Towing a 2012 Wildcat 29BHS

[JohnnyinAB]

Here is a picture by the way.

[lbrjet]

Originally Posted by JohnnyinAB

the 2500 has 3.73 gears. The only model they made with a larger ratio was the 8.1 litre model with 4.10.

GM says its rated to tow 8,300 lbs. Of course that is new. I also forgot to mention it has a cold air intake. I bought it used so I don't know if the previous owner took care of it but it doesn't burn oil and I added a fuel system cleaner to the gas tank and ran it through before I started towing.

Is towing at 3,500 rpm in second safe for the vehicle?

Absolutely. Peak torque and horsepower are produced at higher RPM's that.

[mtnguy]

The 3.73 gears are good. That engine hp and torque compare to my 5.4 Ford, and I also have the 3.73s. Because if have to slow down for some curves, my truck tranny seeks 2nd, on a local 7% incline. I don't like winding it above 3500 rpms, so I just leave it there for the duration of the climb. My torque converter is unlocked during this climb also.

I don't know what kind of incline you have, but that just might be the best you can do with the Burb.

The GCWR rating seems a little low for a 2500, probably because of the 8300 lb. trailer towing rating. My 1/2 ton has a 15,000 lb. GCWR with a 9300 lb. tow capacity. Seems like a 3/4 ton SUV should have more weight capacities than a 1/2 ton truck. But in 2001, the manufacturers weren't pushing the tow numbers to the extremes like the mid to late 2000s.

The GCWR might be a concern. With the listed dry weight of 6500 lbs. that trailer is probably around 7000 lbs. with options, a battery and propane. Figure another 1000 lbs. of camping supplies for a family of 4, and that may put that figure around 8000 lbs. Add the truck factory weight (most of the time misleadingly low) at 5760, 4 passengers, plus gear in the Burb, the GCWR is probably exceeded. You also have to be aware of the GVWR of the Burb, with the trailer tongue weight and passengers and cargo.

It would be good if you could go across some scales loaded for camping, to see what your total weight is. Then go from there to see what the next step might be.

[flyrotor]

Originally Posted by JohnnyinAB

Is towing at 3,500 rpm in second safe for the vehicle?

No problem at all, on a boat we had several years ago our waterskiing speed the engine was above 4200-4500 rpm. Every time we put it in gear we were cruising at that speed. It had a small block chevy engine in it and a 2 barrel carburetor. Modern fuel injected engines are running high RPMs without hurting the engine.

However, when I was pulling my trailer with a 1/2 ton Suburban (my trailer is smaller than yours) I did not like it, it seemed that I was running 4500 rpm more than I liked. The truck handled it ok, but I personally was not satisfied with it, I upped to a new Dodge Cummins and now I am very satisfied and comfortable pulling, knowing I have ample power and stability. Not to mention the engine is running 2000 RPM at 65 MPH.

[puckdad]

Don't worry about the RPM's.
I had an '01 'Burb 2500 8.1L 4.10 pulling a 6400lb trailer and climbing steep hills it needed to be in at least 3rd and I'd drop it to 2nd at about 4200RPM if need be....not very often.
Every time it dropped to 2nd and the 4200RPM kicked in my wife would hold on for dear life thinking the thing was going to explode It took quite a few, "Dear, it's designed to do that," for her to slightly relax.

So, don't be afraid of the RPMs, just watch your tranny temp and let her rev.

Mike
BTW, I could 'feel it' behind me.