Trailer Towing with the 1993 Olds Bravada?

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

I have a 1993 Olds Bravada that is in relatively good shape, and in excellent mechanical shape.

I have the Z82 trailering package, which includes 3.73 gearing, aux oil cooler, aux tranny cooler (so says my GM engineer dad; I've not found it except for the one in front of the radiator), etc.

It's rated to 5250 lbs total weight. Subtracting passengers and cargo (including water in a travel trailer), I figure I could realistically tow a 3500lb trailer with the proper hitch and stabilizing equipment.

I do know that I cannot tell that our boat and its trailer, which weighs in at about 1/2 ton, is even on when pulling it, and I just pulled a neighbor out of the ditch in this snow the other day. I thought the tow strap had let go but I looked back and he was out. I just didn't feel it.

This is probably the most powerful vehicle I've owned, besides by suped CJ5 that kept blowing rear axles. It's now gone.

At any rate, I know it's got the power and it's got the breaks. Anything over a ton would be outfitted with trailer brakes of course.

However, I've read some disturbing things about this transmission - that it's not up to the task of recreational trailering. How true is this? I'm working on the beast to get it ready for summer while driving it, and I'd like to know what I can realistically expect from it.

At this point in my life I don't foresee myself making any trips longer than 25 miles or so with a trailer, save for perhaps the occasional 50 mile trip to see my grandfather.

Any help?

Thanks,

Josh <><

[ericn1300]

Check the stampings on your hitch for tow capacity, probably 350 Lbs tounge weight, 3,500 max. Trailer balance is everything when it comes to handling while towing, pay attention to how heavy your toys are and how you place them in the trailed vehicle, keep the balance right.

I asked my tranny guy the same questions about the tranny. He said GM put the same tranny in higher rated vehicles with no problems. Just pull it out of overdrive and run in third gear when pulling a long grade and he suggests putting in a Ford torque converter to eliminate the lock up for more power, but that's only cost effective if you already have the tranny out for some other reason. You can also get the shift points tweaked like he did for me or even get some electronic shift componets added to improve preformance but it gets kinda pricey. You should be fine with stock, just maintain it.