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How well can my van tow?
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 12:21 pm
by marco10
Hello. I have a 2003 Astro with factory tow package (WD platform hitch and 3.73 rear axle ratio). Just purchased a pop-up trailer with GVWR of 3400lbs. How well can my van tow this? Anybody else towing similar load? Also when towing do I need to tow in 3rd gear even if the tow/haul mode is activated?
Posted: Mon Mar 05, 2007 5:18 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
We also have a pop-up but ours has a 3750 GVW. I have towed it with both my 98 4x4 and our 2005 TrailBlazer. I will venture a guess and say your Astro with the tow/haul mode and 3.73 gears will tow that with no issues. You will want to install a LARGE auxiliary transmission cooler to keep it happy but other than that you will be fine.
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 7:01 am
by e7ats
As far as towing in D or 3. It depends on if your trany is constantly shifting or not. If you are on flat land you can tow in D but if your doing hills where your going up and down a lot and shifting a lot you are best to stay in 3rd. Another thing is HEAT kills. As Dean said get a BIG Aux cooler for the trany.
A tip on your 03, if it is AWD make sure you flush the Transfer case fluid every 30,000 miles. For some reason the Tcase starts grabbing when the fluid gets old.
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:25 am
by LaGrasta
you will have no problem at all. I've towed over 5,000lbs. I would add a tranny cooler as recommended. I also have rear (helper) air bags to level the rear end, depending on what's being towed or hauled. They work great and were easy to install.