What factors Determine Tow Rating

Dan Fahey · 09-04-2018, 01:55 PM

Been studying quite a lot about towing.
Next project adding more gear and tow specific designed converter..
The Caprice wagon currently uses 3.08 gears, had 2.56s before.
Typically run in Drive on hilly terrain on flatter grades in OD.

Mountains with sustained 7 percent grades.
Such as going north on Rt 15 PA / RT 99 NY
The engine is floored but able to hold 70mph, 3000/3200 rpm.

Driving west from Keystone in Pennsylvania (Rt 22/Rt 99) the grades were a lot steeper.
Managed to get over the Rt 22 grades at 35 mph in second gear.
Wow the engine and trans were hot.

Installing 3.73s to ease the westward and northern routes over the Appalachian Mountains.
Found a Hughes Towing Converter designed for towing .
Plus takes 7 quarts of Trans fluid and helps reduce trans temperature.

Eastward away from the Mountain/Hills in Maryland 3.08's are fine.
Also have a set of 4.10's, but think the 3.73's are fine for 27/28 inch tire.

Dan

09-04-2018, 01:55 PM	#22
Dan Fahey VIP Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2,128 Likes: 1,084 Liked 184 Times in 113 Posts	Re: What factors Determine Tow Rating Been studying quite a lot about towing. Next project adding more gear and tow specific designed converter.. The Caprice wagon currently uses 3.08 gears, had 2.56s before. Typically run in Drive on hilly terrain on flatter grades in OD. Mountains with sustained 7 percent grades. Such as going north on Rt 15 PA / RT 99 NY The engine is floored but able to hold 70mph, 3000/3200 rpm. Driving west from Keystone in Pennsylvania (Rt 22/Rt 99) the grades were a lot steeper. Managed to get over the Rt 22 grades at 35 mph in second gear. Wow the engine and trans were hot. Installing 3.73s to ease the westward and northern routes over the Appalachian Mountains. Found a Hughes Towing Converter designed for towing . Plus takes 7 quarts of Trans fluid and helps reduce trans temperature. Eastward away from the Mountain/Hills in Maryland 3.08's are fine. Also have a set of 4.10's, but think the 3.73's are fine for 27/28 inch tire. Dan