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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: RHWHYNOT on November 05, 2024, 01:41:56 pm

Title: 5th wheel towing
Post by: RHWHYNOT on November 05, 2024, 01:41:56 pm
Does anyone have any words of wisdom about this.  I have a 1983, the wood bed weighs nothing.  Previous owner put a 350 crate engine in the truck, I added small chamber aluminum heads, and changed the intake, carb, ignition, elec fuel pump and cooling fans, plus headers.  My engine makes good power against a 400 trans.  I rebuilt the entire rear end with a 4.10 posi, it pulls hard.  I am interested in towing 14-15K, with about a 2,650 lb pin weight.  Triple axle RV trailer 37' long.  Everything about my brakes are new except for the power booster.  I am not looking to go cross country but may travel a few hundred miles and then set camp again for a few months.  I have confidence in the truck and have read how far some other people have pushed the weight limits of their C30s.  This is a long trailer but well balanced, I don't have the hitch for this on the truck yet, so I have not been able to test the safety aspects with this configuration.  I think it will be a cool picture to see this old truck hooked up like this.  I was hoping a few people have done this and share any pros and cons.

Thanks
Title: Re: 5th wheel towing
Post by: JohnnyPopper on November 05, 2024, 06:08:09 pm
I had a C20 the PO had beefed up to one ton rating, pulled a race car. I pulled a 28' toy house loaded, twin axle. No issues. Forget what the pin weight was.

If you're worried about being over the weight ratings you could do a couple of thing: Overload springs, electric brake control of the trailer (assuming it has that feature). Make sure your tires are rated for such a load.

I wouldn't sweat it, beef it up and go have fun!