Tow vehicles - Event Date: 28 Sep 2017

We purchased our 2013 R177 in March and have a problem with overheating our Chev S10 when towing.  The 2003 S10 has a rated towing capacity of 5,000 pounds so we are bummed that it overheats while towing our Rpod. which weights in at half that.  We think it is height of the pod and wind resistance.  Any thoughts?  We are now faced with selling the pod

From 2003 Trailer Life Magazine, what model do you have?
2003 S-10 and Sonoma
Vehicle, Engine, Tow Limit (lb)
Regular Cab 2.2 I-4 3,100 a,f
Regular Cab 4.3L V-6 3,900 b,c
Regular Cab 4.3L V-6 5,900 a,d
Regular Cab LB 4.3L V-6 3,900 b,c
Regular Cab LB 4.3L V-6 5,900 a,d
Extended Cab 2.2 I-4 2,000 b,f
Extended Cab 2.2 I-4 3,000 a,f
Extended Cab 4.3L V-6 3,800 b,c
Extended Cab 4.3L V-6 5,600 a,d
Extended Cab 4WD 4.3L V-6 4,000 b,d
Extended Cab 4WD 4.3L V-6 5,500 a,d/e
S-10 ZR2 4.3L V-6 4,200 b,e
S-10 ZR2 4.3L V-6 4,700 a,e
Crew Cab 4WD 4.3L V-6 5,200 a,d/e
a=Automatic transmission; b=Manual transmission; c=3.08:1 rear-axle ratio;
d=3.42:1 rear-axle ratio; e=3.73:1 rear-axle ratio; f=4.10:1 rear-axle ratio.

Originally posted by WillyBob We purchased our 2013 R177 in March and have a problem with overheating our Chev S10 when towing.  The 2003 S10 has a rated towing capacity of 5,000 pounds so we are bummed that it overheats while towing our Rpod. which weights in at half that.  We think it is height of the pod and wind resistance.  Any thoughts?  We are now faced with selling the pod

Just to help you make an informed decision about how to resolve your problem.  Your pod likely weighs (the only sure way to know is to weigh it) somewhere around 3100-3200 lbs loaded for camping.

I would guess that the S10 needs some cooling system fixes or improvements to resolve the overheating

The Chev does not have a tow package that I know of.  It is 4wd. We load the truck with most of our camping gear and just the two of us.  We probably add between 200-300 lbs in the pod with cooking, clothing and accessory camping stuff.  I think the height of the pod to the low S10 may add the wind resistance that causes the overheating.  Three years ago the radiator leaked and was replaced.  This summer we removed the thermostat to create more cooling flow, but that didn't help either. ???

Keith, thanks for the response.  Two years ago the radiator was leaking in the S10  and we had it replaced.  This summer when the overheating began, we removed the thermostat but that did not solve the issue.  It took a little longer to overheat, but that is all.