towing power - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-05-2007, 03:56 AM

how much can a 72 1/2ton tow? trailer and in the bed? i remember seeing somewhere that you could pull a 6k lbs trailer is that true? and how much payload can you carry?

TIA

GMC Jim · 05-05-2007, 05:06 AM

a lot of factors would determine max load and tow capacitys. tire load capacity; rear end axle ratio, radiator size and condition, fan shroud and a high capacity fan. Transmission oil cooler will be required and possibly an engine oil cooler

Bus Ted Knuckle · 05-05-2007, 08:57 AM

here you go, squint and you will be able to make it all out

Longhorn Man · 05-05-2007, 12:41 PM

yep, for factory ratings, engine, gears, and tires is all that limits you

Rod · 05-05-2007, 03:39 PM

Interesting scan ...looks like 396 and 3.54 gears in a 1/2 ton was available. Never seen that on an option sheet yet. Anyone have that combination as a factory option?

Longhorn Man · 05-05-2007, 05:29 PM

that's outta the 69 restoration packet.
I've never seen it either personally

Huck · 05-05-2007, 07:18 PM

The get goin is the easy part. The stopping is the trick. These trucks are strong enough but their breaking systems are the pits. I would use extreme caution if towing over 2-3,000 lbs especially if you don't have trailer brakes!! If you have to ask why----just try it!

cory321 · 05-05-2007, 07:34 PM

Also depends how fast you want to go

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-08-2007, 12:33 AM

so from that it looks like i can pull about 6500lbs?
what about the payload?

my truck is stock with the stock 350sb and stock th350 trans that only has about 4k miles after the rebuild and its got 3.07 gears and 31x10.5 tires(thats the sidewall reading) and i do have an external trans cooler, anything else i should list?

GMC Jim · 05-08-2007, 01:51 AM

GreaseMonkey--- The way I read the chart is that the 6500 lbs is for the combined load of truck and trailer.... So you would have to deduct the loaded weight of the truck from the loaded weight of the trailer. This would be towable weight; in the neighborhood of 3000 lbs.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-08-2007, 01:59 AM

so if the truck is empty i can tow 6500lbs or haul that in the truck itself? so its a 6500lbs tow load or payload?

im confused

GMC Jim · 05-08-2007, 05:12 AM

The chart states that the weights listed are for the "combined weight of loaded truck and trailer" As you state; 6500 lbs for your model truck/ engine/ axle ratio combination. So, if your truck weighs 3200 lbs and the trailer weighs 1000 lbs = 4200 lbs. As the max combined weight is 6500; subtract the truck and trailer empty weights of 4200 lbs.This would give a payload of 2300 lbs.

krue · 05-08-2007, 05:36 AM

My swb weighs 4000# by itself and I have pulled a trailer loaded with 6600# of scrap iron, but it was a pain in the butt to stop and I've had to rebuild the tranny shortly after doing it.

1bad chevy · 05-08-2007, 06:13 AM

c20/355 mild cam/4.10 posi/3core radiator. towed my new toy home with out a problem and this thing weighs about 6000 pounds no trailer brakes stop fine.i also haul scrap metal and have crossed the scales at 11,000+ not a smart move but i did it.the genteman said it all goes together or none at all.i think he was trying to discourage me from the job but i did it he called me crazy.set up right you will be fine

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-08-2007, 07:31 AM

1bad chevy- not a bad lookin truck you got there

i dont get how the weight of the truck factors into it though? i mean yea its gotta move the truck to but i dont get why they would give you the haul weight including the truck weight

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-08-2007, 07:38 AM

the reason i dont get it is because if you minus the truck weight from the 6500 that means i wouldnt be able to pull my brothers race car on the trailer

1bad chevy · 05-08-2007, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREASEMONKEY72

the reason i dont get it is because if you minus the truck weight from the 6500 that means i wouldnt be able to pull my brothers race car on the trailer

you should have no problem towing a car trailer with a car on it even with a half ton truck put some trailer brakes on it and you are good to go

1969K10 · 05-08-2007, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREASEMONKEY72

the reason i dont get it is because if you minus the truck weight from the 6500 that means i wouldnt be able to pull my brothers race car on the trailer

remember, those are factory recommendations... just like your truck is only designed to have a 1/2 ton of crap in the bed...

1bad chevy · 05-08-2007, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREASEMONKEY72

1bad chevy- not a bad lookin truck you got there

i dont get how the weight of the truck factors into it though? i mean yea its gotta move the truck to but i dont get why they would give you the haul weight including the truck weight

thanks she's a good ol' girl works hard everyday

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-08-2007, 12:51 PM

The amount you can put In the bed is the Gross Vehicle Weight (On the door edge on mine) minus the weight of the truck as it sits.Mine is 7500 lbs GVW on the door plate,so if the truck is weighing 5500,then I could put 2000 lbs in bed,assuming tires were correct range and inflated properly etc. The amount of trailer you can pull is Gross Combined weight minus truck as it sits (including passengers,put them porkers on a diet!)
Actually I have heard from numerous sources (on "Rec.Outdoors.RV-Travel") that wise trailer pullers aim for about 80% of factory specs but they are talking about modern trucks where there is lots of hype about which can pull the most,and maybe the figures are a bit stretched.
In your example I guess if your figures are correct,you are overloaded.
I once(15 miles only) pulled an OLD OLD 27 foot travel trailer with a '63 1/2 ton with a 230 str8 6 and 3 on the tree.(In my younger foolish days).

grayw0lf · 05-08-2007, 01:34 PM

I have about 300lbs in the bed & I pull my 3,500lb boat/trailer w/o any problems. Just drive cautiously & brake in advance.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-09-2007, 03:22 AM

ok so i take the gross vehicle wieght and subtract the wieght of the truck and i get the payload

but how much can i pull trailer wise? i saw somewhere that the 1/2ton can pull 6000lbs and the 3/4 can pull 9000lbs

wibilly · 05-09-2007, 09:54 AM

just for referance my neighbor has a mid 70s 3/4 ton trailering special the badge that says trailering special says max combindweight11,000 lbs this is a truck chevrolet built for towing

Stoney · 05-09-2007, 10:44 AM

Big Block

**WorkinLonghorn** · 05-09-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote:

but how much can i pull trailer wise? i saw somewhere that the 1/2ton can pull 6000lbs and the 3/4 can pull 9000lbs

I guess it depends on your differential ratio. According to the table for the '69s posted above,with 3.07s you can have a total weight (everything included) of only 6500 lbs.(doesn't sound right). Yet if you have 3.73s you can total 9500. I would take Graywolf's advice.Just be careful,and make sure your tires are in good shape and inflated properly.

05-05-2007, 03:56 AM	#1
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	towing power how much can a 72 1/2ton tow? trailer and in the bed? i remember seeing somewhere that you could pull a 6k lbs trailer is that true? and how much payload can you carry? TIA __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-05-2007, 05:06 AM	#2
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Re: towing power a lot of factors would determine max load and tow capacitys. tire load capacity; rear end axle ratio, radiator size and condition, fan shroud and a high capacity fan. Transmission oil cooler will be required and possibly an engine oil cooler __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

05-05-2007, 08:57 AM	#3
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: towing power here you go, squint and you will be able to make it all out Attached Images __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

05-05-2007, 12:41 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: towing power yep, for factory ratings, engine, gears, and tires is all that limits you

05-05-2007, 03:39 PM	#5
Rod Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Eastern - Manitoba Canada, Winnipeg Posts: 4,369	Re: towing power Interesting scan ...looks like 396 and 3.54 gears in a 1/2 ton was available. Never seen that on an option sheet yet. Anyone have that combination as a factory option? __________________ Senior active founding member. 70 3/4 ton GMC Suburban 4x4 250/4 spd. 71 1/2 ton Suburban Chevy 4x4, 350/350 72 Chev 1 ton tow truck 402BB w/Holmes 440 wrecker on propane 2005 FLSTSCI Harley Springer 85 FXSB Harley Lowrider 72 Triumph 650 Bonneville 5spd "Poor people don't have hobbies" Quote from wife.

05-05-2007, 05:29 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: towing power that's outta the 69 restoration packet. I've never seen it either personally

05-05-2007, 07:18 PM	#7
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: towing power The get goin is the easy part. The stopping is the trick. These trucks are strong enough but their breaking systems are the pits. I would use extreme caution if towing over 2-3,000 lbs especially if you don't have trailer brakes!! If you have to ask why----just try it!

05-05-2007, 07:34 PM	#8
cory321 Problem Child Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kettering Ohio Posts: 1,248	Re: towing power Also depends how fast you want to go __________________ 1972 gmc sierra grande 350/350 a/c soon`to get a new 350 I Survived Norwood

05-08-2007, 12:33 AM	#9
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: towing power so from that it looks like i can pull about 6500lbs? what about the payload? my truck is stock with the stock 350sb and stock th350 trans that only has about 4k miles after the rebuild and its got 3.07 gears and 31x10.5 tires(thats the sidewall reading) and i do have an external trans cooler, anything else i should list? __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-08-2007, 01:51 AM	#10
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Re: towing power GreaseMonkey--- The way I read the chart is that the 6500 lbs is for the combined load of truck and trailer.... So you would have to deduct the loaded weight of the truck from the loaded weight of the trailer. This would be towable weight; in the neighborhood of 3000 lbs. __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

05-08-2007, 01:59 AM	#11
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: towing power so if the truck is empty i can tow 6500lbs or haul that in the truck itself? so its a 6500lbs tow load or payload? im confused __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-08-2007, 05:12 AM	#12
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	Re: towing power The chart states that the weights listed are for the "combined weight of loaded truck and trailer" As you state; 6500 lbs for your model truck/ engine/ axle ratio combination. So, if your truck weighs 3200 lbs and the trailer weighs 1000 lbs = 4200 lbs. As the max combined weight is 6500; subtract the truck and trailer empty weights of 4200 lbs.This would give a payload of 2300 lbs. __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

05-08-2007, 05:36 AM	#13
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: towing power My swb weighs 4000# by itself and I have pulled a trailer loaded with 6600# of scrap iron, but it was a pain in the butt to stop and I've had to rebuild the tranny shortly after doing it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

05-08-2007, 06:13 AM	#14
1bad chevy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: POWNAL VERMONT Posts: 343	Re: towing power c20/355 mild cam/4.10 posi/3core radiator. towed my new toy home with out a problem and this thing weighs about 6000 pounds no trailer brakes stop fine.i also haul scrap metal and have crossed the scales at 11,000+ not a smart move but i did it.the genteman said it all goes together or none at all.i think he was trying to discourage me from the job but i did it he called me crazy.set up right you will be fine Attached Images __________________ 1972 c-20 chevy 500 caddy/4.10posi / 1972 3/4 ton gmc 350 4x4/4.10posi front&rear

05-08-2007, 07:31 AM	#15
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: towing power 1bad chevy- not a bad lookin truck you got there i dont get how the weight of the truck factors into it though? i mean yea its gotta move the truck to but i dont get why they would give you the haul weight including the truck weight __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME



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05-08-2007, 07:38 AM	#16
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: towing power the reason i dont get it is because if you minus the truck weight from the 6500 that means i wouldnt be able to pull my brothers race car on the trailer __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-08-2007, 12:51 PM	#20
WorkinLonghorn Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Studio City, Calif. Posts: 2,861	Re: towing power The amount you can put In the bed is the Gross Vehicle Weight (On the door edge on mine) minus the weight of the truck as it sits.Mine is 7500 lbs GVW on the door plate,so if the truck is weighing 5500,then I could put 2000 lbs in bed,assuming tires were correct range and inflated properly etc. The amount of trailer you can pull is Gross Combined weight minus truck as it sits (including passengers,put them porkers on a diet!) Actually I have heard from numerous sources (on "Rec.Outdoors.RV-Travel") that wise trailer pullers aim for about 80% of factory specs but they are talking about modern trucks where there is lots of hype about which can pull the most,and maybe the figures are a bit stretched. In your example I guess if your figures are correct,you are overloaded. I once(15 miles only) pulled an OLD OLD 27 foot travel trailer with a '63 1/2 ton with a 230 str8 6 and 3 on the tree.(In my younger foolish days). __________________ '69 GMC C2500 Custom Camper, 8 1/2' bed, New GM 350, NP 435 Close Ratio 4spd. Trans., 3.73 Dana-60 open.Camper and Trailer wiring, PS, PB, AC, tach , three gas tanks, 2nd owner, Work-Truck supreme. Best $300 I ever spent.

05-08-2007, 01:34 PM	#21
grayw0lf Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Clanton, AL Posts: 1,253	Re: towing power I have about 300lbs in the bed & I pull my 3,500lb boat/trailer w/o any problems. Just drive cautiously & brake in advance. __________________ 85' CUCV M1009!!! The newest addition! 6.2diesel, Th400, NP208, & only 36k miles! 70' C-10 LWB Fleetside - Looking good these days! 05' Dodge Neon 88' Winner Escape Sport 1750 - 4.3v6 94' Seadoo SP 84' Honda TRX200, bare nekkid. Just a frame & tires. Always looking for another project or any good deal!

05-09-2007, 03:22 AM	#22
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: towing power ok so i take the gross vehicle wieght and subtract the wieght of the truck and i get the payload but how much can i pull trailer wise? i saw somewhere that the 1/2ton can pull 6000lbs and the 3/4 can pull 9000lbs __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-09-2007, 09:54 AM	#23
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: towing power just for referance my neighbor has a mid 70s 3/4 ton trailering special the badge that says trailering special says max combindweight11,000 lbs this is a truck chevrolet built for towing __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

05-09-2007, 10:44 AM	#24
Stoney Farm Truck Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Village, Texas Posts: 547	Re: towing power Big Block __________________ 1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx

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