towing ? with a '72

[6camaro9]

hi,

i'm in the market for a truck, i would like to get a '72 (dark green perferred).
my question is how good are these trucks with the original engine (350) for
towing? or should i look for a big block truck.

the heaviest thing i would be towing is my '69 camaro.

thanks,
thomas...

[cheatham]

It really depends on the entire setup. What I can tell you from experience is that my 71 has a 350, 3 speed manual, 3.73, and it did not want to pull a car haul with a 74 1/2 ton ford 20 miles. I got stuck at a light on a hill, and nearly burnt up my clutch to get going.

[stickshift_or_walk]

My '72 C20 Cheyenne has the stock (but rebuilt) 4bolt main 350, coupled with a SM465 tranny and a 4:10 rear end.

I've pulled loads with it that I wouldn't dare try with my '02 1ton. The stock rear leaf springs hold a ridiculous load without sagging, and the truck has never gotten squirrelly at highway speeds with a heavy load like smaller/lighter trucks do. The front disc/rear drum setup stops even brakeless trailers with no fuss.

Yes, it revs pretty high at 70 mph, and the gas mileage with a trailer runs 8-10 mpg, but if you want something moved, it'll do the job and come back for more. Heck, it's even got A/C.

Get a good reciever hitch (Class IV min), solid trailer wiring & brakes, and get on the road.

Or, maybe just build some ramps to make a car hauler on the back of the bed. I've seen it done, and a Camaro is no load for these trucks...

Good hunting...SSOW

[StingRay]

I pulled a car hauler with half a truck on it (probably 3500 to 4000 lbs total) about 300 miles back from Northern Manitoba last year ( pulled it empty all of the way there too) in 100 degree weather with no problems. My truck has a warmed over 350 with a big 4 row rad, a TH350 tranny and a 373 rear end. With a tranny and an engine oil cooler installed I wouldn't hesitate to pull the same distance with a full 7000 lbs.

[Robert1970C20rstbukt]

Pulled a 33ft travel trailer with mine, but didn't go far because I didn't need to. I'm running a 350 with a TH400 automatic with 4:10 gears, it's got a lot of torque. If you're gonna pull something heavy like what I did it's better to start in low 1 and shift to drive before you hit 20MPH.

Good luck,

[TP from Cntl PA]

Seems to be all in the gearing IMO..............If you want a hard running engine find a GMC with a V-6 Damn, they run like a Diesel(Atleast the one I have does )

Had to get that plug in there

Actually, a 350 with a 4 spd would be good too for what your doing............Or should I talk you into a 292 six

Like I said, rear end gearing is everything when pulling........

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by 6camaro9

hi,

i'm in the market for a truck, i would like to get a '72 (dark green perferred).
my question is how good are these trucks with the original engine (350) for
towing? or should i look for a big block truck.

the heaviest thing i would be towing is my '69 camaro.

thanks,
thomas...

Well, I guess this one's right up my alley!
6Camaro9:
I have used my 1972 C20 BB 402 T-400 for towing with my 24' 2-axle car trailer and with either of my 69 Camaros.
Ill tell you a few things that most will agree with and what I use. Cooling, whether it be for engine oil or trans oil, is a big concern. If available, try to incorporate an engine oil cooler. GM uses a kit that was offered for the 73-87 truck that has an adapter at the oil filter to run their oil lines to a front mounted oil cooler. I also use a lower temp 160* thermostat and Ive also considered an aluminum water pump...
Also consider using an inline trans cooler.
Temperature is what kills most engines when towing undere heavy loads, up hills, or similar driving conditions-Not to leave out DESERT heat! I have towed with my setup rather well. Trailer brakes, whether they be surge or electric, is a big consideration and will help stop the total weight of your setup. Mine is a Custom Camper; from the factory, it had the heavy duty rear leafs and handled the trailer and car well! Also consider your toungue weight, positioning the car/trailer weight properly over the tounge of your hitch...Ive never towed a 5th wheel so I can't offer with that setup.
As for the small block, a well kept up motor will handle what you need. What I may offer to you is this, either small or Big Block will handle it well. "TORQUE" is what makes the final towing situation hassle free. Consider your options; whether a truck having a rebuilt or one needing to be rebuilt engine...A cool healthy motor is one that tows well.
Only under certain wind conditions have I experienced any side to side action from my trailer. I usually just floor it until it gets straight & then back right out of it until the total weight of the whole setup drives it back striaght.
Just my experiences!
Hope this helps you!