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Pros & Cons of using a 3.1 V6 as a tow vehicle?

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Old Mar 30, 2002 | 09:35 PM
  #1  
Couldbeone's Avatar
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From: Southern Oregon
Pros & Cons of using a 3.1 V6 as a tow vehicle?

What has been your experience using the 3rd Generation, 3.1 V6, as a tow vehicle? The trailer would be 8x10 enclosed with 'Racing Stuff' inside. Weight of Stuff, 400lbs.+/-. The terrain driven would be 'hilly'.

Thanks
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Old Mar 30, 2002 | 11:19 PM
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WaynesRS's Avatar
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From: Baton Rouge ,Louisiana ,USA
I wouldn't do it . I think it would be hard on our 2.8/3.1s .
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 05:30 AM
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KED85's Avatar
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From: ****SoCal, USA****
Actually, you can.
I just placed a tow hitch on my Firebird.
GRANTED, it's for VERY LIGHT DUTY (pulling engine hoist/motorcycle on trailer).
But, Hilly terrain...
You have done towing, before?
How are your brakes?
How did you attach your tow hitch?
Friend welded "L" brackets to frame, I drilled holes, attached .
I have to finish it, when I remove the bumper cover.
But, I can tow engine hoist, easy, now.
That's all I care about.
I've got engine & tranny's to move & weak back, smart mind!
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 09:39 AM
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Couldbeone's Avatar
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From: Southern Oregon
I have not installed a hitch as of yet. I am just exploring the posibility. I would only be towing the trailer once a week about 200 miles round trip. Who has installed a traier hitch - any suggestions or solutions?

Thanks
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 10:36 AM
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From: Connecticut
I tow a 17' Bass Tracker around with my 84 2.8 camaro. Hasn't seemed to hurt the motor much, but i did need to rebuild my tranny after towing a lot in a year. but the tranny had 138,000 on it before it blew. Get a transmission cooler. Aside from just being a pig with that 1200lbs behind it (its a pig without it) it works fine. Handles a lot better than you'd think. My father welded up a custom hitch for me and put it on for me. He also made one for my 84 trans am, and was going to put it on, and I just said no way. I hope to get the money to be able to sell my camaro (sorry, I REALLY need a truck) and buy a 4.3 liter s-10 or something. It was not made to be a tow vehicle, but works surprisingly well.
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 02:07 PM
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eric17422001's Avatar
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From: Savannah, GA
Car: 3
Engine: inboard
Transmission: underfloor
eric17422001

Install an aftermarket auxilliary transmission cooler, stay out of overdrive unless you're going down hills.

Eric
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Old Mar 31, 2002 | 11:25 PM
  #7  
Project: 85 2.8 bird's Avatar
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From: BFE, MD
Car: 13 Ram 1500/ 78 Formy
Engine: 5.7 / 7.4
Transmission: 6sp / TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.55 posi / 3.23
by eric17422001

stay out of overdrive unless you're going down hills.
never, EVER put the tranny in OD/4th while towing unless you want to kill it. :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono: :nono:
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