That Chevy Trailblazer might be overdoing it. Take a close look at this photo taken on a highway in Kansas – can you see the insanity?
For those of you who complained about the new Chevy Trailblazer not being a truck-based SUV like the old one, we have this photo to point out just how strong that old SUV was. Sure, it comes at the cost of public/highway safety and common sense, but that little truck sure can pull!
Here’s the thing… even IF this (we think about 2004) Chevy Trailblazer was the 2WD model with the optional 5.3-liter V8, it maxes out at about 7,000 lbs towing with a max tong weight of 700 lbs. It is safe to say, this unusual setup surpasses those numbers. That’s only part of the issue…
Oh, where to start?
First of all, it looks like the trailer was built for smaller vehicles. Maybe it’s just us, but that 38-foot RV doesn’t quite fit. It looks like someone chained the RV’s front axe to the center of the trailer. That means, all of the force of dragging the massive RV is entirely reliant on the chains clinging to the poor trailer. Keep in mind: there’s tons of weight in the back – hence tandem rear axles. That’s a lot of drag, on top of the weight – which is estimated at about 40,000 – 50,000 lbs.
How the heck do you stop all of this?
Even if there is a trailer-brake controller setup for the Chevy Trailbazer, (which we doubt) this setup would be adequate for an additional 5,000-lbs on the trailer. Not 40,000-lbs. In an emergency situation, or simply dealing with traffic, those brakes would cook in no time. If the driver had to slam on their brakes at 60 mph, if the chains snapped, where’s that RV heading?
We think this is a early 90’s Fleetwood Bounder 34J Tag Axle – which is 37 feet 7 inches. It also has a long rear overhang, which looks like it’s about to drag. If that trailer goes over a slight irregularity on the highway, the rear bumper may get torn off – or worse.
How the heck do you safely turn?
Turning? How the hell can you safely turn with this setup? Aside from the strain on those chains on the front wheels, this trailer wasn’t made to rotate with something creating resistance over its axles. Let’s not forget that the RV’s motion completely overwhelms the SUV and trailer in terms of mass. A quick turn or two – god only knows where the RV will end up.
There are so many things wrong here, it’s difficult for us to wrap our heads around.
Take a look at these photos and tell us what you think.
Speaking of giant RV debacles – check out this video!
