Towing with trailblazer?

phillip252 · 04-12-2016, 12:16 PM

Well all the wife and I have got the fever. I can see a new camper in the future (near). We have a Rockwood pop up at this time. We are looking at something like mini light. I just got the trailblazer and don't want to up grade camper and tow vehicle both. So what are towing and with what. Vehicle has in line 6 4.2l.

**bikendan** · 04-12-2016, 01:13 PM

First issue will be wheelbase.
Second issue will be payload.

What does the drivers door yellow sticker say is the payload capacity?

Hate to say but nearly every TB owner that I've seen, who trys what you want to do, ends up upgrading to a bigger tow vehicle.

Big Rig · 04-12-2016, 01:35 PM

I tried towing a 22 foot Roo with one and it scared the life out of me. Plenty of pulling power but it was pretty much the tail waging the dog. No matter how I adjusted the bars and sway control it just wouldn't work. The weights and numbers all worked on paper but not in the real world. The only ones I see having success are the ones with the V8, I think because there is more weight on the steering axle.

Maybe they will let you take it for a test tow before you purchase. Make sure you do it at highway speeds.

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c3prret · 04-13-2016, 05:49 AM

I pulled my Roo 21 4700 GVW with a 2003 Trailblazer 4x4 4.2 I6 and rear overload spring shocks with Blue Ox hitch. Really had no problems even after expecting some on a 1.3 mi long 140ft high 2 lane bridge. Going up bridge was concerning with semis passing, down side was less concerning, more stress in a car and not towing. Overall not a bad trip. Trailblazer has a 5500 (I think) limit on towing

aceinspp · 04-13-2016, 06:46 AM

Basically the wheel base is to short for towing anything bigger. Bad sway. mMay want to consider a bigger TV. Later RJD

doc73 · 04-13-2016, 07:18 AM

We pulled a popup then a Rockwood 2306 mini light with a 2008 trailblazer. Not awesome had some sway but we towed all around. I did move to a 1500 within a year or so though because even though it did it I, and it, we're not as happy as I wanted to be. We did add air lift Springs.

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DDC · 04-13-2016, 07:27 AM

Get a Hensley, this is a good tow vehicle if equipped with the proper hitch, the only draw back I found with it was it gets very very thirsty and the tank is not very big.

doc73 · 04-13-2016, 07:30 AM

Yes that it did! Never passed a gas pump.

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Canadiancrew · 04-13-2016, 07:59 AM

We towed a Salem Cruise lite rb221 23 feet with an envoy with the 4.2 for a few years. It did ok and gas milage sucked. We actually did over 4000 miles on one trip. Sure enjoy towing with the f150 pickup now. Gas milage is better than the envoy both towing and empty.

phillip252 · 10-17-2016, 11:08 PM

We did it, got a new to us f150 supercrew pick up, towing our 261BH xl. Good set up tows really well.

asquared · 10-18-2016, 12:01 AM

Congratulations on the new rig! May it bring you many happy memories and safe journeys.

indybp57 · 10-18-2016, 08:10 AM

We towed our Roo 183 with a Trailblazer EXT for a couple years. The Roo weighed out around 4100# ready-to-go. WDH is a must. Ours had the I6 and it did ok here in Indiana. Mountains may have been a different story. Have since moved to a 1500 Ram. If you stay around 4000# you will probably be ok until you decide its time for something different.

indybp57 · 10-18-2016, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indybp57

We towed our Roo 183 with a Trailblazer EXT for a couple years. The Roo weighed out around 4100# ready-to-go. WDH is a must. Ours had the I6 and it did ok here in Indiana. Mountains may have been a different story. Have since moved to a 1500 Ram. If you stay around 4000# you will probably be ok until you decide its time for something different.

Never mind. I see you've already done it. Congrats and enjoy. The F150 will be a more enjoyable ride anyway.

Cincy6 · 10-18-2016, 09:32 AM

Congrats on new tow vehicle! I have been towing a Roo19 with a v8 Trailblazer EXT., but currently looking for late model F150 super crew. I've been shocked at the prices of used trucks and since it will only be used for towing, not interested in paying for a new vehicle that will sit in the driveway most of the year

Any advice on how you found your f150? I've been checking out Craigslist and having no luck.

raspivey · 10-18-2016, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Rig

No matter how I adjusted the bars and sway control it just wouldn't work. The weights and numbers all worked on paper but not in the real world. The only ones I see having success are the ones with the V8, I think because there is more weight on the steering axle.

I pulled a Mini Lite with one. It's not the weight on the front end, it's the tires on the rear. XL tires with about 40 PSI worked well.

PSUFan1 · 10-18-2016, 11:21 AM

Congrats on the new truck. We were in the same situation.

2012 Ford F-150 EB Crew FX4 3.73 gears
2012 Micro Lite 23lb

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phillip252 · 10-18-2016, 02:41 PM

Congrats on new tow vehicle! I have been towing a Roo19 with a v8 Trailblazer EXT., but currently looking for late model F150 super crew. I've been shocked at the prices of used trucks and since it will only be used for towing, not interested in paying for a new vehicle that will sit in the driveway most of the year

Any advice on how you found your f150? I've been checking out Craigslist and having no luck.

Cincy6 I to shopped Craigslist list for our TV, we faced with same issue wanted a better TV without the new TV price. I shopped every other day. The used truck prices are woooweee. Just got lucky found truck on Craigslist close by and price was right. Had few more miles than I wanted but it has been taken care of. Plus I do vehicle repair on the side. I looked at 9 different trucks before bought one.

phillip252 · 10-18-2016, 07:42 PM

Well took the 261BH xl on a test drive with new used f150 supercrew. I like the way it tows . Can't wait for the real thing.

palmetto rogue · 11-15-2016, 11:53 AM

x2 on the fuel comsumption. Have had to TB since new and love it, Have towed 20ft boats since owning our 2004 and it is not a good tow vehicle. Only used it when the pickup was not available or convenient.

head gamez · 11-15-2016, 12:57 PM

Our 2004 is still kicking with 170k miles. Really only use it for a small utility trailer from time to time but it does fine.

Fuel mileage sucks on it. Have had some minor gremlins over the years but nothing mechanical (except the common motor mount failure.

2016 Sandpiper 376BHOK
2500HD Chevrolet

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