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Originally Posted by SteveH A weight distributing hitch is like this:
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It distributes the tongue weight of the trailer, some back onto the trailer, and the rest to the center of the tow vehicle, if it is setup correctly. |
Thank you, I think I understand better. I'm not sure how that takes weight off the tongue (I should have taken that physics class), but now I know what I'm looking at. I'm still a little confused about the two sets of numbers on the hitch receiver, though. What does the 'Dead Weight' part refer to? And why are those numbers so low?
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Originally Posted by Jim Clark What size trailer and weight are thinking about towing with the Blazer? Which engine is in the Blazer? The Blazer has a relatively short wheelbase so you will be limited as to the size trailer you can tow safely. |
Thanks for the heads-up about the wheelbase, I'll be sure to keep that in consideration. I am (obviously) a total noob in all this, and just starting to learn what I need to know for safe trailering. I hope to find something comfortably under the towing capacity, which GM says is 5,500 lbs for this model Blazer. So ideally, I would like to find something under 4,000 lbs or so, perhaps in the 18' range?
Here are some specs on the vehicle:
Engine Size (Metric/CID) 4.3L/262
Engine: Vortec 4300 V6 SFI
Horsepower 190 @ 4400
Torque 250 @ 2800
Platform GM GMT330 platform
Length 176.8 in
Width 67.8 in
Height 64.5 in
Curb weight: 3814
Wheelbase: 100.5
Turning circle: 35.2
Brakes, f/r: 4 wheel ABS, power-assist, front 10.5 x 1.03 disc/rear 9.5 x .20 drum
Tires: P235/75R-15 According to the owner's manual, the towing capacity on the 2wd auto is 5,500 lbs, and the hitch receiver has a 6,000 lbs 'distributing weight' listed. I'd like to avoid ever exceeding 4,000 lbs in tow, as a safety margin. Does that sound about right to you?