Towing a M38a1 with a M1009...

[linx310]

I won a M1009 off of govliq a few weeks ago because i wanted a vehicle to tow my M38A1 and store my equipment for gun shoots and camping trips.

The M1008 series was better equipped for towing but I wanted to do highway speeds while commuting and liked the decent mileage the M1009 got. I also wanted more seating capacity. So I went with the M1009 instead.

Since the stock M1009 isn't the best towing vehicle in the world there are a few upgrades I am going to do.

My mission requirements:

Tow a M38a1 4-6 times a year 50-250 miles at 55-60 mph. The M38a1 weighs about 2,670 lbs with no crew.

To accomplish this I plan to do the following:

1. Install a good transmission cooler to augment the stock system.
2. Install a Class 3 trailer hitch.
3. Use a tandem axle trailer setup that has electric breaks.
4. Install a break controller.

I am planning on purchasing a 16 foot trailer that will have 2 axles and electric breaks. Most setups this size weight 1,500-1,800 lbs.

So I am looking at a total towing weight of around 4500 lbs. The civilian towing capabilities listed by GM are around 5,000 lbs.

I think with the above setup even with the 3.08 axles It would be ok if I drive smart.

What do you guys think? Should I get a trailer with a anti sway bar?

 

[Recovry4x4]

I'm going out on a limb here but if I were forced to tow the M38A1 with the M1009, I'd do it with a towbar. The short wheelbase of the blazer just doesn't bode well with towing. The 400 turbo can handle much abuse, especially after adding a second cooler but don't expect miracles out of the 6.2 when lugging it like the 3.08 gears will do. I'd at least step up to a 3.42 gear. What do you consider highway speed? The M1008 would have been a much better vehicle for the job, a cheap topper could have been added to secure stuff and I consider 55 ( a speed the oh-8 can handle) highway speed. Can you do what you are asking? Probably. I think the Oh-9 would have been a real distant second choice over the Oh-8.