Towing with my 00 Expy?

[timotaio]

I just bought a 2000 expy 5.4 EB, I have about a 4000lb boat with no trailer brakes, I was previously towing with a 2000 silverado 1500 and it fried three sets of rotors, Can my new Expy's brakes handle and extra 4000lbs while stopping?Also it has a tow package on it. But I dont see the tranny cooler, maybe it doesnt have one?

Thanks for any insight I think trailer brakes will be cheaper than new rotors. : )

 

[pronstar]

If it has the tow package, it should have a tranny cooler as well. Look near the radiator. But IMHO the factory tranny cooler is crappy. A lot of guys, myseld included, have added an additional tranny cooler.

Your brakes will take a beating, they aren't your truck's strong suit. I'd run them until they warped, then put a good set of pads and aftermarket front rotors on there.

I run Hawk HPS pads (about $70 or so) and plain Brembo rotors (about $60 each from the Tire Rack). I've got a supercharger and I tow a 7,000 lb. boat/trailer (with brakes) so I'm pretty hard on my brakes.

But others have had good results with other pad/rotor combos as well. But everyone hates the factory pads/rotors and they are pricey.

The rear brakes don't really give too many folks too much trouble.

 

[timotaio]

Maybe I will spend the $500 and put brakes on my trailer. : (

 

[pronstar]

Originally posted by timotaio
Maybe I will spend the $500 and put brakes on my trailer. : (

I'd want brakes for sure on a trailer that weighs 4,000 lb.

Wouldn't really want to tow 2 tons without brakes (what if you have to stop quickly?), but that's just me.

 

[mustangrfast88]

i would get brakes put on the trailer

 

[JUST4FUN]

Washington 360-705-7000 www.wsdot.wa.gov Required on all trailers on all wheels. Under 3000 lbs not required unless trailer exceeds 40% of the towing vehicle gross weight

so its aginst the law to tow this trailer on the road with no brakes
so you need to get the brakes in working condition

 

[JUST4FUN]

it might be cheaper to buy a new axel from dexter axel
with the brakes on it

 

[timotaio]

Thanks, I'll look into to it, I definitley don't have extra money laying around.

 

[pronstar]

Originally posted by timotaio
Thanks, I'll look into to it, I definitley don't have extra money laying around.

I think we can all relate to that.

One thing to think about is "what's your safety worth".

Plus, if you happen to rear-end someone and it's determined that you aren't in compliance with the law, you could personally be sued. Heaven forbid that this would happen, but there's always that "what if" scenario.

Good luck.

 

[Capri331]

Do you have the owners manual? I believe I checked mine and it stated that our 2000 with a 4.6, 16" wheels and 3.55 gears could handle 5500#

I can verify that if you want me to.

 

[timotaio]

My manual says the combined weight rating is 12,500# with my stock 17" wheels and a 3.55 gear ratio, Im not sure of my gear ratio.I know I will have no problem pulling it Im just concerned that the extra 4000lbs pushing forward when i stop will heat up my rotors and warp them. anyone know what size rotors are on these? 12" 14"?

 

[AvroAero]

A 2000 with a 4.6 can tow 5500lbs braked. I tow my sled trailer thats about 3000lbs loaded and its braked. Its a heavy duty custom trailer.