Opinions on towing w/K5 Blazer - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

CHEVYJEFF · 07-29-2003, 09:59 AM

Looking at buying a late 80 early 90 k5 full size blazer to replace the old 78 big 10 as my towing rig for my 23 ft boat. The boat and trailer combined is around 5000 lbs. Has anyone got any experience towing with a k5 Im wondering if the k5 is too short of a wheel base to tow with and how they handle hard braking situations. Im also wanting to find one that has about a 3" lift w/ 33" tires. Not to tall but just taller than stock. Think it will work or should I start the hunt for a 4X4 suburban???
Here is a pic of the big 10 that will be for sale when the boat season is over here in Texas. It has no rust, rebuilt tranny and front end and is all original. True Dallas truck never been out of the city. Has decent interior and paint for a 78.

CHEVYJEFF · 07-29-2003, 10:01 AM

pic..

Prerunner1982 · 07-29-2003, 01:00 PM

i think the blazer could handle it, hard stopping or slick situations might be alittle fun, i have never towed with a k5, though i have towed with a Jeep CJ7.

Russell · 07-30-2003, 12:44 AM

Our 99 Blazer pulls very nicely, but it does feel it... The shortness of the vehicle makes it easier to manouver, but yeah, you do miss the power of a bigger vehicle...

BigRed · 07-30-2003, 07:57 AM

I would look for a Suburban. One reason is because the resell on them is not very high so you could get alot more for your money. Also, I'm sure you will like the feel of how one tows as compared to the shorter wheel based blazer! It just feels more like it can handle the load. Plus, with a suburban, you can fit more boat passengers in there comfortably and still have room for all your skis, tubes, etc in the back.

Jonboy · 07-30-2003, 08:26 AM

I imagine a Suburban would be a lot easier (maybe cheaper) to find here. It will pull a whole lot better, too.

BigRed · 07-30-2003, 08:36 AM

Just to add, when I was looking for my current Suburban in the DFW area, there were others out there for pretty decent prices. However, the Blazers were all very high. I got a '86 burb with a good motor and tranny, trailer package, rust-free straight body, and great interior for $2000.

CHEVYJEFF · 07-30-2003, 09:25 AM

The reason for picking a blazer over the suburban is the removable top option, that the S/O likes. Guess she has to go topless...

Its a compromise between the old big 10 and a jeep cj that she wants.

BigRed · 07-30-2003, 10:15 AM

Topless is good!

A jeep would also be good but I can't think that the jeep would be a good pulling vehicle.

CHEVYJEFF · 07-30-2003, 10:57 AM

Yea the cj would not be good to tow with, especiall because I might need to tow the 57 to the track someday. PLus the blazer will take all the good parts I have been saving up to rebuild the old big 10.

79BIG10 · 07-30-2003, 12:59 PM

I would get the blazer and add a extra cooler for the tranny just to be safe. Sounds like a great idea to go topless

junkyardpartseeker · 07-31-2003, 07:39 AM

I agree with BigRed n 79Big10.
Topless is good.
Pics please

dubie · 07-31-2003, 10:09 AM

Jeeps make pretty good towing vehicles. I have a 96 Cherokee Sport and it tows my 1973 tandem axle 24' camper trailer like a champ. I wouldn't think that a K5 would have any troubles wiith towing your boat. The GVW for my camper in 6000 lbs.

07-29-2003, 09:59 AM	#1
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	Opinions on towing w/K5 Blazer Looking at buying a late 80 early 90 k5 full size blazer to replace the old 78 big 10 as my towing rig for my 23 ft boat. The boat and trailer combined is around 5000 lbs. Has anyone got any experience towing with a k5 Im wondering if the k5 is too short of a wheel base to tow with and how they handle hard braking situations. Im also wanting to find one that has about a 3" lift w/ 33" tires. Not to tall but just taller than stock. Think it will work or should I start the hunt for a 4X4 suburban??? Here is a pic of the big 10 that will be for sale when the boat season is over here in Texas. It has no rust, rebuilt tranny and front end and is all original. True Dallas truck never been out of the city. Has decent interior and paint for a 78. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

07-29-2003, 10:01 AM	#2
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	pic.. Attached Images __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

07-29-2003, 01:00 PM	#3
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,904	i think the blazer could handle it, hard stopping or slick situations might be alittle fun, i have never towed with a k5, though i have towed with a Jeep CJ7. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

07-30-2003, 12:44 AM	#4
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Our 99 Blazer pulls very nicely, but it does feel it... The shortness of the vehicle makes it easier to manouver, but yeah, you do miss the power of a bigger vehicle... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-30-2003, 07:57 AM	#5
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	I would look for a Suburban. One reason is because the resell on them is not very high so you could get alot more for your money. Also, I'm sure you will like the feel of how one tows as compared to the shorter wheel based blazer! It just feels more like it can handle the load. Plus, with a suburban, you can fit more boat passengers in there comfortably and still have room for all your skis, tubes, etc in the back. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-30-2003, 08:26 AM	#6
Jonboy Slots go on anything! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 5,957	I imagine a Suburban would be a lot easier (maybe cheaper) to find here. It will pull a whole lot better, too. __________________ 1974 Jimmy- 5.3/4L80e/NP241

07-30-2003, 08:36 AM	#7
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Just to add, when I was looking for my current Suburban in the DFW area, there were others out there for pretty decent prices. However, the Blazers were all very high. I got a '86 burb with a good motor and tranny, trailer package, rust-free straight body, and great interior for $2000. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-30-2003, 09:25 AM	#8
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	The reason for picking a blazer over the suburban is the removable top option, that the S/O likes. Guess she has to go topless... Its a compromise between the old big 10 and a jeep cj that she wants. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

07-30-2003, 10:15 AM	#9
BigRed Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 1,680	Topless is good! A jeep would also be good but I can't think that the jeep would be a good pulling vehicle. __________________ Scott Shelbourne

07-30-2003, 10:57 AM	#10
CHEVYJEFF Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: WYLIE TEXAS Posts: 232	Yea the cj would not be good to tow with, especiall because I might need to tow the 57 to the track someday. PLus the blazer will take all the good parts I have been saving up to rebuild the old big 10. __________________ http://members.cardomain.com/chevyjeff 57 2 DOOR HDTP 82 CORVETTE 90 V10 BLAZER 97 REGAL LSR 2100 (BOAT)

07-30-2003, 12:59 PM	#11
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	I would get the blazer and add a extra cooler for the tranny just to be safe. Sounds like a great idea to go topless __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

07-31-2003, 07:39 AM	#12
junkyardpartseeker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Mabelvale, AR Posts: 695	blazer I agree with BigRed n 79Big10. Topless is good. Pics please __________________ junkyardpartseeker@sbcglobal.net

07-31-2003, 10:09 AM	#13
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	Jeeps make pretty good towing vehicles. I have a 96 Cherokee Sport and it tows my 1973 tandem axle 24' camper trailer like a champ. I wouldn't think that a K5 would have any troubles wiith towing your boat. The GVW for my camper in 6000 lbs. __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

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