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Old 06-16-2005, 10:50 PM   #2
overlander64
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Profile:  1964 26' Overlander
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Anna , Illinois
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Towing with a Z-71 Chevy?

Greetings Paulk!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Paulk
hi i have a 23 ft 1976 safari and am concidering a 1994 Z-71 chevy truck to tow it with antone have any experience or advice the truck has a 5.7 L engine the trailer weight is 3800 empty
My current tow vehicle's predecessor was a 1995 Chevrolet Z71 Club Cab with short bed (5.7 Liter/3.73 Differentials). I believe that the 1994 had similar trailer tow ratings to the 1995 -- when equipped with the heavy duty trailering package and 3.73 gearing the factory trailer tow rating was 6,000 pounds. With your Safari, you should be well within the towing capacity of the truck -- it was woefully underpowered for my 6,100 pound gross weight Overlander.

Something to keep in mind with this truck is that its suspension is overly stiff -- something that Airstream coaches do not appreciate. A regular-issue K1500 will be kinder to your coach -- I know that my K2500 Suburban has much better suspension characteristics for towing than did my Z-71 (I notice far fewer popped rivets and other related issues since switching to a tow vehicle with a gentler suspension.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin
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Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC/Free Wheelers #6359
AIR #827
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban (7400 VORTEC/4.11 Differentials)
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (8.2 Liter V8/2.70 Final Drive)
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