground. Then i add weight to the roof and front hitch to level her back off. She (H2) seems to haul around 19-20K pounds alright. I have a redneck tranny cooler , its called take the grille out on long trips . And when the motor get so hot its pinging turn on the heat for twenty miles or stop at pizza hut and let'er cool down. Believe me. Doug

:clapping: