Confused on Towing

[DXTAC]

Ok I've read soo many threads on what a 1009 can and can't tow with the pintle vs. a classIII hitch that I don't know what to believe or listen to anymore. I am picking up my first 1009 (since I was on active duty) this Saturday and I was wondering if some people, with 1009 towing experience, can answer a question for me. Can the 1009 tow a 2000lb pop-up camper with myself, my wife, my twin 6 year old boys and a dog? I am currently pulling the same configuration with my 05' Caravan with a 3.3L without issue so I am certainly hoping the 6.2 in the 1009 can handle this.

We drive mainly highway/backroads with rolling hills (no mountains in Illinois). I am looking at buying a pintle/ball combo or I may just go with a new receiver hitch if height becomes a factor (do they make a lowering pintle attachment???). I bought this vehicle as a toy for hauling toys and the family around. From what I remember when I drove one back in 89' is that they were pretty tough and very well maintained by the Army.

I am VERY excited to pick the toy up this weekend and am looking forward to picking some of your brains, gently of course, in the near future. I do know that at least one tie-rod is bad as their is excessive slop and wear on the passenger side front tire. Here are a couple of pics.

Thanks in advance,

Derek

 

[Warthog]

Per the TM 9-2320-289-10 manual, the maximun load for the M1009 is 1200lbs with a 100lb tongue weight.

If over the max, your speed will not exceed 5mph and the gross load will not exceed 10000lbs.

My personal opinion is that a pop up camper should be fine.

What comes into play with other trailers is the stopping. Without the addition of electrical trailer brakes (always a great addition), the 1009 can have issues with stopping a heavier trailer and being "pushed" around.

You might want to add a Class3 reciever hitch because the mounting plate for the 1009 pintle hitch leaves something to be desired

 

[Crazyguypa]

I just got a M1009 from Jeff at FrontLine a little over 2 weeks ago, which is another thread in itself when I get time to take some photos.

However, the truck already had a class III receiver on it and I have a popup trailer (~1800) that I have already pulled with it. I can tell you that I didn't even know it was back there. It didn't slow me down at all even on hills, and pulled like a dream. No problem with stopping either, (no brakes on trailer) although I always give my self plenty of room, because for some reason people can't see my deuce or M1009......... must be the camoflage paint scheme.

 

[armytruck63]

I always give my self plenty of room, because for some reason people can't see my deuce or M1009......... must be the camoflage paint scheme.

Not to hijack the thread, but this is a good reason to drive with your headlights on even in broad daylight

 

[LanceRobson]

Before you do much towing I'd put an aftermarket transmission cooler on it. The THM-400 is a very tough transmission but as in all transmissions heat is it's wost enemy and since these critters didn't come with heavy duty towing packages the stock system leaves much to be desired. It's a PITA to get to the front of the radiator but it beats the heck out of a $1,100-1,400 repair bill.

You will have the option of plumbing the cooler with or without the fluid still running through the radiator. If you choose to get the extra pre-cooling of having it run through the radiator before going to the aftermarket cooler it is easy to determine which line is the one coming from the tranny and which is the return line.

With the engine and tranny cool (so you don't get boiled in hot oil) start the engine and put a hand on the two transmission cooling lines up by where they go into the radiator. Within a few seconds you'll feel the supply line getting warm. LEAVE THAT LINE ALONE! Take the return line coming out of the radiator and cut it to splice in the transmission cooler lines.

A good cooler can be had for less than $100 and is cheap insurance for any transmission but is especially important in a 25 year old and very had to find tranny.

Lance

 

[ONTOS66]

Nice looking CUCV. As others have mentioned, and the TMs state, the M1009 wasn't set up for towing. I've seen, and done it myself, pulling 3/4 ton trailers with the existing hitch. Not the best setup for anything over 1/4 ton trailer. For regular towing I'd go with an upgraded hitch system - it won't be totally issue, but for your convenience and the safety of your family that is my 2 cents.

In any case, enjoy your new toy.

 

[Crash_AF]

The Army's specifications and the real world are two different things. Is the 1009 capable of pulling more than the 1200 lbs in the TM, yes it is. I have flat towed my 1008 with it MANY times as I was getting it put back together. It struggles up hills but I am at ~5500 ft so the altitude is sapping some power. As far as stopping, it stopped the 5900 extra lbs just fine with enough extra distance to be safe.

I have pulled an empty 101 trailer with my 1009 as well and it barely noticed that it was back there. That's 1340 lbs empty but had surge brakes.

According to a 1985 Chevy Blazer brochure, it says that a 'properly equipped' Blazer can have a GCWR of 11k lbs. Subtract the 1009 curb weight of 5200 from that and you get 5800 lbs for trailer, cargo and people. Since the 1009 has the heaviest duty suspension that GM offered for the Blazer, I'd say that it's 'properly equipped'.

In summary, I would think that your 2k lb pop up and reasonable camping gear would be just fine. If you want some insurance on durability, you can install an aux transmission cooler, but the TH400 is a durable transmission in stock form and the GVW of the K5 is nowhere near their capacity.

Later,
Joe

 

[grayw0lf]

If your minivan can tow it...

I used to tow my 3000lb boat/trailer behind my S-10 w/ a 2.5L. You couldn't convince me that a M1009 couldn't do much better!

I totally agree on the tranny cooler though. B&M has some very nice stacked plate design coolers. The stacked plate is much tougher than the older designs.

 

[jrou111]

I've towed my 5500lbs boat behind my M1009 several times. It wasn't happy but it handled it just fine.

Just make sure your braking system is in great shape.

 

[Napoleon_Tanerite]

My M1009 will be pulling my 19' ski boat (2700lbs total boat + trailer) this summer. We'll see how it handles it. I'm thinking the weak link will be the transmission and associated gearing. Not a lot of steep inclines in GA, especially along the routes I intend to take, so that should help. If it blows up, it blows up and I fix it with stronger parts and try again.

 

[Bobbed4x4]

While I have no experience with the 1009 specifically, I do have something of interest to add. Quite some time ago, I was left without a pickup and still had to have a way to get my atv around. I went down to Uhaul and they put a trailer hitch on my 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. The rating of the hitch was 2000 lbs (200 tongue). My midsized (at best) car pulled my trailer and atv beautifully! (about 1300 pounds total weight) I've seen compact pickups with 300 pound tongue/3000 lbs trailer on the BUMPER. I personally having had a few GM pickups wouldn't thing twice about throwing that pop up back there and taking it anywhere. Just my

 

[REGULATOR]

since we are on the subject, I have one of those pintle hooks with the trailer ball that I've yet to install on my M1009, I know others have used them, but looking for any feedback.

I dont plan on really towing much, been thinkign of gettign a smal flat bed trailer for various yard work and maybe a motorcycle or somethign not too large so I;m not worried about the truck handling it.

the ball hitch unit looks pretty solid.



and as far as cars pullign trailers, I used to see that all the time in europe, they are amazed at are fascination with pickup trucks. Ive seen them pulling horsetrailers with a midsized sedan. Of course a lot of there cars are diesels.

 

[DXTAC]

Just wanted to say thanks again for everyones input!!

 

[jrou111]

since we are on the subject, I have one of those pintle hooks with the trailer ball that I've yet to install on my M1009, I know others have used them, but looking for any feedback.

I dont plan on really towing much, been thinkign of gettign a smal flat bed trailer for various yard work and maybe a motorcycle or somethign not too large so I;m not worried about the truck handling it.

the ball hitch unit looks pretty solid.

Go to the hardware store and pick up 4 - 1 3/4"x 1/2" grade 8 bolts, 4 flat washers, 4 lock washers, and 4 grade 8 nuts.

 

[choll]

Here is what I have towed with mine, with pintle stock form a duel axle trailer with a 1999 jeep wrangler. This was from vegas to Moab Ut. No issues just a little slow goving over mountains. My blazer does have a temp gauge in it and temp never went close to the hot mark. This trip was in the month of OCT.
I also towed a custom 2 axle trailer, 26ft long, about 2800lbs empty. I went to Barstow to pick up a M1028. Had a class III hitch put on blazer. Coming over Baker pass it got a little warm but not enough to worry. This pick up was in the Month of Aug outside temp was about 105 degrees or better.
My last big tow was from Seattle to Vegas I had a Uhaul duel axle trailer with two full dresser Harleys in the trailer and some other house hold crap. No issues.
With these tows I took my time 55-60mph lots of stopping distance between cars
I have been towing like this since I bought the Blazer in Sept of 2000.
Chuck

 

[cowboywitek]

same kinda question

I am looking to get an m1009 and would like to haul 2 horses with a bumper pull trailer, I figure that each horse around 1000lbs and an old 2 horse trailer maybe 2-3000lbs.... probably some trailer brakes, then I would like to get a plow on it for the winter... any advice would be great. thanks

 

[91W350]

As a general rule, I would not tow more with a M1009 than it weighs. They are softly sprung compared to your normal tow vehicle. They also nose dive pretty bad when you stand on the brakes, which allows the load to shove the rear tires around fairly easily. I had a 1977 2wd Blazer that I towed my drag car, a mis 60's Nova and my bass boat with. It always did a super job. It was much closer to the ground though. I would have no issues with a 2500 pound load or even towing a 6000 load home in a jam, like a broken M1008 or a recovery. I would not want to make it a practice though.

Do your transmission a favor and shift into low side of the transfer case for backing duties and moving in tight places. The 3.08 gear ratio is pretty steep for moving a load in soft or slow applications. It is normally not an issue towing down the road. They are a fine vehicle and really handy to have. I really enjoy mine.... when it comes to dragging something heavy though, I prefer my old Dodge. A 1991 single rear wheel one ton with a Cummins and 5speed.

My little brother would not listen and insisted upon using his Toyota to tow a Bobcat and trailer. I tried to talk him into just taking my Dodge, but he is an independent sort and worth a lot more money than I am. To make a long story short, the load pushed the tail of his truck out of shape and they all took a tumble in the ditch. Luckily the only thing seriously damaged was pride and mechanical items. His Toyota was an extended cab four wheel drive.

In my past I have towed many things that I should not have and got away with it. I was towing a load of wood with my LandCruiser and had to make a panic stop. I escaped without serious damage to anything, but being spun around in the roadway and pulled down into the ditch backwards and out of control was an ugly feeling I will not soon forget. Thankfully, the elderly gentleman that rolled out in front of me was missed. Glen

 

[cowboywitek]

thanks that helps alot...

 

[91W350]

As a general rule, I would not tow more with a M1009 than it weighs. They are softly sprung compared to your normal tow vehicle. They also nose dive pretty bad when you stand on the brakes, which allows the load to shove the rear tires around fairly easily. I had a 1977 2wd Blazer that I towed my drag car, a mis 60's Nova and my bass boat with. It always did a super job. It was much closer to the ground though. I would have no issues with a 2500 pound load or even towing a 6000 load home in a jam, like a broken M1008 or a recovery. I would not want to make it a practice though.

Do your transmission a favor and shift into low side of the transfer case for backing duties and moving in tight places. The 3.08 gear ratio is pretty steep for moving a load in soft or slow applications. It is normally not an issue towing down the road. They are a fine vehicle and really handy to have. I really enjoy mine.... when it comes to dragging something heavy though, I prefer my old Dodge. A 1991 single rear wheel one ton with a Cummins and 5speed.

My little brother would not listen and insisted upon using his Toyota to tow a Bobcat and trailer. I tried to talk him into just taking my Dodge, but he is an independent sort and worth a lot more money than I am. To make a long story short, the load pushed the tail of his truck out of shape and they all took a tumble in the ditch. Luckily the only thing seriously damaged was pride and mechanical items. His Toyota was an extended cab four wheel drive.

In my past I have towed many things that I should not have and got away with it. I was towing a load of wood with my LandCruiser and had to make a panic stop. I escaped without serious damage to anything, but being spun around in the roadway and pulled down into the ditch backwards and out of control was an ugly feeling I will not soon forget. Thankfully, the elderly gentleman that rolled out in front of me was missed. Glen

 

[AJMBLAZER]

The rated tow capacity for my '89 K5 Blazer with the Z82 towing package (Class III hitch, wiring for trailer brake controller, heavy suspension, trans cooler, bigger radiator, big rear brakes, etc) and 3.73 gears with 29" tires (so set up to be a tug boat) is 3500lbs.

I wouldn't tow more than that over long distances. Especially not anything too long as you'll end up with the load "wagging the dog".