Question on towing and load capacity - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

McDeezl · 08-19-2014, 07:02 PM

Currently in the process of building my '72 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD, LB-FS
Has a brand new 350 crate engine (330 HP) and TH400 with a 3.08 rear end upgraded to an Eaton posi. Put new HD variable coils in the back.
Trying to find info on capacities for these old trucks and specifically for towing and there ain't much out there.
I realize that the 3.08 won't really cut it for towing and I can correct that easy enough, the powertrain has more than enough balls but here's the question ....
How do the 67-72 pickups compare to today's pickups in terms of towing capacity? Same, better, worse?
Looking to get a travel trailer next year rated for 1/2 ton compatible but would still like to keep it at the low end, say under 5,000 lbs and under 700 lbs hitch weight.
Will probably end up buying a new GMC 1500 SLT 4x4 with a towing package at the same time but just curious whether the '72 would hold up or not despite passing everything on the road except a gas station!

Feedback is appreciated!

Tks

Sean

**john** · 08-19-2014, 07:23 PM

Here's a 69 towing chart, which should be the same for 72.

McDeezl · 08-19-2014, 07:35 PM

That's excellent info and thank you!
As I suspected, capacity takes a huge jump when you change the rear end ratio and the 3.07 just wouldn't cut it.

Sean

brad_man_72 · 08-19-2014, 07:48 PM

Who knows? Lol

08-19-2014, 07:02 PM	#1
McDeezl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 140	Question on towing and load capacity Currently in the process of building my '72 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD, LB-FS Has a brand new 350 crate engine (330 HP) and TH400 with a 3.08 rear end upgraded to an Eaton posi. Put new HD variable coils in the back. Trying to find info on capacities for these old trucks and specifically for towing and there ain't much out there. I realize that the 3.08 won't really cut it for towing and I can correct that easy enough, the powertrain has more than enough balls but here's the question .... How do the 67-72 pickups compare to today's pickups in terms of towing capacity? Same, better, worse? Looking to get a travel trailer next year rated for 1/2 ton compatible but would still like to keep it at the low end, say under 5,000 lbs and under 700 lbs hitch weight. Will probably end up buying a new GMC 1500 SLT 4x4 with a towing package at the same time but just curious whether the '72 would hold up or not despite passing everything on the road except a gas station! Feedback is appreciated! Tks Sean

08-19-2014, 07:23 PM	#2
john member #16 Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Yuba City Ca. Posts: 3,618	Re: Question on towing and load capacity Here's a 69 towing chart, which should be the same for 72. Attached Images __________________ john http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showgroups.php board vendors http://www.flickr.com/photos/1745471...7602865984234/

08-19-2014, 07:35 PM	#3
McDeezl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 140	Re: Question on towing and load capacity That's excellent info and thank you! As I suspected, capacity takes a huge jump when you change the rear end ratio and the 3.07 just wouldn't cut it. Sean

08-19-2014, 07:48 PM	#4
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Question on towing and load capacity Who knows? Lol Attached Images __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,



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