Posted 2012-09-05 11:35 AM (#146844) Subject: Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
New User
Posts: 4
I have a couple of questions regarding my trailer, the vehicle I have been using to tow it, and what type of vehicle I should be considering in the future.
The trailer is a 2008 Eclipse 2 horse bumper pull with a dressing room. I have only used it to tow a handful of times (bringing horse back and forth to college), and have had regular maintenance performed and taken care of it well. I currently drive a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT with a tow package and have added a transmission cooler. (When I bought the trailer I explained to the dealership what I would be towing and they made recommendations about adding to the tow package and the cooler.)I only tow 1 horse with it, never 2, and she weighs between 1,100-1,200 lbs. The max weight I have in the tack room at any given point is < 500lbs. I also have never made trips more than 1 hour each way. I have been interested in getting off the farm and actually putting this trailer to use. My question is if it is really safe to be towing my trailer with this Chevy Trailblazer? I have not had any problems in the past but I want to make sure I’m not putting myself or my horse in danger using a vehicle like this. I also want to make sure the dealer has equipped my vehicle properly. You can see I have also listed some specs below for a Chevy Avalanche which I have access to most days. Would this be a vehicle better suited for my trailer? I’m open to all opinions and if I need to provide any other information let me know.
Posted 2012-09-05 12:33 PM (#146847 - in reply to #146844) Subject: RE: Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
Member
Posts: 9
Location: Harrah OK
With very rough calculations. it looks like your trail blazer will be able to do the job when it comes to towing capacity, even with two horses (depends on size of horse) you will be fine. If it was me my only concern would be one if it drops the buyt in of your suv down alot I would look into some weight dis bars. Two if the 6 cyl can handle towing all the weight effectivly and three if the brakes on your SUV are up to the task or would you be eating them up. If you are thinking about trading in are you against looking at a chevy 1500 extended cab?
Posted 2012-09-05 3:07 PM (#146850 - in reply to #146844) Subject: RE: Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
New User
Posts: 4
Thanks for the reply!
It doesn't drop the backend ofthe SUV down too far, and I haven't noticed that I've been going through brakes any more quickly but I'll have to take note once if I start towing a little more. I think the 6 cylinder handles the towing "o.k." although I have towed with a much more capable vehicle and the ride is much easier.
I wouldn't be opposed to a pickup, but as of now I have a 2 hour roundtrip commute to work every day, have no kids and like to keep a lot of junk in my vehicle. I don't think the 1500 is actually that bad on gas, but I also love SUV's. Any recommendations other than a Suburban or Sequioa if I were to stick with the SUV route?
Posted 2012-09-05 4:48 PM (#146853 - in reply to #146844) Subject: RE: Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
New User
Posts: 1
Location: casselberry
Hunterjumper21,Thanks for posting -- I'm facing your (almost)same dilemma right now! I am also in the market for a good SUV to use as an everyday driving vehicle PLUS occasional tow vehicle for a 2 horse trailer (more than likely hauling only one medium-sized horse, no dressing room).I am doing a lot of research right now, and it is just not practical for me to buy a truck (I do have a family to drive around as well). I am considering buying a Nissan Pathfinder with tow package (includes transmission and engine cooler), tow capacity is 6000 lbs. I live in FL and would do local hauling only. I understand that my choices for trailers would be limited to those with empty weight of 2500 lbs or less, but since this will be my first trailer, I am comfortable with that restriction. I'll check the specs on the Pathfinder and list them here in a separate post, because I want to be sure I'm buying the right vehicle!
Posted 2012-09-06 6:57 AM (#146865 - in reply to #146844) Subject: RE: Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
New User
Posts: 4
Dudrider, that is more what I'm talking about. Since I too am not hauling very frequently (once per month maximum) it's very hard to justify buying such a large vehicle. I guess that's the tradeoff but since I'm comfortable with my Trailblazer and it's hauling well, I feel like there has to be some smaller SUV options out there around the same size.
Questions/Opinions needed on the vehicle I'm using to tow.
