Would a C-20 be good for towing and as a DD?

[basenjib123]

Which truck is best as a daily driver and will be able to tow a 3500 LB boat/trailer. Is there anything stock in the 60-65 era that will do this towing? or will I need something that has been modified? I was thinking a C20. I figure the brakes are a definite upgrade to disc but how about other aspects? Please feel free to cover things that I have not mentioned as I am a newbie big time. Thanks, Joe.

[65Gregg]

I tow a 225 Masercraft Maristar with my 65. I have converted to 5 lug front and rear w/373 gear and 700R4. My current 350 is a mild build w/Vortec heads, HEI, Performer intake and 600 cfm carb. I don't have any complaints other than if the ramp is steep AND wet it is a little dicey. Good luck

[basenjib123]

Yes, I realize there will be issue with an old truck. I am a bit concerned about a C20 because they do not seem to be that common...atleast where I look, Ebay, Hemmings, Craigslist etc. Thanks for the feedback and please keep it coming.

[Captainfab]

If you're looking at towing only 3500# then a C10 will do that no problem. I would go with a V8 and either a manual 4 speed, or a TH350,400 or 700R4. I wouldn't go with a powerglide.

[Russ65C10]

I tow a 18 ft searay that weight right around that with my C10 that has a 283, 700R4 and 3.73 rear end does just fine. Oh yes I do have disc on the front it would be a little dicey in the hills if I didn't ;-)

[basenjib123]

Thanks for the replies...about the brakes, do you guys have brakes on the trailer? I do not.

[setandreel]

well I remember my uncle's 65 in 65 - the 70s he hauled his Willy's gasser to the tracks and his tractors during the planting season. And now I use it to haul my 21 ft champion bass boat and my f**d 8N. 230 and 3 on the tree. same set up as from factory on the breaks.

[Russ65C10]

I did install trailer brakes on mine but I did mostly because I haul it up and down a big hill.

I would always recommend trailer brakes on something the size you're talking about towing regardless of what I was towing it with, its just worth the cost.

I grew up in the mountains and all it took was pushing the truck a little or hauling a load and the drums would over heat and fade, so I am big believer of putting disc brakes on the fronts of our trucks no matter what. Some people will argue that properly set up drums work just fine but I am not one of them.

[basenjib123]

Yeah, I just hate trailer brakes especially in salt water that I fish in alot. I have tried the best disc systems I know of (Kodiak, etc.) and they all rust out within a few seasons. I think you are correct though it does help the truck out alot when stopping the rig.

[monolith]

I can't really offer any input on towing- but I've been daily driving my c1500 for most of the past year and having a great time with it. My commute is 60 miles each way, into LA and back from Ontario.

I plan on putting a class 3 hitch on it as soon as I'm done lowering the rear a bit, I want to pull a car hauler with it occasionally.

[Clyde65]

A c20 would be perfect for that. If it were me, look for one and update it with power brakes and front disc brakes from a 73-87 c20 and it should be ready to go. You do know that when you are driving a 40+ year old vehicle you will be subject to issues, right?

Where are you looking?