FW Niagara w/03 Trailblazer

[chubss_2000]

Seriously considering purchasing a new 05 Fleetwood Niagara.  We have an 03 Trailblazer EXT 6 cycl.  Based on everything I have read, max trailer we can pull with the Trailblazer is 5400, Niagara GVWR is 3770, I think we are covered.  Looking for input from the more experienced crowd.  Manufacturer's trailer hitch is rated @ 4000lbs WC, 7600 WD.

Any/all input is appreciated.....would definitely be purchasing the sway control and brake control.......what about coolers?  Tranny coolers, etc.

[tlhdoc]

Welcome to PUT.

You should be ok with the TV and trailer combination.  You might need to use a weight distributing hitch.  You will need a brake controller for the electric brakes.  The Tekonsha Prodigy is the controller I recommend.  Good luck with the purchase.

[brainpause]

What Tracy said. So another vote to join the PUT crowd with a Niagara.

Larry

[kimrb266]

We got our 05 Niagara in January.  I pull it with a F-150 (4.6l v-8), tranny cooler/oil cooler. I find this a bit harder to tow over the smaller PU's.  The high-wall trailer has added some effort to our towing.  Consider hill climbing/elevations you will be going to, here in california we have many high mountains to climb, and a heavier PU makes harder.

Remember to consider how much weight in passengers and "stuff" you bring with you.  Tow rating at 5700, trailer 3770(dry) leaves about 2,000lbs.
 
A tow package on the vehicle is a must.

[smarch53]

I have a 1999 coleman Westlake, showere, bathroom, the works, somewhere around 3400 lbs, and I pull it with my 04 Trailblazer. No problem.  As a matter of fact, I'm the salesmanager for a Chevy dealership, and that one of the reasons why I bought the trailblazer was for it towing capacity.  Hope you enjoy for camping

Steve
Tiverton, RI

[nascrfn]

With the I-6 and a 3:42 rear max tow weight is 4800lbs. Most of the Trialblazers have the 3:42's

I tried to get my dealer to install a tranny cooler, so I wouldn't have to worry about any future warranty issues. His reply and I'm not making this up was" GM doesn't recommend a trannsmission cooler for the Trailblazer. And if you put one on it will void your warranty" :eyecrazy: :banghead:  So I went to another dealer they're going to do it for $200 and a letter stating that my warranty is not void.

That being said you should have no problems towing a Niagara with the Trailblazer. Mine pulled my 12' Jayco with no issues at all.

BTW: Now I'm going to pull a Jayfeather 23B with it  :yikes: Flame away

[LCMS pastor]

I have a 98 GMC Jimmy 2 door - same engine/tranny as your trailblazer.

I would note one exception to what is said here.  If you have a lot of climbing to do ( I live at 4300 feet about sea level - and major use c./g is over a 6800 foot pass..... you will go very slowly - but be ok.

Tranny cooler is recommended, as are special rear "pillows" ( I forgot what they are called - which help stiffen the suspension.

If you load the back of your trailblazer up - you will need it, otherwise too much stress on them

- Tis an awesome package, but I am upgrading my truck, as it has 100K on it.

[chip]

I have a 98 GMC Jimmy 2 door - same engine/tranny as your trailblazer.

Actually, they are not the same engine--the Jimmy's is a 4.3L V-6 (190 horsepower, 250 ft-lb torque at 2850 rpm), while the Trailblazer has a 4.2L inline six (275 hp, 275 ft-lb torque).  

Should still pull a Niagara just fine.

[chubss_2000]

Actually I have the 3.73 tranny so max towing is up to 5400, so sounds like I am good........thx