Inliners International Forums General Discussion Vortec 4200 towing capacity of 4200 powered suv?

I am thinking about buying a Trailblazer with a 4200 cc I6 engine to tow my 3,400 lb 40 Chevy Coupe to the drag races I use a two axle open trailer that weighs about 1,800 lbs. Roads vary from high speed freeways to 2 lane roads with a few moderate hills. Total trip length is about 150 miles.

Would the Trailblazer be a good tow vehicle for me or should I look for a V8 powered SUV or pickup??

I don't know 100% but from what I have heard they don't tow loads all that well. And not going to beat a V8 for towing.
This is just my 2cents.

I've owned an 04 Trailblazer since June of 2005. The towing I've done with it, I think it's done fine. I've used it to move twice with an 18' flatbed trailer. I've also hauled trailer loads of straw, dirt gravel, siding, and a trailer full of girl scouts.

I previously owned a Ram with a 4.7 V8. Hands down, the Trailblazer was the better tow vehicle. It stopped better, towed better, rode better. The Trailblazer is narrower, so seeing everything with wider loads could be an issue.

I currently have an F150 with a 3V 4.6. I will say that is tows better than the Trailblazer, but it has the 6L80 transmission, which makes a world of difference. The 4L60 in the TB, never shifted into OD, no matter if you were empty or loaded. I think it has something to do with the torque management in the PCM.

Most Trailblazers/ Envoys, whatever are rated for 5000-6000 lbs towing capacity, Which is about what a 1/2 ton truck of the era was rated for.

Here's my opinion, a 2WD Trailblazer with a 3.73 or 4.10 would have no issue doing what you want it to. Mine is a 4wd with 3.42 gears, so I wouldn't want to tow anything that far unless it was open highway. I don't drive my TB anymore, the frontend is basically shot, it's a scary ride, especially when wet out. I still use it to move my trailer around the property. I can thread that trailer through quite a narrow gap, which my truck has trouble doing.