Trailering to Tahoe

[BeerRanger]

99' Chevy 1500 4.8L V8 Rebuilt transmission in 2008. 99' Four Winns Horizon 200. Total 4300lbs tow load (1,000 lb trailer, 3000 lb boat, 30 gals Gas.)

Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe. Anyone with similar equipment and insight?

Truck runs great, but not sure its enough to get over the hill.

If I get there any insight on launches and reasonable mooring or docking for overnight? El Dorado Beach boat Ramp for cheap launch & retrieve?

Cheers.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

I went to South Lake Tahoe 10 years in a row skiing, however only once during warm weather. It's a glorious place anytime of the year.

My daughter had a Tahoe with a 4.8 liter V8. It should get you there, but in good time. The 5.3 liter engine is much more preferable, and it actually gets much better fuel mileage. You have to keep your foot on the floor all the time to get somewhere with a 4.8.

If you're satisfied your truck will do the job, you should consider putting a secondary transmission cooler if you're going to be pulling any more mountains. Heat on long mountain passes (like the other side of Vacaville) will simply cook your transmission. Coolers are just over $100, and are easy to install.

 

[pscrabber59]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

I'v driven from San Francisco to Tahoe and back so many times during the 80's-90's but not with more than a 16' boat. You should be fine going over the summit but you might want to take it easy going down the hill heading into SLT. There are some tight turns as i recall.

Gd. Luck

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

If your tahoe has a 4.8L it's not a 99. 99 was still classic body style offering either 5.0 or 5.7. 2000 and newer (more rounded style) has the 4.8/5.3. Most people will never really notice the difference between the bigger and smaller new engines. I've had a 98 Tahoe with 5.7 and we had a 2004 with the 4.8 and the newer 4.8 has more power hands down.

Transmission oil cooler is a big must have for them. Check trailer brakes (that's a decently heavy load for a Tahoe- it'll do fine but it's getting there).

Should do just fine. I pulled a friends 25 Boston Whaler with my Tahoe and while I had air shocks to compensate for the tongue weight, I still had complete comfortable control at 70 mph.

 

[BeerRanger]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Thanks for the replies. Its a Silverado towing a boat to Tahoe. Not a Tahoe towing to Silverado

Sounds like the capability is there, just maybe slow going. I'm going to see about installing a cooler.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Ah......yeah I don't often get accused for being observant to obvious things....lol

I operate a car dealership and formerly sold at a Chevy dealer for 7 years- your truck will get the job done, but 3.73 gears would probably be ideal. Trans oil cooler is ideal because, as stated, you'll cook your trans without it. The biggest enemy of transmissions is heat and it sounds like you'll be making a ton of it.

 

[Tahorover]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Leave early in the morning when it is cool and the traffic is light. Make sure your brakes on the truck and trailer are up to the job. Trailer wheel bearings should be looked at as well.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

I have a 99 Silverado. I tow a 24' boat with the 5.3 up to Tahoe with a 3.73 rear end. You should be ok since you are much lighter than I am.

If your truck was bought with a trailering package, probably no need for a tranny cooler.

 

[BeerRanger]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

4.10 rear end. No tow package when purchased. Going to install a tranny cooler tomorrow, the biggest one I think I can fit in there. Also picked up a Scangauge for all sorts of geeky data in addition to Transmission Oil Temp. Thanks for the help guys, I am way more studied on this subject than I was a few days ago. If the cooler goes in easy enough I may embark on repacking the trailer bearings as well.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Is it aftermarket gears? 4.10 wasn't available in a 1/2 ton.

 

[BeerRanger]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

The RPO codes in the glove box list GT5, which my searches came up with 4.10. It is a Single Cab, Long bed, 4x4.

 

[BeerRanger]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Well I owe you all a round, but Tahorover gets dinner too.

As I was studying up on repacking the bearings it occurred to me that I don't even know how to tell if the drum surge brakes are working as this is my first boat. Went out back to check the brake fluid reservoir and found it completely dry and bottom lined with rusty red crud.

So I am assuming that just about everything needs to be replaced. If the reservoir is rusted I bet the lines and cylinders are too. Will be calling a shop for a quote on this in the morning, then to assess whether this is another first DIY for me.

Either way the trip to Tahoe next week will likely not be with boat in tow.

 

[Ciera2450]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Don't give up!
You easily have the ability to tow the boat.
Ensure truck and trailer brakes are good to go.
Repack/replace trailer wheel bearings...
I don't see why you can't do it...

Not that it is safe or advised, but I had a not so responsible buddy haul a 28' cabin cruiser from illinois to florida with a dodge dakota. No working brakes on the trailer either. He made it safely.....i'm sure the dakota was worn out! lol

 

[2300max]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Don't give up!
You easily have the ability to tow the boat.
Ensure truck and trailer brakes are good to go.
Repack/replace trailer wheel bearings...
I don't see why you can't do it...

Not that it is safe or advised, but I had a not so responsible buddy haul a 28' cabin cruiser from illinois to florida with a dodge dakota. No working brakes on the trailer either. He made it safely.....i'm sure the dakota was worn out! lol

Wow! Dont' mean to high jack the thread but he was way lucky towing that boat! If you have to do the brakes it's a DIY situation if you have the time and basic auto skills.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Is it aftermarket gears? 4.10 wasn't available in a 1/2 ton.

I think it was? I know the Tahoe (below) I use to tow has the factory tow package but the lesser of the 2 gear options and I think they are 3:73 unless 3:42 was available with a 4x4 at the time

 

[BeerRanger]

Re: Trailering to Tahoe

Don't give up!
You easily have the ability to tow the boat.
Ensure truck and trailer brakes are good to go.
Repack/replace trailer wheel bearings...
I don't see why you can't do it...

Not giving up on taking the boat to Tahoe, just don't see it happening when we go next Friday. My job is supposed to have me out of town until next Wednesday, however jury duty and so far only having to check the website each day has borrowed me some time. But still onlyabout 2 days available before the trip.