Well, it was about time to tow the 1985 Monte Carlo to the new house location. Fearfull of the 3850lb. tow rating, I was leary to get the U-haul trailer (1600lbs) and tie down the monte (3350). However, due to certain time constraints, I made the decision to attempt the tow. Here are the facts:

2006 ST 3.7L
6-speed manual transmission
Mopar Hitch
K&N Filter
4500 ft. elevation
70 mile trip on a highway with a bunch of hills
averaged 65 mph and never had to down shift to 4th gear to make it up a hill
Stopped just fine (with trailer brakes...of course)
Acceleration was not bad either (mostly 75% throttle, for stop light take offs)

Comments?

 

Nice! That's what I like to hear. The 6 speed ratios are nice and close, you always have the gear you need. I assume you didn't touch 6th, just left it in 5?

Also did you use a brake controller?

 

with an auto, I'd say you would have some issues, but with the 6-speed? that is what it should do. nice work.

 

I saw about 50% of the time in 5th, and the other 50% in 6th, to be honest.

Lets see the Tacoma do that!...hehe....

 

Then you'll not want to hear this.

Dak ST auto Quad 4x4 3.7L did just fine with a 2700 lb U-Haul trailer (dual axle drive on) with another 2500 lbs of car on top of that. Baltimore to Summit Point, WV. Didn't want to stay in overdrive going uphill. Other than that, no problems.

I happened by looking for the tow capacities for the 3.7L engine. I thought the book said 3500 on mine but 3850 is close enough. What is the highest that a 3.7L (by the book) do?

 

we're forgetting one thing....rear gear ratio?

I towed 4500lbs w/ the auto 3.7 w/ 3.21's and 3.92's and it was a world of difference.

 

ive towed many of overrated loads with my trucks from cars to boats. she does fine! sure there are better things to do it with for sure but i dont have anything else. and the trans is fine at 98,000 miles

 

Wow old thread But I never miss a chance to talk up the 6 speed trans.

Stick shifts only came from the factory with 3.21's or 3.55's...but my truck (3.21's) pulling in 4th gives the same mechanical advantage as someone with 3.92's with OD off.

I think they are underrated, and probably to prevent clutch damage.

 

I have an 05 3.7 auto and I tow a 24' camper that weighs about 3,500 and I do just fine with me and the family and our stuff. I do leave it in tow/haul. and at 60 mph the rpm's are at 2000. or just a little above. Just out of curiosity, what are the stock gears for my truck and how much would it be to upgrade? And, would I notice a big diff. when I'm towing and when I am not towing? Thanks for any info.

 

you most likely have the 3.55 and from what i know we can only go to a 3.92 if you have 4wd due to a reverse rotation or something in the front.or you get a custom job to go get higher i believe. but 2wd guys have alot of options since your only swapping the rear