71 K10 towing limits

[71RULES!]

Hi gang. I have a 71 K10 Short Step that I'm restoring. It's coming along, although slowly

My question is to solicit opinions as to how to proceed with an issue I am struggling with.

This truck has a homebrew hitch that is way overbuilt. I would guess that it would rip the frame out from under the truck before it gave way.

I also own a boat that is quite heavy. The boat itself is around 5100lbs, and the trailer is 1700lbs. So I'm looking at 6800lbs if I don't pile a bunch of stuff in the boat. I know this SHOULD require a 3/4 ton, but I've seen many 1/2 tons towing big heavy trailers. I'm just wondering if I might be able to do the following:

1. Take the turbo 350 out, and overhaul with HD guts and shift kit.
2. Put on some kind of rear load assist springs such as helwig overloads.
3. Setup a load compensating hitch for this rig.

Any comments are welcome. I have a 2001 Dodge 3/4 ton diesel 4.4 that tows the boat like a dream. I am thinking of dumping the Dodge, but still need something to tow the boat with. I'm not a Dodge guy, but that truck does tow like a beast.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Bishops Trucks]

I would also be interested in this info as I have a '71 SWB fleetside K10.

[6772owner]

I would say the main areas of concern are the enigne/tranmission condition, then having proper cooling for them. (i.e. trans cooler, 4-core HD radiator, etc) Then it would be the limit of the brakes (have to be able to stop safely), next I would recommend helper air bags for the rear to keep the vehicle level and help with sway (might also want a rear sway bar)

I have been looking at getting a toy hauler and want to pull it with one of my trucks, the comfortable limit seems to be about 5-6K for a stock truck.

[71RULES!]

Yeah, maybe I ought to hang on to the Dodge for a while. At least until I get a fresh drivetrain into the Chevy, and that might not be until next summer. Working on getting it ready for paint now.
Thanks for the reply.

[6772owner]

No problem, I understand the situation, I have two trucks and am bummed to find out I cant really get the size trailer I want because of the weight. I would also recommend a hydro-boost brake set-up if you end up using the K10, that should help out with the braking power. I was also looking at doing a rotor/caliper upgrade when I get to that point. Also making sure the trailer has brakes (that are in good working order and properly adjusted) and a good brake controller can make it more safe. One last thing is to consider an equalizer hitch, or at lease some type of sway control, the heavier the trailer the worse it can "whip" the truck around. (Sorry for the long post)

[rsavage]

In the past I have towed a 21' Liberator and a 23' Baja both on tandem trailers with 1/2 ton pickups (later model) with V-8's. Both boat and trailer combinations weighed about 6000. I think that 3 tons is about the safe limit for a 1/2 ton, especially a short wheel base. Helwigs are nice because they have anti-sway properties besides the overload if your tongue weight is hefty. At 6000 lbs, you're towing something that weighs 50% more than your shortbed tow vehicle. If you are towing over 7000 lbs, I think you would be much safer with a 3/4 ton. I love my old Chevys, but my Dodge Cummings pulls an 8000 lb Toy Hauler like it is a 2000 lb boat. Hang on to the tow vehicle if you can

[71RULES!]

LOL
No kidding on the cummins. Mine is a monster, and it's stock. I forget the boat is back there.

I wonder how hard it would be to put a 71 K10 long bed on that chassis.


I know, it's been done. Looks like a real pain, but it would be SWEET!

I'll just hold out and buy a chevy 3/4 ton 4x4 long bed sooner or later. pre 1973 of course. I love that cab style. I could probably get a nice one for what I could sell this Dodge for. 2001 cummins 4x4 long 3/4 with only 75k miles on it. I'll bet it would bring a nice price. I'll have to look into that again, now that it's paid off. After all, I should REALLY be driving a Chevy right?