Towing with a half ton - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

manimal · 02-25-2007, 08:32 AM

Does anyone here tow with their 1/2t? How much weight will this truck take? I have a 1969 C10 long bed. It has a 350,3 spd manual(for now),and a 12 bolt with 3.73 gears. I am lowering it 2"-2" and using a 1" block in the rear.I ordered HD rear coils and 6 lug rotors for the rest of my disc brake conversion. I have always had 3/4 tons. I plan on putting trailer brakes on my BBQ trailer and car trailer. Will this truck handle the weight? Thanks
-Lance

**uncle** · 02-25-2007, 09:21 AM

I use one all the time.Please use the trailer brakes. Mine squats pretty good sometimes,but it has stock springs. It's a Burb also and has the extra weight in the back.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 02-25-2007, 10:11 AM

IIRC the 1/2tons can take or pull 6000lbs i believe

Rokcrln · 02-25-2007, 10:24 AM

I am building progect "LDF's Low buck truck build" just for towing. It is a 1/2 ton leaf spring truck that is going to be shortened to a SWB. I will be installing rear air bags as load lever's for when the trailer is hooked up. Also I will be doing a 5/7 drop

My car trailer is duel axel with elect brakes at each wheel and I have a good controler as well. I have the hidden hitch from ECE and it is rated at 5000lbs so that tells me 5000-6500 will be safe as long as you follow good sence while towing. If you do not have a hitch yet I highly recomend ECE's kit. Quality is top notch and it even comes with the lic plate flip up kit, reciever, mounting hardware and the plup that will go right into your truck with out cutting anything.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Shyguy · 02-25-2007, 10:43 AM

My son has a 70 C-10 short-bed with a 350/3 speed combo and thought it would tow his trailer with a truck on it fine.

He found out different when he tried towing a 79 K-20. He had no problem pulling the load, but found that the handling left something to be desired. He is going to put heavy duty springs on the back hoping it will fix the handling problem.

I have a 71 C-10 longbed with a 350/4 speed combo, 3.73 gears and heavy duty springs and don't have a problem towing anything on a trailer with brakes.

Danny- Semo

*rage'nrat638* · 02-25-2007, 11:09 AM

short beds don't tow as nice as long beds. it must be something with the wheelbase length.

TP from Cntl PA · 02-25-2007, 11:45 AM

We've pulled stuff behind our short step '69 C-10 that make most of you guys shake in your boots............Of-course, it wasn't on state roads or interstates.

Don't worry, it will handle more than would legally be allowed.

1BadSS · 02-25-2007, 01:09 PM

With a threespeed manual that bad boy is going to pop as soon as you put a load on it.

**special-K** · 02-25-2007, 01:34 PM

I had a 1/2t set up for work with a Reading steel work cap and ladders and tools.It wasn`t lowered.I installed new 3/4t coils w/ Air-Lift bags in them.The bags add 1,500# capacity.Yet,fully adjustable.

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-25-2007, 01:43 PM

Personally I think 1/2 tons are good for 4000lb with 3.73 gears and an auto or 4 speed stick. Air bagged I would lessen the load as the rear would be squirrelly. This is for towing on a regular basis. Once a year OK go heavier. Remember you should have about 10% of the towed load on the hitch and 400lbs added to the rear of a 1/2 ton is alot especially when you add in side winds and passing dynamics of other vehicles. The air bags for street lowering are different than the air bags for 1 ton and up pickup/over the road truck towing.
A good weight distributing hitch would be a big plus with sway control.
The new SUV tow ratings are over stated in my opinion. Sure the engine and drive train can pull that load but anytime the trailer gets to be 2 times the weight of the towing vehicle you are going to have the tail wagging the dog.
This is just my opinion and take it or leave it but remember lets be safe out there and keep these old trucks on the road.

Rokcrln · 02-25-2007, 02:08 PM

Just so I am clear in my opinion on this. When I said add bags what I ment was add bags along with your coils or leafs just for the added weight when towing. I know alot of guys tow with bagged trucks but this is not wat I was talking about. On Low buck I will be doing a flip kit with my rear leaf springs and adding ART. bags to keep the rear end up when the tounge weight is applied.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**special-K** · 02-25-2007, 03:33 PM

Yeah,my bags are inside coil-type intended for extra capacity,too.

dwaite72lnghrn · 02-25-2007, 03:56 PM

Air bags in the coils are a good thing to help carry the weight. Always keep air in them so the coils won't pinch and cut them. You still need a weight distributing hitch to move the load form 6' behind the axle to balance it onto the front so you can still steer the truck.
This is the minimum hitch for a 1/2 ton truck and a heavy load.

Huck · 02-25-2007, 09:19 PM

GM had an option for coil spring trucks that were made for loads--overload springs that bolt to the frame and engage the spring/shock mount. This is a nice cheap help for towing and hauling--I'v got them and they work well. A short bed truck is not meant for towing heavy loads---wheelbase from axle to axle make is nasty. Weight distributing hitch setup with anti-sway attachment is also a big help. A long wheel base 1/2 ton will pull 6-7000lbs no problem till you need to brake--good working trailer brakes are definitely a must as I've tried without and it is---dangerous!. The truck brakes themselves are --marginal so ~~. Just make sure you have the hitch set up so the trailer --both single or double axle---sits level. Empty or loaded, the trailer should be level to the ground for proper towing. I tow and haul at least once a month and a good safe setup with proper securing--spare tire--etc. will make your hauls easy. Good luck---Huck

BCOWANWHEELS · 02-25-2007, 11:05 PM

i took my 1971 1/2 ton, 250 -6cyl, 3 on the tree with a u-haul wide car houler and towed a m715 ( 7000 lbs ) army truck from panama city , fla. back to east tn. at 55 mph with no trouble.
bob

manimal · 02-25-2007, 11:37 PM

Ok, here's another question. If I put 3/4t axles,and front brakes on my half ton would I have a 3/4 ton? Or are the frames that differnt? Thanks
-Lance

Bus Ted Knuckle · 02-26-2007, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manimal

Ok, here's another question. If I put 3/4t axles,and front brakes on my half ton would I have a 3/4 ton? Or are the frames that differnt? Thanks
-Lance

Swap the front springs, spindles, brakes, etc, and the rear axle and springs and you will have a 3/4. Frames are pretty much the same between 1/2 +3/4

Rokcrln · 02-26-2007, 12:15 AM

Frames are the same as far as I know! Here are the bags that are going on mine along with the factory leafs. Now I just need to see if I can fit one of those weight dist, hitches with my hide away set up. my trailer is a 16' steel deck Carson dual axel (all w/brakes) and weighs about 1700lbs.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

stsalvage · 02-26-2007, 12:51 AM

well if you have the coil springs best thing to do it get the over load leaf spring there over loads but remmber the one thing you all for got to ask was tires if you have low profile tires and your hualing weight best to run a 235/75/15 tire if possible run alum 16X7 rims and run 245--255--265 /75/16 tires it will handle the load and the side wall wont give out on you

02-25-2007, 08:32 AM	#1
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Towing with a half ton Does anyone here tow with their 1/2t? How much weight will this truck take? I have a 1969 C10 long bed. It has a 350,3 spd manual(for now),and a 12 bolt with 3.73 gears. I am lowering it 2"-2" and using a 1" block in the rear.I ordered HD rear coils and 6 lug rotors for the rest of my disc brake conversion. I have always had 3/4 tons. I plan on putting trailer brakes on my BBQ trailer and car trailer. Will this truck handle the weight? Thanks -Lance __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT

02-25-2007, 09:21 AM	#2
uncle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Conyers,Ga. Posts: 7,286	Re: Towing with a half ton I use one all the time.Please use the trailer brakes. Mine squats pretty good sometimes,but it has stock springs. It's a Burb also and has the extra weight in the back.

02-25-2007, 10:11 AM	#3
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Towing with a half ton IIRC the 1/2tons can take or pull 6000lbs i believe __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

02-25-2007, 10:24 AM	#4
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Towing with a half ton I am building progect "LDF's Low buck truck build" just for towing. It is a 1/2 ton leaf spring truck that is going to be shortened to a SWB. I will be installing rear air bags as load lever's for when the trailer is hooked up. Also I will be doing a 5/7 drop My car trailer is duel axel with elect brakes at each wheel and I have a good controler as well. I have the hidden hitch from ECE and it is rated at 5000lbs so that tells me 5000-6500 will be safe as long as you follow good sence while towing. If you do not have a hitch yet I highly recomend ECE's kit. Quality is top notch and it even comes with the lic plate flip up kit, reciever, mounting hardware and the plup that will go right into your truck with out cutting anything. Kevin LFD Inc. Attached Images

02-25-2007, 10:43 AM	#5
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Towing with a half ton My son has a 70 C-10 short-bed with a 350/3 speed combo and thought it would tow his trailer with a truck on it fine. He found out different when he tried towing a 79 K-20. He had no problem pulling the load, but found that the handling left something to be desired. He is going to put heavy duty springs on the back hoping it will fix the handling problem. I have a 71 C-10 longbed with a 350/4 speed combo, 3.73 gears and heavy duty springs and don't have a problem towing anything on a trailer with brakes. Danny- Semo

02-25-2007, 11:09 AM	#6
rage'nrat638 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: THE FALL GUY CHICAGO IL Posts: 5,883	Re: Towing with a half ton short beds don't tow as nice as long beds. it must be something with the wheelbase length.

02-25-2007, 11:45 AM	#7
TP from Cntl PA Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Central PA....In the Berg of Nisbet Posts: 790	Re: Towing with a half ton We've pulled stuff behind our short step '69 C-10 that make most of you guys shake in your boots............Of-course, it wasn't on state roads or interstates. Don't worry, it will handle more than would legally be allowed. __________________ '72 K-20 EFI'ed 250 Inline/4spd stake body, Farm Truck '71 C-20 Cummins Diesel Powered, In storage thanks to $5.00 diesel! '69 3500 GMC 305V-6/4spd, Still under reconstruction.......... Inlines Rule! 6 soldiers standing is better than 8 laying down!!!!!!!!

02-25-2007, 01:09 PM	#8
1BadSS NOT REALLY BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 1,072	Re: Towing with a half ton With a threespeed manual that bad boy is going to pop as soon as you put a load on it. __________________ 1987 Mustang Coupe - 2.7 Stroker, 78mm turbo, Stainless header, 3" Exh, FMIC, 160lb/hr Injectors, MS3, twin walbro 255's, 34psi. Eating V8's daily. 04 Pontiac GTO 04 Ford Mustang GT 68 C20 LWB stripper truck 73 K5 Cheyenne 76 C20 Sierra Crew SRW 88 K20 Suburban I'm not hammering on metal just to hammer, i'm creating a piece of art.

02-25-2007, 01:34 PM	#9
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Towing with a half ton I had a 1/2t set up for work with a Reading steel work cap and ladders and tools.It wasn`t lowered.I installed new 3/4t coils w/ Air-Lift bags in them.The bags add 1,500# capacity.Yet,fully adjustable. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 02-25-2007 at 01:35 PM.

02-25-2007, 01:43 PM	#10
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Re: Towing with a half ton Personally I think 1/2 tons are good for 4000lb with 3.73 gears and an auto or 4 speed stick. Air bagged I would lessen the load as the rear would be squirrelly. This is for towing on a regular basis. Once a year OK go heavier. Remember you should have about 10% of the towed load on the hitch and 400lbs added to the rear of a 1/2 ton is alot especially when you add in side winds and passing dynamics of other vehicles. The air bags for street lowering are different than the air bags for 1 ton and up pickup/over the road truck towing. A good weight distributing hitch would be a big plus with sway control. The new SUV tow ratings are over stated in my opinion. Sure the engine and drive train can pull that load but anytime the trailer gets to be 2 times the weight of the towing vehicle you are going to have the tail wagging the dog. This is just my opinion and take it or leave it but remember lets be safe out there and keep these old trucks on the road. __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-25-2007, 02:08 PM	#11
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Towing with a half ton Just so I am clear in my opinion on this. When I said add bags what I ment was add bags along with your coils or leafs just for the added weight when towing. I know alot of guys tow with bagged trucks but this is not wat I was talking about. On Low buck I will be doing a flip kit with my rear leaf springs and adding ART. bags to keep the rear end up when the tounge weight is applied. Kevin LFD Inc.

02-25-2007, 03:33 PM	#12
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Towing with a half ton Yeah,my bags are inside coil-type intended for extra capacity,too. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-25-2007, 03:56 PM	#13
dwaite72lnghrn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: central pa Posts: 1,525	Re: Towing with a half ton Air bags in the coils are a good thing to help carry the weight. Always keep air in them so the coils won't pinch and cut them. You still need a weight distributing hitch to move the load form 6' behind the axle to balance it onto the front so you can still steer the truck. This is the minimum hitch for a 1/2 ton truck and a heavy load. Attached Images __________________ 72 longhorn c30 502BB/th400/fact air/4.11rear/ custom camper 72 bug(the better half's) under reconstruction 2009 HHR aqua blue 71 GMC k20 350/sm465 2009 Chevy hd3500 6.6 Victory Red crew cab dually Dave & Jeanne

02-25-2007, 09:19 PM	#14
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Towing with a half ton GM had an option for coil spring trucks that were made for loads--overload springs that bolt to the frame and engage the spring/shock mount. This is a nice cheap help for towing and hauling--I'v got them and they work well. A short bed truck is not meant for towing heavy loads---wheelbase from axle to axle make is nasty. Weight distributing hitch setup with anti-sway attachment is also a big help. A long wheel base 1/2 ton will pull 6-7000lbs no problem till you need to brake--good working trailer brakes are definitely a must as I've tried without and it is---dangerous!. The truck brakes themselves are --marginal so ~~. Just make sure you have the hitch set up so the trailer --both single or double axle---sits level. Empty or loaded, the trailer should be level to the ground for proper towing. I tow and haul at least once a month and a good safe setup with proper securing--spare tire--etc. will make your hauls easy. Good luck---Huck

02-25-2007, 11:05 PM	#15
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: Towing with a half ton i took my 1971 1/2 ton, 250 -6cyl, 3 on the tree with a u-haul wide car houler and towed a m715 ( 7000 lbs ) army truck from panama city , fla. back to east tn. at 55 mph with no trouble. bob Last edited by BCOWANWHEELS; 02-25-2007 at 11:05 PM.



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02-25-2007, 11:37 PM	#16
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Towing with a half ton Ok, here's another question. If I put 3/4t axles,and front brakes on my half ton would I have a 3/4 ton? Or are the frames that differnt? Thanks -Lance __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT

02-26-2007, 12:15 AM	#18
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Towing with a half ton Frames are the same as far as I know! Here are the bags that are going on mine along with the factory leafs. Now I just need to see if I can fit one of those weight dist, hitches with my hide away set up. my trailer is a 16' steel deck Carson dual axel (all w/brakes) and weighs about 1700lbs. Kevin LFD Inc. Attached Images

02-26-2007, 12:51 AM	#19
stsalvage Scrapper 1 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Riverside Calif Posts: 1,649	Re: Towing with a half ton well if you have the coil springs best thing to do it get the over load leaf spring there over loads but remmber the one thing you all for got to ask was tires if you have low profile tires and your hualing weight best to run a 235/75/15 tire if possible run alum 16X7 rims and run 245--255--265 /75/16 tires it will handle the load and the side wall wont give out on you

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