What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SWAG · 07-06-2012, 12:36 AM

...and also are there frame differences between C and K trucks?
Mostly I'm curious about frame size / frame thickness, pictures would be nice. I tried searching and couldn't find anything because there were way too many threads.

Also can a 1/2 ton frame safely handle 3/4 ton loads? I have hauled 6200 lbs / 300 lbs tongue with another 300 lbs in the bed with my C10 over the mountains with no anti-sway bar, she was nearly bottomed out but I didn't have any trouble.

andrewmp6 · 07-06-2012, 01:30 AM

I have heard people say the 1/2 and 3/4 ton are the same frame but the 3/4 ton has extra bracing to the cross pieces and the 1ton is its own frame.If it was me i would look up what your truck can tow and don't go over it.They do sell a helper air bag that goes inside the rear coil springs that can level your load out for you.As long as you tow smart you should be ok just pray d.o.t. don't pull you over and get out there scales.

clb1024 · 07-08-2012, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

I have heard people say the 1/2 and 3/4 ton are the same frame but the 3/4 ton has extra bracing to the cross pieces and the 1ton is its own frame.If it was me i would look up what your truck can tow and don't go over it.They do sell a helper air bag that goes inside the rear coil springs that can level your load out for you.As long as you tow smart you should be ok just pray d.o.t. don't pull you over and get out there scales.

Also if you are planning a frame swap to be able to tow more, check your state laws about frame swapping. If you just swap it and get stopped and are found to be overloaded, its one heck of a fine. Our 1/2 tons are only rated to tow 3,900-5,800 lbs. I would not recommend towing more than that. Just my $0.02 though.

Thanks,
Chris

Charlie1c · 07-30-2012, 11:10 AM

Why not just move the car back a little on the trailer and let the trailer support the weight?

andrewmp6 · 07-31-2012, 02:02 AM

Its not the weight balance its the total weight is the problem.If you try to haul more weight then your truck can handle the trailer will end up driving the truck which is never fun and can cause wrecks.

Charlie1c · 07-31-2012, 10:21 AM

It actually is the weight balance that is the problem in the picture. And there is a huge difference in "rolling" and "static" weight. Equip the trailer with brakes and load it correctly and it will take care of itself. I have seen 1/2 ton trucks licensed at 18,000 lbs. I have also seen Surbabans licensed as cars and pulling 18,000 lbs. As long as you license your vehicle to pull the weight you desire DOT will not be a problem. At least not in Missouri.

**lolife99** · 08-02-2012, 12:17 PM

Way too much tongue weight on the truck in that picture.
Air bags in place of coils would do a great job of solving this issue,... but you still have to position the car on the trailer in the correct spot.

07-06-2012, 12:36 AM	#1
SWAG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: calgary Posts: 8	What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? ...and also are there frame differences between C and K trucks? Mostly I'm curious about frame size / frame thickness, pictures would be nice. I tried searching and couldn't find anything because there were way too many threads. Also can a 1/2 ton frame safely handle 3/4 ton loads? I have hauled 6200 lbs / 300 lbs tongue with another 300 lbs in the bed with my C10 over the mountains with no anti-sway bar, she was nearly bottomed out but I didn't have any trouble. Attached Images

07-06-2012, 01:30 AM	#2
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? I have heard people say the 1/2 and 3/4 ton are the same frame but the 3/4 ton has extra bracing to the cross pieces and the 1ton is its own frame.If it was me i would look up what your truck can tow and don't go over it.They do sell a helper air bag that goes inside the rear coil springs that can level your load out for you.As long as you tow smart you should be ok just pray d.o.t. don't pull you over and get out there scales.

07-30-2012, 11:10 AM	#4
Charlie1c Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Harrisonville, Mo Posts: 58	Re: What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? Why not just move the car back a little on the trailer and let the trailer support the weight?

07-31-2012, 02:02 AM	#5
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? Its not the weight balance its the total weight is the problem.If you try to haul more weight then your truck can handle the trailer will end up driving the truck which is never fun and can cause wrecks.

07-31-2012, 10:21 AM	#6
Charlie1c Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Harrisonville, Mo Posts: 58	Re: What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? It actually is the weight balance that is the problem in the picture. And there is a huge difference in "rolling" and "static" weight. Equip the trailer with brakes and load it correctly and it will take care of itself. I have seen 1/2 ton trucks licensed at 18,000 lbs. I have also seen Surbabans licensed as cars and pulling 18,000 lbs. As long as you license your vehicle to pull the weight you desire DOT will not be a problem. At least not in Missouri.

08-02-2012, 12:17 PM	#7
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: What are the differences between c10, c20 and c30 frames? Way too much tongue weight on the truck in that picture. Air bags in place of coils would do a great job of solving this issue,... but you still have to position the car on the trailer in the correct spot. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823



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