How much HP & torque do I need ?

45Ricochet wrote:
385/850 :B Highest in class. It will also tow 30K lbs when you upgrade :B

On second thought The all new Ram 3500 dually . Like Ricochet tiptoed around. you midas well go Lariamie and 4x4. Then you'll be able to pull the wheels out from under anything!!!(and I hate exclamation points unless it is positive)

Sheet..... I used to pull a 3K trailer with a 105hp 292I6! I pull a 12K trailer with a 175/335 diesel, no turbo to boot!

Issue is NOT the motor! it is the cooling system of the tow rig. See if you can fix that frankly! I used to pull my 24' 6500 lb TT at 15K total with a 185HP motor too! granted it had 385 lbs of torque!

I would also not look at a nisheet either! I would fix what you have! you have more than enough motor!

Marty

bmanning wrote:


Are you moving on from your Trailblazer?

Yes ! For various reasons. The trouble I have is that we have been more limited by the overheating of the transmission (a known Trailblazer problem) than anything else. So it's difficult to know whether the Trailblazer's 291HP/277 torque has been adequate or not. For example we had to stop twice on the way from Yuma to San Diego on the I8, (over the Rocky Mountains) because of transmission overheating.

I'm trying to decide whether to get another 6 cylinder or an 8 really. I know a F150 V8 or similar would do the job, but I feel they could be over kill. They also seem VERY big compared to the Trailblazer, e.g. the length of a F150 is longer than the trailer ! We don't expect to be moving to a larger trailer in the next 5 years as we really only use the Trail-Light to get us from Ontario to Arizona. After 5 years, we'll probably be flying down (Getting up there in age !)

For example, I went to look at a Nissan Frontier (V6, 261HP, 281 Torque) and Titan (V8, 317Hp, 385 Torque)) today. I liked both, they seemed to have a smaller profile than the BIG 3's BIG trucks. The question is, which one do I choose ???!!! (Or having written this - is it obvious ??!!)

4000# high wall TT with Chevy Trailblazer going over the rockys. Nope, No Thanks. I think your Trailblazer would be highly taxed even on level ground.

You need any 1/2 ton based V8 SUV/Truck with towing package (trans and engine oil cooler) and you should be good.

385/850 :B Highest in class. It will also tow 30K lbs when you upgrade :B

Since nobody has said it yet... You need a dually! ;)

I pulled a 5k lb 5er with a 96 230hp 360 dodge gasser and it did great. What's the tow cap of the chev? Make sure you include vehicle cargo and passengers plus the actual weight of the loaded TT to get the real towed weight. That will tell you. Craig

My trailer is 3000# dry. I'm pulling it with 275hp and 290 torque, 3.42 rear end. It does the job, but just. I keep it in 3rd and it hums along all day at 60-65 on pretty good rolling hills. I'll buy more truck when I get another, but I'm in no hurry.

ice2fire wrote:


I don't believe the manufacturer's claims !

If you don't believe the manufacturer, you are going to believe those who have no clue? If you know better then the manufacturer why are you asking since you already KNOW?

Depends upon thetotal wt of the combo. along with number of tires, tire width, frontal area, type of frontal/wind resistance, surface of the road you are on, along with the grade you are goingup, and total speed including the wind you are going against!

Example, a 15K rig with 70# of FA needs 105 hp to go 60 mph, change that out to 90#, you now need 135 hp to go 60 mph. ALong with an additional 45hp per 1% grade you wish to hold 60 mph at! Change that out to 69 mph against a 30 mph head wind.......a LOT o hp is needed!

So to honestly answer your question, it depends! we are not disCUSSing the diaper variety either!

Marty