Prep for towing

[tstol]

Good evening everyone. I have a 2003 GMC Safari AWD with a hitch. Lifted 2" with BFGs (don't know if that matters). I'm looking to make my van into a "motorcycle van" where I road trip towing a bike. I have a 500# bike and will likely get a 500# trailer. There is already a hitch on the van. I don't know if it's a factory hitch, but it doesn't look like there's a towing package.

What would be your recommendations for preparing the van to tow? Any and all recommendations would be helpful (transmission, brakes, etc...anything you can think of.)

TIA,

Tad

[markmitch]

transmission cooler would be my first update. If your have not done it yet drop the transmission oil pan and change the filter then replace gasket and reinstall the pan and top it off.

[sixsix]

There is already a hitch on the van. I don't know if it's a factory hitch, but it doesn't look like there's a towing package. ...

Have you checked for a 4 or 7 wire / wiring harness set stowed in the jack /tools area?

[zzimmer3]

You trailer setup will be easy peasy towing for your van. I've pulled alot more weight for years with no issues. I installed a tranny cooler, rear sway bar, and a brake controller (I don't think you'll need that at 1000#s). For trailer lights there is a bundle of wires neatly tucked in your jack storage area . Your van will pull 1000#s with ease.

[tstol]

transmission cooler would be my first update. If your have not done it yet drop the transmission oil pan and change the filter then replace gasket and reinstall the pan and top it off.

This may seem like an odd question, but is there a recommended transmission cooler?

[tstol]

transmission cooler would be my first update. If your have not done it yet drop the transmission oil pan and change the filter then replace gasket and reinstall the pan and top it off.

Do you have a recommended cooler?

[tstol]

Have you checked for a 4 or 7 wire / wiring harness set stowed in the jack /tools area?[/quote]

I will check today!

[tstol]

You trailer setup will be easy peasy towing for your van. I've pulled alot more weight for years with no issues. I installed a tranny cooler, rear sway bar, and a brake controller (I don't think you'll need that at 1000#s). For trailer lights there is a bundle of wires neatly tucked in your jack storage area . Your van will pull 1000#s with ease.

Thanks!

[markmitch]

well I have used a few types and honestly I have always been fine with either type.
This is what I have on my big ford towing vehicle : https://www.summitracing.com/parts/der- ... ioQAvD_BwE

[tungtide]

I tow a Carolina skiff. Have towed it from Kentucky to Florida. Never had a problem. My van is stock. Never actually weighed the boat but guess it at around 2 K

[Mmusicman]

I tow a motorcycle from Florida to Tenn/NC several times every year.
Actually, you don't really need to do anything... 1000lbs is nothing!
The van is already equipped with a trans cooler built in the radiator...
perfectly capable of light-weight towing.
But even a small external cooler is always a nice upgrade... AND WELL WORTH IT!
Longer transmission life is ALWAYS a good thing!

They are cheap and easy to install... here's mine on my 2000..
(I sometimes tow over 5000+lbs)

I've made many trips with mine...

PS: I have AAA Premium towing with motorcycle/trailer coverage.
Always carry spare trailer tires!

[Bossman]

Unless it has been done recently, it would be a good idea to service the rear axle ie: drain & refill
the differential. Fresh lube = happy diff when towing.

Mike

[Mmusicman]

Unless it has been done recently, it would be a good idea to service the rear axle ie: drain & refill
the differential. Fresh lube = happy diff when towing.

Probably good advice to do ALL regular maintenance.
But don't tell my 92... it has 300K+ on stock rear... never been opened.

[DriveDog]

Yep, will be easy. I pull 5,000 lbs, and wouldn't ask an Astro/Safari for more, but so much less will be no problem. I changed the factory rear shocks for KYB Gas-A-Just so it wouldn't bounce over bridges and RR tracks, and that was a great improvement. Also, with the 2003 and later you get nicely sized brakes (rear discs).

[tstol]

Unless it has been done recently, it would be a good idea to service the rear axle ie: drain & refill
the differential. Fresh lube = happy diff when towing.

Mike

Thanks Mike. I swear my mechanic said there wasn't a drain plug. So do you remove the plate? Sorry for the noob questions.

[sixsix]

... So do you remove the plate?

...More like a bowl.

We call it a Cover - and you drain the RR Diff. by pulling the bolts and making a mess.
So... putting the cover and gasket back on correctly/rt. fill plug orient. is key - that is your 'fill gage'.

Those garages have the Best Toys for dealing w/ icky stuff.

[Bossman]

Yes remove the cover. 10 bolts and one bolt will be a little longer than the rest because it holds brake line brackets at the top of the cover.
Before removing any bolts and draining the oil, it is very important to remove the fill plug FIRST. They get stuck in there over time
and I had to use an impact wrench to get mine out the first time. Apply teflon pipe tape to the threads when re-installing it.
I use a foil pan I stole from the pantry to drain it into. Dump that into my drain oil recycle bucket and throw the foil pan away. Mine took almost two quarts to refill. Basic, fairly easy job.

Mike

[Mmusicman]

Here's what it looks like when your submerged leaking axle-seal floods it with water!
Believe it or not, (after several flushes) I saved this rear and it's still good to this day!

Yes, the fluid is supposed to be dark honey colored (or typically dark brown/black)... lol

[tstol]

That's crazy! What fluid do you recommend using?

[Bossman]

I use synthetic 75w-90 gear lube. I think Walmart has the best deal: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-F ... /309470123

Mike