Towing with a c10

[Rednek13x]

Does anyone here tow with a c10? Have a 1983 single cab long box 5/7 drop. Engine blew up a month ago so spring time I’m dropping my mild sbc 350 in it. Looking for info on set ups for towing. Have a 8.5x24foot enclosed car hauler. Yes brakes would be upgraded. But to what? I’d install air bags in the rear. Would anything need to be beefed up on the frame? Who else tows with a c10 and what have you done to make it a safe reliable haul rig.

I’d rather not have to sell off the c10 to buy a one ton since I️ enjoy daily driving the c10

[GRADYS Performance]

Buy a Reese Weight Distributing Hitch with a Dual Cam Sway Control. That will make more difference than anything else you can do.

[abig84]

i bought helper air bags for my 1990 1/2ton. they go in between the springs and frame, i only tow a s10 around but really helped with dips on the road and all around control. but if you got the money buy a weight distributing hitch, i kept meaning to buy one

[MalibuSSwagon]

Been there, done that. I would get a 3/4 or 1 ton truck for that load.

[44th Miss Inf]

How OFTEN will you be towing? and how much weight?

[cadillac_al]

The truck may be able to do it but it will most likely exceed the legal GVW of the truck. I have no idea what the fines would be.

[Dead Parrot]

You need to weigh the truck fully fueled with you and any traveling gear you normally carry. Compare to the GVWR of your truck. 1/2 tons have a variety of GVWR depending on how they were ordered from the factory. The difference is how much payload you can carry. Now weigh with the empty trailer. And compare the trailer weight to your max towing capacity. That will give your max trailer payload. Make sure the tongue weight won't exceed your max rear wheel payload when fully loaded.

If your weight checks show you will be in legal spec fully loaded, then consider going forward.

If you pulled rear leafs during the lowering process, you will have to replace the leaves or add alternatives to match or exceed your factory spec carrying capacity.

What transmission and rear end do you have?

While your replacement engine is out, consider changing the cam to one good for towing if the current one isn't suitable.

You will need some kind of trailer brake controller. Your concern about brakes is well founded. Much better to have slow acceleration and fast safe braking then the other way around.

These trucks are designed to work. Just don't exceed the max ratings and you should be fine.