Pre '66 trucks, suitable for 4K+ hauling?

[Detroit80]

Wasn't really sure where to post this, as I don't yet have a particular truck I'm even looking at yet, and I didn't want to post the same thing in 5 different subsections.

I have a '74 Amerigo slide in truck camper that I need to haul, along with a flatbed trailer that loaded will likely max around 7500lbs (more often than not, it will be around 5000lbs between trailer weight and load, maybe less if I buy a smaller trailer). I've never had the camper on a scale, but from what others are saying online, it will be 3500-4000lbs ready to go camping. My current truck is an '05 short bed 1/2 ton, so that's not anywhere even remotely close to being capable at this amount of weight.

Now, I know that a newer truck will be magnitudes of order better at this, but I'm just flat not willing to drop $15K-$20K plus insurance costs, or even more a lot of times, on a truck that realistically will be used a max of a couple dozen times a year. Plus, I just really like the old iron, and am willing to accept the sacrifice in creature comforts and ride quality to get there.

What I'm looking at are 1966 and older 1 ton, dually trucks, and primarily wondering if the frames on these trucks are up to handling 4000lbs over the axle, plus another few thousand pounds of trailer weight behind them? I'm looking at '66 and older, so that I won't have to deal with emissions requirements here in Arizona on engine swaps, as I also have a '96 454/4L80E ready to drop into something, and a D60/D70 axle combo, as well as a D60/14bolt combo sitting here. So I know I'm good on drivetrain handling the weight, I just don't know if it's a good idea to stack 5,000lbs of weight on the older frames?

[shp4man]

Arizona has emissions requirements? Huh, that's a new one on me.

[Detroit80]

http://www.myazcar.com/testing-info-and-fees

[70cst]

Hey Detroit80
...

and from Ohio,

I am going to slide over to the 60-66 forums where you might get some more replies.

[jtrichard]

Originally Posted by Detroit80

http://www.myazcar.com/testing-info-and-fees

DAMN Some of that is worse that the crap here in Cali

As for the frame that is what they were built for... They are not this Swiss cheese tin foil crap they put out today....IF you want a heavier frame look into 40/50 or 60 series

[Clyde65]

1966 C30 GVWR is 6700-14000 lbs depending on WB and accessories.

[TJ's Chevy]

I towed 10K without issues with my 64 GMC 3/4 ton.

Best to look into a 70's chevy C20 or C30 with air bags. I have that setup on my 77 chevy C20 and I can haul whatever you can throw in it. But you want 66 or older, I'd look into a 64-66 C30 which will more than likely have a flat bed. Also look into a set of air bags, you'll be Much happier with 5K in the bed. One ton leafs will do OK, but will still squat like crazy with that amount of weight.

[66Submarine]

'63-'66 C30 would be my choice.

[66Submarine]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

1966 C30 GVWR is 6700-14000 lbs depending on WB and accessories.

I thought 10,000 was the max for 30 series and 14,000 was the 40 series limit?

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by 66Submarine

I thought 10,000 was the max for 30 series and 14,000 was the 40 series limit?

Just going by this link.

http://www.oldride.com/library/1966_chevrolet_c10.html

I would venture to say the 14k is probably with helper springs and HD everything.

[66Submarine]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Just going by this link.

http://www.oldride.com/library/1966_chevrolet_c10.html

I would venture to say the 14k is probably with helper springs and HD everything.

Not sure why they say that...must have got it mixed up when they made the page?

I rechecked the info kit from the GM website and max GVW listed for a 30 series truck is 10,000. https://gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm...olet-Truck.pdf

['63GENIII]

Originally Posted by Detroit80

Wasn't really sure where to post this, as I don't yet have a particular truck I'm even looking at yet, and I didn't want to post the same thing in 5 different subsections.

I have a '74 Amerigo slide in truck camper that I need to haul, along with a flatbed trailer that loaded will likely max around 7500lbs (more often than not, it will be around 5000lbs between trailer weight and load, maybe less if I buy a smaller trailer). I've never had the camper on a scale, but from what others are saying online, it will be 3500-4000lbs ready to go camping. My current truck is an '05 short bed 1/2 ton, so that's not anywhere even remotely close to being capable at this amount of weight.

Now, I know that a newer truck will be magnitudes of order better at this, but I'm just flat not willing to drop $15K-$20K plus insurance costs, or even more a lot of times, on a truck that realistically will be used a max of a couple dozen times a year. Plus, I just really like the old iron, and am willing to accept the sacrifice in creature comforts and ride quality to get there.

What I'm looking at are 1966 and older 1 ton, dually trucks, and primarily wondering if the frames on these trucks are up to handling 4000lbs over the axle, plus another few thousand pounds of trailer weight behind them? I'm looking at '66 and older, so that I won't have to deal with emissions requirements here in Arizona on engine swaps, as I also have a '96 454/4L80E ready to drop into something, and a D60/D70 axle combo, as well as a D60/14bolt combo sitting here. So I know I'm good on drivetrain handling the weight, I just don't know if it's a good idea to stack 5,000lbs of weight on the older frames?

I think you'll be fine with any of the old frames if thats what your question is. Sounds like you're looking to do a bunch of work to the truck anyway.

When I was re doing the landscaping at my house, there were a few times that I had hauled 3 pallets of 60# sacks of concrete with no ill effects. Thats 3360 in the bed, and 6720 in a 2000# tandem trailer that didn't have brakes (connected).

Thats 12080 combined load on an original '63 1/2 ton.

Granted I had a D60-44 with the T221 and a 396. I had hauled close to 25 loads of 3/4 crush, class 2 and sand with the combo as well. No problems aside from the tires just brushing the rear fenders occasionally.

Since I got the newer suspension, transmission, axles and t case its only seen boat towing (5k and all the family stuff in the bed). Still did great. Haven't towed anything with the new 7.4 yet but I am very confident that it will pull tons (pun intended) better than the 396.

Just a side note, This truck replaced a '97 F350 PS CCLB. It does everything that the F*** (except haul 6 people) did just as well. In fact, I think it looks cooler doing it!

If you are going to run that '96 L29, don't be afraid to keep the fuel injection. The '97 that I just installed is one of the best upgrades Ive done to date and its not even completely dialed in yet.