Biggest trailer you would tow?

[Laser145]

Question for the masses...

I've got an 87 SWB with the 305 and 2.73 rear end.

Looking at a move down the east coast, some 1200 miles. Considering mounting a receiver hitch on my truck, buying an enclosed trailer, and making the drive... as opposed to wasting money on a U-haul.

Whats the largest trailer you guys would tow with this setup?

[Joeys82c10]

The 2.73 is going to limit you on towing capacity. I have the factory brochure for 82s that covers nothing but towing capacitys for all that years models. I had 2.73 and I think it was under 4000lbs towing. When I get home later I'll look it up.

[83swb]

No way I'd go over a 7x12' trailer fully loaded. Sure you could go bigger but you'd be really working the truck.

[Laser145]

7x12 is big enough for my needs. Two motorcycles in the bed and the rest in the trailer.

[Joeys82c10]

Looking in my chevy manual a 305 with 2.73 gears can do a gcwr of 7000lbs.

[57NAPCO]

I think I would want electric trailer brakes, not surge. What are the bikes in the truck bed? Thats quite a load for that shortbed with a 305. IMO

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Joeys82c10

Looking in my chevy manual a 305 with 2.73 gears can do a gcwr of 7000lbs.

Just to be clear: GCWR is Gross Combined Weight Rating, so that includes the weight of the truck too.

Trailer rating would be the 7000 lbs minus 4000 (or whatever) for a trailer weight of 3000 lbs (for example).

K

[old Rusty C10]

as a guy who tows trailers behind different vehicles I think youre going to be pushing the limits with all that weight. Id think youre going to be about 5000 lbs including those bikes .. Would it be possible to make two trips or hire a mover or something?

[Dead Parrot]

A lot depends on what you are moving. Are we talking Hogs or dirt bikes? Thousands of books or a few pieces of bachelor furniture? Might be worth leaving the worst of it behind and using the money saved to buy better upon arrival. I don't see why your plan won't work as long as you know how much you are really moving. Consider hitting a scale if you have any doubts about how much you are moving.

[68post]

I hope your brakes are in top-notch condition, they are what most don't think of until it's too late.
Definitely use a transmission cooler, and I'd do a trans fluid change too.

[Laser145]

The bikes aren't big choppers. One in a 76 Airhead, the other is a much lighter KTM Supermoto. I might even sell the KTM before the move.

Beyond that I've got light furniture, two rolling toolboxes that are half full (if that), and some books.

I think a 6x12 trailer would be fine, and I wouldn't even fill it up. Brakes I would replace before the trip, change tranny fluid, oil of course...

My plan is to buy the trailer used, use it, then sell it to recoup some of the costs. A U-haul just costs too much. Hell, even if it cost me my transmission, that still won't set me back what the U-haul would...and I'll come out with a new tranny.

Logical?

[68post]

Sounds logical to me !
Use Valvoline Maxlife trans fluid only, it's the best for dollars spent.
(not opinion - fact)

[Desert1957]

Biggest towing factory probably the 2:73 rear. My 87 came with a 305 and 2:73's and it was a dog.

Engine was upgrade to a 5.7 but the largest increase in power came from changing the rear gears to 3:42 unreal difference in torque feel.

Desert

[Joeys82c10]

That's right. Gcwr is both weights combined. Truck+trailer+load<7000lbs. 2.73 don't have towing in mind.

[cadillac_al]

U-haul will tell YOU what size trailer you can haul. You will think it is too small and you won't have a choice in the matter so don't think about it too much.

[dieseldawg142]

i'm with Keith on this one, keep it around 3000lbs.
had this lightweight quad trailer, 7x10, 950lbs new & dry, around 1200lbs after i put a bike box on the front, a spare, the deflector...our quads (2) & 1 dirtbike was around 1500lbs.
i towed it with my SB, & i totally noticed it back there, weigh, handling, & stopping. and my SB has a 350 & 3:73's.
not the best set-up you have for towing, it's doable, but i would just be prepared for a slow trip....

[Edahall]

Enclosed trailers pull harder than you think due to wind resistance. With 2.73 gears, your truck is not up to the task. You'll very likely burn out that tranny in the middle of the trip and have to get towed. I would swap axels before taking off. Look for a 3.42 or 3.73.

[Greenlee]

Assuming you have a 700r4, don't pull the trailer in overdrive. I have burned up a couple of 700r4's over the years before I learned my lesson.

Keep it in 3rd and take it easy, and you should be fine in my opinion.

[roundhouse]

youll probably be alright if you dont use OD

my uncle bought a 82 longbed 6.2 diesel new, and used it to tow a 16 foot airstream all over the place

not sure about the axle ratio in it,

[Laser145]

Thanks for al the replies. This just gives me the motivation to go ahead and search for a square K10 with a better axle ratio!

Been looking for an excuse to get a new truck

[MalibuSSwagon]

Well according to the internet I've been doing it wrong! I regularly haul cars on a 16ft car trailer with my 86 C10. Sure it's not ideal, but it works. Hauling light cars like a Civic (around 2300lbs) is quite easy. I would routinely move cars in the 3k+ range without issue. Likely how I cracked the eyelets on my original springs, I've moved alot of cars with this truck. I upgraded to 3/4 ton springs after finding that.



So my point is, check the truck over real well and replace anything worn out. Remember it's almost 30 years old.

[Oregoon]

Having spent the bulk of my working life towing very large trailers, I second everything you read above.

Aside from a receiver and proper trailer brakes, I'd invest in an auxiliary tranny cooler. Much cheaper than a new slush-box. Definitely keep in 3rd, and stay out of stop-n-go traffic, and away from high speeds.

1200 miles is a fun road-trip. Take your time and take the back roads.