Towing with 1980's Caprice

[Mark42]

Can anyone here tell me the towing capacity of the 1980-1990 Chevrolet Caprice w/v8? (or similar Pontiac and Buick 4 dr sedans of that era)<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Mark

 

[Realgun]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

I would guess about 4000Lbs as long as it has an auto tranny and a V-8. It is a fully framed vehicle like a truck. Make sure you are in drive and not overdrive. Be sure to add a tranny cooler.<br /><br />My Dad pulled our 21ft trailer from NY to NM about 2000 miles with a 69 chevelle. This was back in 71 and we had the car for 5 years after that. We never had a problem with that car.

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

My dad-in-law tows his old 18' Chrysler Trihull with Mercruiser 120 with a ~1990 Caprice- in mountains up till last year. That hitch looks a bit light, but no problems yet. The receiver bar is small but solid bar stock. <br /><br />In addition to a trans cooler I'd use a synthetic trans fluid which survives the heat better. And Realgun is also correct about not using OD.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

I have had 1989 and 1996 caprice classics. <br />4300 pound car built with the same frame on body construction since the 70's.<br />5.7liter v-8 210 hp tbi injected. 1989-1993 <br />5.7liter v-8 260 hp SPFI injected. 1994-1996<br />towed with both 17 ft starcraft superfisherman.<br />No problems at all with police package and class III hitch.<br />Towed My 19 foot blue water for one season with the 1996. big heavy boat. <br />Towed as well as my 1999suburban as far as stopping power. Posi rear end helped at the ramp. I have never had a problem with Acceleration under tow. <br />Much better than the suburban in Fuel economy when not towing.<br />If you are looking for a used one make sure it has the 9C1 police package. Huge by large brakes<br />2 tranny coolers oil cooler power steering cooler stiff springs. I could go on, these cars are way over built. <br />Good luck.

 

[jetboater]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

try trailer boats magazine's web-site--someone there may have info--they're usually a wealth of info<br />www.trailerboats.com

 

[jetboater]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

I did a quick check of the database on Trailer Boats website--they go back to 1991. They list the towing capacity of a '91 Caprice as 5000lbs with a 600lbs max tongue weight.<br />hope that helps

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Thanks for all the responses. I decided that at this time to put a hitch on my Lincoln and save the cost of maintaining and insuring another car.<br /><br />Mark.

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Oh hell no! After all of these responses you are required to purchase the cursed vehicle and use it until the glass flows out of the door frames. Please..... no one takes this board seriously enough as it is. Lets be human about this folks. Not to be confused with aliens..... <br /><br />Remember Mark42... See the USA in your CHEVROLET.... not Lincoln.

 

[Realgun]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Mark42 I love the Lincoln! Go Ford may Chevy act like the rock the are and stay off the road.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

FYI, my last car was a Camaro, but wanted something a little heaver, so I got the Lincoln. That car has been a dream to own. It is actually faster 0-60 than my Camaro was. Also have a 97 Mountianeer. That thing is a wonderful vehicle. A truck frame with independant front torsion bar suspension and AWD. When towing the boat, you hardly know it's there. But the Mountianeer is my wifes car and sometimes I will be going out when she needs her car. So I am resigned to adding the tow hitch to my Lincoln. At 4000lbs, the Lincoln should tow it OK. And it does have air bag rear suspension, so it will be level. Anyone else tow with a Town Car?

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Mark42 has obviously gone over to the dark side. Is there anyone out there with the "remedy"? We must bring him back....

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Gil, <br /><br />I am still planning to buy an El Camino to restore some day, does that count? I like the last model run.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

What year towncar?

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Hi Ryan,<br /><br />Check out this post for answers:<br /><br /> Town Car Towing post

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Well ole Mark42.... I suppose since you are somewhat repentant.... we will spare you an additional brain probe. However be aware that "they" are watching you closely.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Should I keep an eye on the sky?

 

[Stumpknocker]

Re: Towing with 1980's Caprice

Of course not! Just urban legends my friend.<br /><br />If you want the real skinny on who "they" take their orders from...<br /><br /> http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/Icebreaker9/Octopus.jpg