Setting up for towing next year - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Greubin · 10-11-2009, 08:30 PM

Hey All -

So i'm bouncing around the idea of towing a 21' toy hauler with my 71 C20. I've rebuilt the front suspension, new crate 350, 700r4 (stg II), new rotors, pads, etc. The only things I need is to replace the front brake hoses and add a receiver hitch. Is it necessary for to add a trailer brake controller? What receiver hitch would you recommend? The truck has the original rear bumper / ball, but I wouldn't trust that to tow a trailer.

Thanks!

mtdave2 · 10-11-2009, 08:51 PM

trailer brake controller? absolutly, no way i would pull a camper w/o one.

hitch? class v. put the biggest and best you can on there, you can over do it!

and good call on not trusting the bumper...

Rob H. · 10-11-2009, 09:18 PM

A brake controller and good trailer brakes will make the differance between a happy towing experience and disaster!

**Boog** · 10-11-2009, 10:34 PM

Yes. Forget the bumper hitch and put on a good receiver hitch. Also before you go very far with this idea take the time to do a little research on the weight of the tt empty and loaded. 21' is not that long but when you add all the toys and supplies you will be taking along it can get heavy fast. And yes the brake controller is necessary but not expensive. The tt will be equipped with electric brakes and you'll need the controller in the truck to use them. And you'll be able to pull other trailers as well with your new hitch and controller.

Longhorn Man · 10-11-2009, 10:58 PM

personally, I would have to say bad things about anyone who DOESN'T do the mods you are asking about.
My personal feelings are bumpers should not tow anything more than a garden tractor or jet ski, and I also feel the DMV should have to test anyone before they should be able to tow anything. A LOT of problems would go away if they did this.

Greubin · 10-11-2009, 11:02 PM

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I know that Uhaul sells a variety of receiver hitches. Any suggestions as to where I should shop online?

**Boog** · 10-11-2009, 11:19 PM

Just type in towing accessories, hitches, brake controllers, wiring harnesses, etc and all sorts pop up. Most auto parts stores carry these parts. A quick search just now came up with this one.
http://www.accessconnect.com/towing_accessories.htm
Of course you can pickup what you need at most any travel trailer/rv sales companies. Is there a Camping World near you?

Lippyp · 10-12-2009, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I also feel the DMV should have to test anyone before they should be able to tow anything. A LOT of problems would go away if they did this.

Thats pretty much what they do in the UK now. Anyone who passed their driving test in the last I think 12 years can only tow up to 750kg (thats the limit on an unbraked trailer) if you want to tow over that then you have to take a seperate test. Of course us more "mature" drivers can tow anything LOL.

Longhorn Man · 10-12-2009, 05:44 AM

quite impressive Phil!

Ackattack · 10-12-2009, 09:50 AM

depending on the weight of the trailer, you may also consider a load distribution type of hitch.

Shyguy · 10-12-2009, 09:52 AM

Also I have found that a load leveler set up on the trailer hitch is a good idea with a sway restrictor. All travel trailer places carry them and probably U-haul does.

Most trailers have the setup but I have seen some people chose not to use them and have problems.

Years ago I did not know better and pulled a 26' cabin cruiser a lot by just using the bumper with my '72 3/4 ton GMC. I was lucky, but since then I have towed a lot of pull behind campers and 5th wheels and always use the right setups.

A little off subject, but one time we were towing a 25' fifth wheel travel trailer and coming down the mountains somewhere in the Sierras and lost the use of the trailer brakes, boy that was a ride with just the truck brakes and down gearing the transmission.

Good thing the truck had disc brakes on the front because there was minimal brake fade.

When towing a trailer in wet weather always try to anticipate stops because the best of brake set ups will not prevent sliding on damp pavement if the brakes are applied real hard. I have had that experience too.

Danny

cdowns · 10-12-2009, 11:12 AM

rear suspension bushings and oversized mirrors are a great investment too as well as a large tranny cooler

chevy_mike · 10-12-2009, 02:21 PM

As for online, I have done all my trailer parts buying from ETrailer. http://www.etrailer.com/

You don't say if you are a longbed or shortbed but here is a class IV hitch that would fit a longbed.

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~41938.h...eid=1968201604

Rated to 12,000#, 1,200# tongue weight. 15,000/1,500 if weight distribution setup is done on the trailer.

69GMCLonghorn · 10-12-2009, 04:15 PM

LHM is right. Make them pass a test on how to drive a trailer properly... forward AND backwards!

My wife and I took 3-4 good sized road trips this summer. I noticed the guys driving the fastest were not in Euro sedans or sports cars... It was BY FAR the idiots in pick up trucks, mostly lifted 4 x 4's, and a good portion of them towing trailers! They drove the fastest, the most aggressively, and the wildest of all drivers on the road! And when I say "idiots in pick up trucks", primarily newer model, 300+ HP rigs... not classics...

Just because a truck has an engine that will pull all 20K lbs of you down the highway at 100 MPH doesn't mean you SHOULD! I was following a guy in a late 90's Dodge 3/4 ton diesel, towing a triple axle 5th wheel toy hauler, with a BOAT connected to the 5th wheel! We were cruising along at around 70. He stood on it to pass someone on a 2 lane road. I ran my Grand Cherokee up to just over 90 MPH and the dumb a** was still accelerating!!! Can you imagine if he had to hit the binders at that speed?!?!

10-11-2009, 08:30 PM	#1
Greubin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SJC Posts: 158	Setting up for towing next year Hey All - So i'm bouncing around the idea of towing a 21' toy hauler with my 71 C20. I've rebuilt the front suspension, new crate 350, 700r4 (stg II), new rotors, pads, etc. The only things I need is to replace the front brake hoses and add a receiver hitch. Is it necessary for to add a trailer brake controller? What receiver hitch would you recommend? The truck has the original rear bumper / ball, but I wouldn't trust that to tow a trailer. Thanks! __________________ ___________ Greubin '71 C20 custom - GM Crate 350CI/290HP, BTO 700R4 level II, Qjet, and HEI

10-11-2009, 08:51 PM	#2
mtdave2 newly minted old timer Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Hudson WI Posts: 3,521	Re: Setting up for towing next year trailer brake controller? absolutly, no way i would pull a camper w/o one. hitch? class v. put the biggest and best you can on there, you can over do it! and good call on not trusting the bumper... __________________ ____________________________________________ 72 c20 longhorn 65k org miles and counting! 69 k10 Suburban

10-11-2009, 09:18 PM	#3
Rob H. Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Petersville KY Posts: 673	Re: Setting up for towing next year A brake controller and good trailer brakes will make the differance between a happy towing experience and disaster! __________________ Rob 72 C/10 (under reconstruction)(destruction ? LOL) 48 Willys CJ2A 1952 Super "A" Farmall (Grandfather's)

10-11-2009, 10:34 PM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,535	Re: Setting up for towing next year Yes. Forget the bumper hitch and put on a good receiver hitch. Also before you go very far with this idea take the time to do a little research on the weight of the tt empty and loaded. 21' is not that long but when you add all the toys and supplies you will be taking along it can get heavy fast. And yes the brake controller is necessary but not expensive. The tt will be equipped with electric brakes and you'll need the controller in the truck to use them. And you'll be able to pull other trailers as well with your new hitch and controller. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

10-11-2009, 10:58 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Setting up for towing next year personally, I would have to say bad things about anyone who DOESN'T do the mods you are asking about. My personal feelings are bumpers should not tow anything more than a garden tractor or jet ski, and I also feel the DMV should have to test anyone before they should be able to tow anything. A LOT of problems would go away if they did this.

10-11-2009, 11:02 PM	#6
Greubin Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SJC Posts: 158	Re: Setting up for towing next year Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I know that Uhaul sells a variety of receiver hitches. Any suggestions as to where I should shop online? __________________ ___________ Greubin '71 C20 custom - GM Crate 350CI/290HP, BTO 700R4 level II, Qjet, and HEI

10-11-2009, 11:19 PM	#7
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,535	Re: Setting up for towing next year Just type in towing accessories, hitches, brake controllers, wiring harnesses, etc and all sorts pop up. Most auto parts stores carry these parts. A quick search just now came up with this one. http://www.accessconnect.com/towing_accessories.htm Of course you can pickup what you need at most any travel trailer/rv sales companies. Is there a Camping World near you? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

10-12-2009, 05:44 AM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Setting up for towing next year quite impressive Phil!

10-12-2009, 09:50 AM	#10
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Re: Setting up for towing next year depending on the weight of the trailer, you may also consider a load distribution type of hitch. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

10-12-2009, 09:52 AM	#11
Shyguy Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeast Missouri Posts: 2,436	Re: Setting up for towing next year Also I have found that a load leveler set up on the trailer hitch is a good idea with a sway restrictor. All travel trailer places carry them and probably U-haul does. Most trailers have the setup but I have seen some people chose not to use them and have problems. Years ago I did not know better and pulled a 26' cabin cruiser a lot by just using the bumper with my '72 3/4 ton GMC. I was lucky, but since then I have towed a lot of pull behind campers and 5th wheels and always use the right setups. A little off subject, but one time we were towing a 25' fifth wheel travel trailer and coming down the mountains somewhere in the Sierras and lost the use of the trailer brakes, boy that was a ride with just the truck brakes and down gearing the transmission. Good thing the truck had disc brakes on the front because there was minimal brake fade. When towing a trailer in wet weather always try to anticipate stops because the best of brake set ups will not prevent sliding on damp pavement if the brakes are applied real hard. I have had that experience too. Danny __________________ '67 Chevy C-20 short stepper - build complete, 454/SM-465. '75 C-30 Single Cab DRW-350 small block/NP-435. '77 GMC-6500 Dump Truck, 427 Tall Deck. '92 GMC K-3500 Duallie, 454/4L80E.

10-12-2009, 11:12 AM	#12
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Setting up for towing next year rear suspension bushings and oversized mirrors are a great investment too as well as a large tranny cooler __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

10-12-2009, 02:21 PM	#13
chevy_mike Never Ending Projects Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,836	Re: Setting up for towing next year As for online, I have done all my trailer parts buying from ETrailer. http://www.etrailer.com/ You don't say if you are a longbed or shortbed but here is a class IV hitch that would fit a longbed. http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~41938.h...eid=1968201604 Rated to 12,000#, 1,200# tongue weight. 15,000/1,500 if weight distribution setup is done on the trailer. __________________ . 1965 C10 Panel, Tiki Express http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=506580 SOLD 1968 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod Hauler http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313233 SOLD 1965 Chevy C10, Long, Fleetside, Hot Rod C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415702 SOLD We were given two ears and one mouth for a reason... listen twice as much and speak half as often...

10-12-2009, 04:15 PM	#14
69GMCLonghorn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Porter Ranch, CA Posts: 978	Re: Setting up for towing next year LHM is right. Make them pass a test on how to drive a trailer properly... forward AND backwards! My wife and I took 3-4 good sized road trips this summer. I noticed the guys driving the fastest were not in Euro sedans or sports cars... It was BY FAR the idiots in pick up trucks, mostly lifted 4 x 4's, and a good portion of them towing trailers! They drove the fastest, the most aggressively, and the wildest of all drivers on the road! And when I say "idiots in pick up trucks", primarily newer model, 300+ HP rigs... not classics... Just because a truck has an engine that will pull all 20K lbs of you down the highway at 100 MPH doesn't mean you SHOULD! I was following a guy in a late 90's Dodge 3/4 ton diesel, towing a triple axle 5th wheel toy hauler, with a BOAT connected to the 5th wheel! We were cruising along at around 70. He stood on it to pass someone on a 2 lane road. I ran my Grand Cherokee up to just over 90 MPH and the dumb a** was still accelerating!!! Can you imagine if he had to hit the binders at that speed?!?! Last edited by 69GMCLonghorn; 10-12-2009 at 04:16 PM.



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