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Topic: TOWING WITH CHEVY 350 (Read 7 times) previous topic - next topic
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TOWING WITH CHEVY 350
Yahoo Message Number: 19779
I've searched back a ways in the message archive and haven't found exactly the answer I'm looking for.  So maybe those with experience driving a 22 ft. '87 LD with the chevy 350 engine (or similar) can help me.

I'm planning to tow my '97 Subaru Impreza L Wagon.  The car's curb weight is 2800 pounds.  The LD manual says my tow limit is 3,000 pounds, though I came across a message that indicated user experience put the limit at 3500 pounds.  I spoke with Steve at LD, who told me the limit has to do not with the strength of the bumper or hitch but with the maximum stress Chevy says should be put on the engine and drivetrain.
 So my question, for those who have towed with this engine, is -- what has been your experience in terms of the strain put on the engine and drivetrain?  Will I need to avoid mountainous terrain and/or twisting, winding two-lane roads?  Or at the weight I'll be pulling (about 3,000 or 3,100 pounds total), will the 350 stand up?

Thanks, Lyle
Re: TOWING WITH CHEVY 350
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19797
"maybe those with experience driving a 22 ft. '87 LD with the chevy 350 engine (or similar) can help me...I'm planning to tow my '97 Subaru Impreza L Wagon. Will I need to avoid mountainous terrain and/or twisting, winding two- lane roads?  Or at the weight I'll be pulling (about 3,000 or 3,100 pounds total), will the 350 stand up?"
 I have a 22 ft. '85 with the same Chevy 350, and it has enough trouble getting up steep hills by itself. At times I've had to crawl along at 30-35 mph in mountainous terrain. I wouldn't even consider trying it while dragging a 3,000- pound load behind me.

That's my two cents' worth, anyway.

Andy Baird :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: TOWING WITH CHEVY 350
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19805
Lyle

I will agree 100% with Andy about towing with a 350 V-8. We added 45,000 miles to our '83 LD before selling. All the miles were
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: TOWING WITH CHEVY 350
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19851
As an ex-employee of GM and having owned a 350-Chevy 86 LD, I offer the following:

The 86 small block chevies were the first year with roller cam shafts. The blocks were cast thinner than previous engines with the idea of reducing weight and improving fuel economy.  These engines, in truck form were de-powered in the hope that they would last longer with cheaper pistons, valves, rings and the thinner castings.

They have nowhere the power and durability of current production engines.
 The overhanging water pump with the viscous drive fan is a week spot on all of the V8 engined van chassis vehicles.  The fan sticks 'way out there to make up the distance from the transmission to the radiator that was set to accommodate the old in-line six cylinder engines.  Make sure that the bearing and seal on the water pump is in good condition.  Replace with a Stewart NASCAR-type racing water pump.  Even their cheapest pump has a huge bearing compared to the production units.
 Neither do they have the power and durability of GM Performance Parts Crate engines.  A shining example of the latter is the 383 Truck crate engine at about $4500.

If I still had my '86, I'd substitute the 383 in the engine bay.

Our Ford V10 at 17000 lb notices the presence of our 2800 lb Chevy (geo/corolla) prism to the tune of about .7-MPG loss.  The engine definitly works harder with the towd.

bob phillips sandpoint
 
Re: TOWING WITH CHEVY 350
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 20184
Wanted to thank all those who replied to my request for advice about the advisability/difficulty of towing my car with an '87 LD 350 Chevy small block.

Besides the replies on our Web site, I received several private emails.  The number of LD owners encouraging me and discouraging me came exactly equal -- thanks guys, big help!

I've decided to try towing.  I will take several pieces of advice, however.  I'm going replace the stock water pump with a Stewart NASCAR racing type water pump, which should help keep the engine from overheating.  I'll expect to go slower in hill country and to suffer a little on gas mileage.  I'll report back in September about how it went.

Lyle