Question-C 20 Custom Camper Towing Capacity

[1970 Custom Camper]

Hey Y'all,
Can I get some help please? I know this has been posted before, but I can't seem to find the thread/posts about towing capacities for a 1970 C 20 Custom Camper. I believe it was from a dealer's book. I've searched, but haven't found what I was looking for. Thanks!

[1970 Custom Camper]

Anyone?

[1970 Custom Camper]

It is a 1970 C-20 with a 350, TH-350, 4.10 gears and both front and rear HD springs RPO

[PanelDeland]

Should have a plate in the doorjam to tell you GVW.One thing to remember is that these trucks can tow a lot more than they can stop.If it's a heavy trailer you'll need trailer brakes.

[1970 Custom Camper]

Thanks Panel. I appreciate your reply.
It is a 1972 29' Airstream that has a GVWR of #7,100. It typically weighs about #5,500 loaded for a weekend camping trip. It has brakes. The truck is setup for towing with a Prodigy P3 brake controller and a heavy duty hitch. It does have the plate riveted to the cab.

It shows the GAWR front and rear as well as the GVWR, but not the GCWR. It doesn't show the GCWR, nor does the owner's manual.
I have seen charts from dealer books that list the GCWR for '68 and '72, but have not seen the same chart for 1970.

[steves1967]

I tow a 10k lbs enclosed trailer with my 71 C20 all the time- pulls like a champ! But the breaks do leave a little to be desired. I switched over to ceramic pads and that seemed to help a lot.

[nobolt]

what does your Airstream weigh in at? or have you got bigger ambitions?
I think you would be fine pulling "Abby" as long as it isn't stop n go freeway traffic.

[1970 Custom Camper]

Thanks nobolt.
Abby weighs around #5,500-#6000 loaded for a normal camping trip. I have towed her camping around 1,000 miles with my C20 Custom Camper. I don't have any problems with the combination. I'm just looking for the manufacturer's published numbers to make an educated comparison between towing with my 1970 C20 and 2002 Sequoia on this thread on Airforums. I have found the data chart from Chevy for 1969on this thread.

[Coley]

Don't mix up the GVW rating with the tow capacity...these are 2 different capabilities.
The GVW rating on the plate refers to a loaded weight ONTO the truck combined with the truck weight. This is a 'static' measurement.
(ie: You're truck can not WEIGH more than 7500lbs if there is a camper or a load IN the box using the truck chassis only.
The towing capability is quite different and is (usually) substantially higher than the 'payload' capacity due to the fact that the towed load uses its own tires, axles and frames.
As a very loose rule of the thumb the tow capacity often 'starts' at being about 1.5 times the weight of the truck and usually goes up from there depending on axle ratios, brakes, etc, etc.
Personally, I wouldn't worry about pulling that 5500lb trailer with a 3/4 ton truck so long as they are both in good mechanical condition and you're trailer is equipped with trailer brakes in good working order.
My two bits.
Coley

[1970 Custom Camper]

Thanks for your two bits, Coley. I have no worries about towing this combo. I understand the difference in GVWR, GAWR, GCWR and towing capacity.
What I'm looking for is this chart from Chevrolet for 1970. The one below is from 1969.

[Bigdav160]

Do you have reason to think it would have changed between '69 and '70? The trucks are pretty much identical aren't they?

[1970 Custom Camper]

I don't have any reason to think there is much, if any, difference from '69-'70. This shows the same data for 1972.

The GCW went down from #10,250 in '69 to #9,500 in '72 for a C20 350 with 4.10 gears.
It isn't going to change a thing for me, what I tow or how I tow.
I'm just interested to see what the 1970 chart says.

[70k10swbcst]

Wow, I'm following this string...so much info with no exact answer to help me too. I have a 1970 C20 (model CE20934) with a 396 (400 CID) V8 and 127 wheel base. It has leaf springs. Okay here is my situation. I have a 3500# enclosed trailer (with electric brakes) and a 3500# Car = 7000# total towing payload. I have the required tires for towing. I haven't installed a trailer hitch yet. And I haven't installed trailer tongue to trailer hitch anti sway bars (that I plan on doing). Can somebody with better brains and smarts then me, tell me, my setup will be within manufacturing quidelines to tow? And will it be safe?

[gmc684x4]

I would be more concerned about having all new brake lines and hoses possibly add hydroboost and14 ff big brakes if not already 13 inch rear brakes
A good class 5 hitch installed as well
Tow rated brakes will help as well

[70k10swbcst]

Well, I installed slotted roter front disk brakes and new master cylinder. And she stops on a dime now. So all lines are new. I won't have a breaking problem after I install a brake box too. I just need to know if I can tow 7000# with my C20 configuration with no towing problems. Can I get some help please.