Question about how well my SUburban will handle this trailer/truck

[dbreid]

All,
I have two trucks:

1.) Truck 1: 1989 3/4 Ton V2500 Suburban. 5.7L FI, with headers, 400 Trans, 241. Rear end is a 14b Semi Float, and it has drums, and all the towing coolers (Huge radiator - new, Trans Cooler, etc). It has an Add a Leaf lift in the front and rear (Rancho), and has the stock overloads, etc. This truck has 35" Pro Comp, Load Range D, I believe.... maybe E. It has a DIY4x rear bumper with receiver (behind License plate, which flips up).

Pictures of Truck 1:

http://www.reid.org/~dreid/89suburban/images/suburban_04.jpg

2.) Truck 2: 1984 K30 One Ton. It has had the bed chopped, and has 40 inch Superswampers, Hydro steer, D60, 14bff, lockers, etc.

Pics of Truck 2:

Now, I am guessing that the 84 weighs prolly close to 7k pounds in full battle dress (spare, tools, fuel, collers, snacks, tents, etc).


The 84 is fully capable of driving itself to any trail. However, I'd like to take BOTH to Blazer Fest in Hollister, and tow the 84 (Truck 2) with the Suburban (Truck 1).

I have access to my uncle's brand new trailer, which is rated for 14,000 pounds, and is wide enough to fit the 84 on. Trailer is about 20 feet long, and roughly like this (I don't think the brand is actually a Big Tex, but it is dual wheel, and similar to this):

My question is, will I have to worry? Will the Suburban handle the load? I am not too worried about speed (I don't mind going 50 the whole time), but I don't want an unsafe towing situation. Will this be too much of a strain on the little 350?

Maybe I am being paranoid, and I know that the truck will do it, I just want to know how close I am to the edge of acceptability.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

[dbreid]

More pictures of trailer

Here's a better picture of the actual trailer in question:

That Cat weighs a little less than 8,000 pounds, and the trailer handled that fine. And yes, I could take the Super Duty, but that truck isn't mine, and I'd prefer to tow with the Suburban, because the Suburban has the 12K winch on the front.

 

[dbreid]

Also, the Trailer has brakes on it, and I can easily mount a brake controller in the Suburban. I am mostly wondering about things like sway, tongue weight, and whether the 350/14 bolt sf will do the job.

 

[cbbr]

Mine handled a CUCV with no problem. And no trailer brakes. I didn't get in any hurry, but it towed great.

 

[JEBSR]

The 14 bolt is overly capable, besides that your not loading the bed. The week link would be the 350 in that application and it has more than enough power to make the run. You won't have the torque to hold your speed on large hills like a BBC or built SBC but it will work just fine. I have towed more with less. I say hook it up and go have some fun.

 

[rjfguitar]

Which way will you be coming from? You'll be fine....except on Pachecko pass....

Make sure your radiator is in good shape because it is going to be HOT up there, and the steep part is at the very top.

You'll be riding 2nd gear pretty hard, and hopefully won't have to hit 1st.

You're pulling quite abit of weight with a 350, especially with having a heavy dragging towrig with the 35's and all.

 

[dbreid]

From the North

I am coming from the Bay, so No Pacheco Pass (I frigging hate that even with no trailer!). It is a straight shot down 101, the that long straight road to Hollister, and then just the 3 or 4 miles of winding to the entrance.

My radiator should be good to go, as I just replaced it with a brand new one (The heaviest duty I could find for it). But it will suck to not have A/C. Hollister is always like an oven.

You going? I am hoping to meet some folks in Real Life.

Thanks, Dan

 

[rjfguitar]

I am coming from the Bay, so No Pacheco Pass (I frigging hate that even with no trailer!). It is a straight shot down 101, the that long straight road to Hollister, and then just the 3 or 4 miles of winding to the entrance.

My radiator should be good to go, as I just replaced it with a brand new one (The heaviest duty I could find for it). But it will suck to not have A/C. Hollister is always like an oven.

You going? I am hoping to meet some folks in Real Life.

Thanks, Dan

Oh Jeeze man, get that A/C going... this is California! I'm an A/C nut though, You'd see me out there playing in the obstical course with my windows up and the A/C going in the K5.

No...I'm not going to make it this year. Last year's event was right in the middle of that monster heat wave that we had where it was 110*+. When I checked the weather a week before, I canceled my plans to make it, I just can't take that kind of heat physically. Same thing this year for me too, we're in the middle of another heat wave, and I don't have my gooseneck ready. Oh, and my K5 needs a starter....