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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki XL-7 (Gen. 1 Platform) 2001-2006 => Topic started by: trackinstile on May 23, 2010, 01:55:41 PM

Title: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on May 23, 2010, 01:55:41 PM
Hey there, I did a search and couldn't find anything. Does anyone know how much a stock 2001 XL-7 can tow, we're thinking about getting a pop up.  I've read 3000 lbs, has anybody here done it? How does it handle the weight? How did the 4 speed auto hold up? Any thoughts or suggestions would be great!!! Thanks, Dave
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: mike5721947 on May 23, 2010, 10:04:18 PM
hidden hitch p/n 87005 is the hitch, its rated at 3500 weight carrying, probly can do 4000 with a weight distributing hitch.
best to throw a tranny cooler in to the truck if your going to be towing with it up in that range.
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on May 24, 2010, 01:12:31 PM
Ok, thanks for that.  I thought I read here somewhere that someone had  to tow in 3rd gear, so they wouldn't burn up the trans mission, Has anybody hear installed a trans cooler, there are some out there that are for a number of different applications, thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: mike5721947 on May 31, 2010, 08:01:52 PM
its always a good idea when towing to not use overdrive. allow the motor to rev higher while pulling puts less stress on the transmission.

several shops that do hitch installation also do tranny coolers, or get an automotive shop to install one for you. either way get the tranny fluid changed or atleast topped up after the install as contaminants can get it or even worse the added capacity of the cooler takes more fluid then the tranny did before.

the shop i work for does alot of brake control and tranny cooler installs and most of the time its a 3/8" line that you tap into for the cooler and its simple to tie it in.
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on June 01, 2010, 05:53:56 AM
Cool, thanks for the info.  I'm not too sure where I would mount it, it's tight up in front of the radiator. But you definitely think I would have to mount one though right?
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: mike5721947 on June 01, 2010, 06:15:10 AM
it would be a good idea to do so. less stress for it.

ive installed them on anything from jettas to honda odysseys. there should be some room up front of the rad as there needs to be some room for crash protection before taking out the rad. all you need is an inch or 2
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on June 01, 2010, 07:09:36 AM
Ok, thanks, I"m going to go look later. Do you think that with the trans cooler I could let it run in 4th gear as long as it's level? Or even still with the trans cooler hold it in third? Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to burn the tranny up on our main family wagon
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: Jeff@TireBalls on June 30, 2010, 06:09:29 PM
Ok, thanks, I"m going to go look later. Do you think that with the trans cooler I could let it run in 4th gear as long as it's level? Or even still with the trans cooler hold it in third? Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to burn the tranny up on our main family wagon

No, you want to leave the overdrive off reguardless if you have a cooler or not.
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on June 30, 2010, 06:59:36 PM
I'm thinking of using something else as a tow vehicle.  It'll be tacking pretty high stuck in third on the highway
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: Jeff@TireBalls on July 03, 2010, 09:53:46 AM
I'm thinking of using something else as a tow vehicle.  It'll be tacking pretty high stuck in third on the highway


It will not hurt the engine at all running in 3rd, I've done it many times including a recent 5 hour trip towing a Suzuki Swift. Just keep it around 65-70mph.

(http://cdalejef.smugmug.com/Trucks/Grand-Vitara/-/376990608_Q9J8v-M.jpg)
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: trackinstile on July 03, 2010, 07:00:28 PM
How much was it tacking at 65 mph?
Title: Re: Towing a camper with a stock XL-7
Post by: Jeff@TireBalls on July 03, 2010, 07:11:55 PM
How much was it tacking at 65 mph?

I don't recall exactly but I know it was under 4k. My next purcase will be a 8' or 10' pupup camper, I went and looked at some today. They are around 1600lbs.