Towing 27ft, 5600 lbs Camper with the 71 SWB

[Bbarbeau]

I set my C20 up for this 1982, 34’ Airstream. It’s not all that heavy really, about 6500lbs. I'm using the old style Reese Dual Cam and that hitch has worked really well for me.

[dz1087]

Originally Posted by Bbarbeau

I set my C20 up for this 1982, 34’ Airstream. It’s not all that heavy really, about 6500lbs. I'm using the old style Reese Dual Cam and that hitch has worked really well for me.

That looks like a nice setup.

[dz1087]

Well fellers, After white-knuckling it back home with a very slight breeze (5kts), I decided I did not have enough gear or wheel base to be towing this thing interstate. Sure, I could re-gear the rear, but that won't fix the SWB.

So, I went and bought a 2015 2500 with the diesel. Yay payments!

[Steeveedee]

Yabut, that rig will drag your trailer right along the road! Good choice.

[body bolt]

I tow this '68 Silver Streak Sabre with my '71 LWB C10 Custom Deluxe 350/350. It tows fine with the weight distributing hitch but I'd like a bit more stopping power from the truck. This campground is outside of Red River, NM at 8000 feet.

[dz1087]

Originally Posted by body bolt

I tow this '68 Silver Streak Sabre with my '71 LWB C10 Custom Deluxe 350/350. It tows fine with the weight distributing hitch but I'd like a bit more stopping power from the truck. This campground is outside of Red River, NM at 8000 feet.

Nice setup. I think I would have been fine towing with a LWB. The SWB and low weight were just not a safe combo for long hauls like we were planning.

[body bolt]

Originally Posted by dz1087

Nice setup. I think I would have been fine towing with a LWB. The SWB and low weight were just not a safe combo for long hauls like we were planning.

I suspected the SWB might be a problem when you posted but you never know until you try. A newer truck is much safer.

[54blackhornet]

I am sure you and the family will be safe in the 2500...Good luck with your vacation...

[71meangreenc10]

Originally Posted by dz1087

Well fellers, After white-knuckling it back home with a very slight breeze (5kts), I decided I did not have enough gear or wheel base to be towing this thing interstate. Sure, I could re-gear the rear, but that won't fix the SWB.

So, I went and bought a 2015 2500 with the diesel. Yay payments!

Glad you made it home safe. I have a SWB and I wouldn't even try to pull that trailer with it. I have a 2500 Dodge Cummins that is well traveled just for those occasions. I am also building a Dually BB 69 1 ton for a Gooseneck Hitch that will see some fun.

Smitty

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by dz1087

Nice setup. I think I would have been fine towing with a LWB. The SWB and low weight were just not a safe combo for long hauls like we were planning.

Sounds like someone might be looking at a C20 at some point! Good choice on the new truck though, if you are planning on going more than a hundred miles out of your way it is nice to have that peace of mind.

[chevmn]

About 25 years ago I had a short bed (92 silverado 350 5 spd manual with 3:73 gears), and purchased a 21 ft. travel trailer. That was the toughest trailer I have ever towed for whatever reason, and the wheelbase of the truck sure did not help. I sold that trailer and bought a 27 ft. fifth wheel trailer and it was a lot easier with that same short bed truck. Easier to hitch, easier to tow (harder to back though). I did a lot of towing with that short wheelbase truck, between travel trailers, and a flat bed car trailer on 400 mile excursions to Indiana, but would not try it again with a short wheelbase truck. I have considered getting either another travel trailer, or small motor home when I retire (in about a year), but leaning toward the small motor home, especially since I only have a 1/2 ton truck, albeit now a extended cab 4x4. Wish I would have sprung for the 2500 with a 6.0 when I bought this truck (in 2011) or they sold a max tow package then with the 6.2, and better gearing. I do have a project truck which is a C20 with big block, but really have no plans to try towing long distances, even though the original owner did a lot of towing with it.

[StingRay]

A vintage big block truck would get about 5 mpg towing a trailer or with a camper on the back. When gas was 50 cents a gallon it wasn't a problem. Even a small block 3/4 ton of the day pulled like a train. Our 4.10 geared 69 Longhorn with a 350 would haul at 65 mph with a 2800 lb camper and pulling a boat through the mountains in 90 degree temps. It only had an in cab tank and we made a lot of fuel stops.

Originally Posted by chevmn

About 25 years ago I had a short bed (92 silverado 350 5 spd manual with 3:73 gears), and purchased a 21 ft. travel trailer. That was the toughest trailer I have ever towed for whatever reason, and the wheelbase of the truck sure did not help. I sold that trailer and bought a 27 ft. fifth wheel trailer and it was a lot easier with that same short bed truck. Easier to hitch, easier to tow (harder to back though). I did a lot of towing with that short wheelbase truck, between travel trailers, and a flat bed car trailer on 400 mile excursions to Indiana, but would not try it again with a short wheelbase truck. I have considered getting either another travel trailer, or small motor home when I retire (in about a year), but leaning toward the small motor home, especially since I only have a 1/2 ton truck, albeit now a extended cab 4x4. Wish I would have sprung for the 2500 with a 6.0 when I bought this truck (in 2011) or they sold a max tow package then with the 6.2, and better gearing. I do have a project truck which is a C20 with big block, but really have no plans to try towing long distances, even though the original owner did a lot of towing with it.