Towing with a short wheel base

[Mike C]

Originally Posted by special-K

Car haulers require more than a 1/2t in my mind. I've used short beds to tow less and they do just fine. When you double your vehicle weight or better, you better have something built beefier, meaning eight lug minimum (full-floater). Everyone should drive slower when towing no matter what it is.

Yes! Slowing down the best thing you can do towing ANYTHING with anything. And trailer brakes are legally required in Texas for more than 5000# GVWR trailer. I would have no problem trailering with my short stepper with the right trailer and trailer brakes. But I'd need airbags to keep it off the frame!

I got my first 3/4 ton '70 GMC in 1998 and used that to pull my car trailer with. No doubt that's the way to go. Big block, Dana 60 with 3.54 and I did a disc conversion. Loved that truck. But sold it because I'm a "dog in the truck" kind of guy and when my kid was born we didn't all fit anymore!

But for the 10 years before that I towed with my Jimmy. Everything. Surge brakes are your friend. I have 3/4 ton rated 4" National lift springs in the rear to keep from squatting too much. 331 small block and 4.10 gears with 35" tires left it a little down on power, but even after I got the truck I pulled my 3500# boat/trailer with the Jimmy as the 2x4 single truck of the truck just left you spinning the wheel at the boat ramp!