Question on changing legal GCWR
While looking for an 8.1 Burb, I come across some 3:73 models which have a factory GCWR of 16K. Since the only change to the GCWR of 19K with the 4:10 models was the gears, has anyone changed the gear...
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Or what Marty is saying in layman’s terms is your biggest limiting factor may be pulling your boat out of the hole, up a ramp. But you can do that calculation. However if you get a 4wd that point is moot.
That said you are worrying mostly about other things that matter to a lesser extent or not at all. Those things:
Cops, insurance, accident and gcvw bust. Not a real concern.
Lowering rpms for empty driving? Unless you want to cruise at 85-100mph, it ain’t gonna make any difference practically and very little in mileage. Never even get close to the expense of re gearing. But you’re looking at the higher geared ones anyway.
Your biggest issue is getting a 12k load rolling and that’s not an issue except on steep uphills.
No matter what gears you get, an old 4 speed trans with a high (comparatively) 1st gear ratio and only 2 more useable gears for towing is basically out classed by the trailer you want to tow if your looking for good (by today’s standards) performance.
ALL that aside, a 4x4 8.1 Burb, with 3.73s will get the job done.
And if I was only towing super short distances as you are and mostly daily driver, I would not worry about it. They’re nice rigs if you find a good one.
But I’d be hard pressed to pay a premium for any sort of tow rig that only has 3 or 4 effective gears. Too many other, better, options for towing.
That said you are worrying mostly about other things that matter to a lesser extent or not at all. Those things:
Cops, insurance, accident and gcvw bust. Not a real concern.
Lowering rpms for empty driving? Unless you want to cruise at 85-100mph, it ain’t gonna make any difference practically and very little in mileage. Never even get close to the expense of re gearing. But you’re looking at the higher geared ones anyway.
Your biggest issue is getting a 12k load rolling and that’s not an issue except on steep uphills.
No matter what gears you get, an old 4 speed trans with a high (comparatively) 1st gear ratio and only 2 more useable gears for towing is basically out classed by the trailer you want to tow if your looking for good (by today’s standards) performance.
ALL that aside, a 4x4 8.1 Burb, with 3.73s will get the job done.
And if I was only towing super short distances as you are and mostly daily driver, I would not worry about it. They’re nice rigs if you find a good one.
But I’d be hard pressed to pay a premium for any sort of tow rig that only has 3 or 4 effective gears. Too many other, better, options for towing.
