Towing with our trucks

[Ronw435]

Was wondering if anyone has been towing things like a small travel trailer with the C-10's. I have a 283 which I know is not a torque monster but it does have a RV cam with power pack heads and two barrel carb, with 3:08 gears and was wondering what everyone would think about it being able to tow say a 3000 lbs trailer? It is a 3 on the tree with a 10.5 new clutch.

Thanks for any input

Ronw435

[vin63]

For me, towing capability means more about the braking, cooling and highway stability. I'm sure your small block can pull the trailer, but is the rest of the truck up to doing it and stopping safely?

[Ronw435]

Very true, at the least probably disc brakes with booster would be a must. And some sway bars?

Thanks for the reply.

[vin63]

...and, don't forget the transmission and engine cooling. Plus, the properly rated tires. I used to pull our horse trailer (~6K pounds loaded) with my C10.

[TJ's Chevy]

3.08.1 is a bit tall for a 283, but it'll tow it. Long as like mentioned your stay cool and yer brakes work. ol

[nsb29]

trailer brakes should be considered and 373 gear as well

[Mackie]

If you mean 3,000 lbs. total gross that's not much of a trailer. My 2.5L 5 cyl. Volvo wagon has done that on 1500 mile, 65mph highway trips more than 6 times in the last 2 yrs. It's rated for 3500 lbs.

The cooling system needs to be up to snuff and brakes might be the only concern. Usually trailer brakes are found on heavier trailers than that.

[BR3W CITY]

I can tow anything up two a car trailer pretty easily, but at that point my super short wheelbase and lack of trailer-brake control becomes sketchy. A travel trailer, or a car on a wheel-dolly isn't bad.

Power wise I can pull a G20 out of a ditch.

*my drivetrain, braking, and suspension are a little different tho

[Keith Seymore]

Shouldn't be a problem.

The Chevelle plus the trailer here is about 4500 lbs. 24' Haulmark enclosed trailer is beyond what I would do again.

Truck is a 4.3L V6, manual trans w overdrive, 3.73 axle.

K

[Ronw435]

Yeah what were looking for is a small travel trailer, maybe a retro about 17ft, to take camping. We are currently camping in a tent and encountered a bear that came within about 10 ft of the tent and would like a little bit more between us besides just some fabric....lol. Would never consider pulling a large trailer with it.

[1963c-10]

.44 be cheaper and bear is pretty good eating.

I don't think you'd have any issues with a small travel trailer. Pulled a 61 falcon loaded with parts all the way back from Billings, Montana to Fayetteville, NC on a big Uhaul car trailer few years back with no issues. And that was with the 230 installed.

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Yeah what were looking for is a small travel trailer, maybe a retro about 17ft, to take camping. We are currently camping in a tent and encountered a bear that came within about 10 ft of the tent and would like a little bit more between us besides just some fabric....lol. Would never consider pulling a large trailer with it.

I have a 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner that I am working on for this exact reason. Finishing the reseal of the windows and already fixed 90% of the water damage ( almost all was along sides from towing in rain). my SWB tows great but I did put bags on the rear and trailer controller since the Lo Liner has brakes.

[aerotruk63]

Trailer brakes are a huge asset, especially when it starts to get away from you. That's why on the big transport trucks are equipped with a spiker, to activate the trailer brakes only, to straighten everything out.

Nostalgia Link
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=568667

[Ronw435]

Well most of the trailers we are going to be looking at will be16-19ft. I doubt that they will have trailer brakes. Since I am retired we dont have to run 75-80 down the interstate. Look to run around 60-65 conditions allowing. Aerotruk the trailer you have there is about what we are looking for. Is that an Airstream?

[aerotruk63]

1974 Airstream. Frame rusted out on it so I shortened it. Has electric brakes though, on the new axle. Be careful when purchasing an Airstream of this era....

What it was ....and closer to completion of modifications.

[Clyde65]

ANy help with braking is a plus. No matter how big the trailer is. My TT is 15' and it has trailer brakes.

[nsb29]

if a trailer is 3000 lbs that's dry, water waste tanks food ect. now its 4000 lbs trailer brakes are on most travel trailers and they should engage first

[NEWFISHER]

Added elec brakes and a controller, towed like a dream. Was assembling semi trailer glad hands and some firestones to bag the trailer then sold it. Didnt even know it was back there with the V8 and 4 wheel disc. Also towed it behind the 250 700r4 combo in the 50 burb, also trailer brakes. Did a 2800 mile trip last summer.

[Ronw435]

Sweet Burb. That is what we are looking for, so you say they do come with brakes?
Thanks for posting.

[63burban]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Well most of the trailers we are going to be looking at will be16-19ft. I doubt that they will have trailer brakes. Since I am retired we dont have to run 75-80 down the interstate. Look to run around 60-65 conditions allowing. Aerotruk the trailer you have there is about what we are looking for. Is that an Airstream?

Even at 60-65, when a trailer wants to to something, brakes are good. A rear sway bar on the truck is helpful, and stiff springs. But brakes are a necessity if you need to stop quick. you don't always have the pleasure of stopping at your own leisure, the real plus would be a weight distribution hitch.

[argonaut]

Trucks are meant for towing... other trucks!

I agree that good brakes are key. 3,000# trailer isn't too much, but trailer brakes are always nice too.

With 3.08 gears in the rear slow and steady will be the name of the game, but I would think it should be fine.

[NEWFISHER]

Originally Posted by Ronw435

Sweet Burb. That is what we are looking for, so you say they do come with brakes?
Thanks for posting.

You can buy an axle that is equipped with braked and install it. 4 u bolts and run the wire to the tongue. Easy

[66Gilbert]

Originally Posted by argonaut

Trucks are meant for towing... other trucks!

I agree that good brakes are key. 3,000# trailer isn't too much, but trailer brakes are always nice too.

With 3.08 gears in the rear slow and steady will be the name of the game, but I would think it should be fine.

Very cool picture argonaut! I agree with the first statement. Also agree on trailer brakes on both axles if you are pulling a tandem axle trailer. 3.73 or 4.11 gears are a must for me as I have to pull a long steep grade in any direction I go to get out of the Verde Valley.

[par4tom]

Some really nice stuff you guys have on here...lot of fun to look at!

I think the 3.08 is going to be a bit of a stretch on some of the grades, you may need to shift up a bit more often then normal.

I agree...get something with trailer breaks. They are tons of units out there with them and the cost of an accident without em makes them imperative!

Best,
Tom

[ptc]

you can put elects brake on anything.... probably the easiest transformation of any on a trailer. Just find what you like and go get a brake kit for it if it doesnt have them already.