turboman

Anyone use a blazer to tow a car?

I already have a race car and trailer but haven't bought a truck or suv yet.

I prefer to get an SUV so I could use it to sleep in on long drives and camping. I want to get a blazer I think because it's smaller then other suv's.

How well do these hold up? I've seen 90-92 for a few grand. Will it need a million repairs or are they reliable?

krshultz

Assume you're talking about the full size (based on the C/K trucks) Blazer, not the little one. It should make a decent tow vehicle if you're just pulling an open trailer. Make sure it has the towing equipment and I'd also recommend getting one with the 350 and, hopefully, a short rear gear.

You'll also want load levelling bars for the hitch, since a K5 Blazer's wheelbase is a bit on the short side.

Just remember that you get what you pay for. I'd have it checked out.

JoelG

Isn't 90-92 the S10 Blazer? If so, run away.

When it comes to tow vehicles, bigger is ALWAYS better. Long wheelbase is better than short.

I have the evil twin of Karl's Sub -- black instead of white.

Joel

Crack Monkey

With a 6 cylinder, the S10 Blazer can tow ~5000lbs. That gets you a good sized open deck trailer and a small-to-medium sedan.

With the Blazer, the transmission is the weak link (it used to use the 700R4 or the 4L60E - both are lock-up w/ OD, the 4L60E is just a newer, electronic version). It's an expensive trans to rebuild. $1000+ for the 700R4 and $1200+ for the 4L60E (those prices are for an upgraded trans, not stock). The engine is ok, just don't plan to go over many mountains - it'll struggle.

I tow with an '89 Caprice that has a 350 and the 700R4. It is large, but doesn't weigh as much as a full size truck. Since it is lower than a truck, the wind doesn't bother me much, but another 500lbs of tow vehicle would be nice.

Bigger is better, that applies to engine displacement and vehicle weight and wheelbase.

krshultz

There were both, if I'm not mistaken. I think the full size one was called the "Blazer" or sometimes the "K5 Blazer." Was available later as a 2-door Tahoe / Yukon.

turboman

I was thinking of getting a caprice also. The interior is so ugly thought. I know most don't care but I really can't stand to be in a car with ugly interior.

I was thinking the blazer 4x4. It has more weight and I like the way it looks. My car and trailer are about 3000lbs. If I put all the tools and spare tires in the blazer That should weigh it down. Still it does have a short wheel base.

But if it's not strong enough like you say and the transmission is weak then maybe it's not the right choice. I still have a while to wait. My mom is letting me use her truck if I want. F350 crew cab(I think it will work ) I just have to get a better trailer hitch for it. It has a brand new motor also.