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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: dirrty d84 on June 09, 2006, 02:06:00 pm

Title: towing capacity
Post by: dirrty d84 on June 09, 2006, 02:06:00 pm
What is the towing capacity on the 1/2 ton trucks? I need to know because i need to use it to take a 66 Impala SS to myrtle beach and need to make sure it will take it. Thanks

Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: Blazin on June 09, 2006, 09:12:00 pm
It depends on if its a heavier 1/2 ton for the towing capacity. Whats it got for gears transmision, motor, etc. Does it have electric trailer brake set up? Trailer capacity will affect it too. A person with experiance towing trailers, with a decent trailer, trailer brakes, and a std. trans would probably be fine, but a light truck etc. I wouldn't go more than across town.  

Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: DnStClr on June 09, 2006, 09:20:00 pm
You're going to have to give more information than you have.
Is your truck equipped with any towing options.? Some 1/2 tons were,and were better suited for Heavy duty use. If I tow anything, I prefer my 3/4 ton HD over my 1/2 ton. The engine may be up to the task, but towing puts stress on a lot more than just the engine. ie- brakes, tranny, differential, cooling system, tires, frame, how's that for a start? Also, you don't mention how far you are from Myrtle Beach.  Is it a short trip, or a 3 day journey?

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: DnStClr on June 09, 2006, 09:21:00 pm
wow Blazin- we said the same thing at the same time.:D  

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn

Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: dirrty d84 on June 09, 2006, 11:15:00 pm
To be completely honest, i dont know the truck that well. I do know it has the heavy duity brakes, 305 engine, 350 tranny. as far as the rear end, i have no clue about the gearing. Yes, i have put the trailor brake setup on it, have a nice trailor, and have plenty of expierence towing. I am in Richmond, VA so its about a 5 hour drive to my new house in SC. Sorry for not giving all the info, i wasnt sure what all would be needed.

Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: Blazin on June 10, 2006, 08:43:00 am
If it were me I would do it. Just plan your stops ahead of time, keep a good distance etc. maybe shift it manually on hills. Are there allot of hills on the route? I would recomend the biggest aftermarket trans cooler you can get. Like 26,000 lbs. or more. Keep an eye on your temp gauge etc. wouldnt be a bad idea to stop every so often and let her rest. I have towed allot with half tons on and off over the years but they  where standard shift, trailer had brakes etc. and it was ussually less than 60 or 70 miles.    

Edited by: Blazin at: 6/10/06 10:13 pm
Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: Lt.Del on June 10, 2006, 11:24:00 am
Richmond, Va!! Yeehawww. Hello neighbor.

NO hills b/w Richmond and SC, I-95 south, all tidewater area.
A lot of the times, the trailer weighs more than the vehicle being towed.

I would take the earlier advice of a transmission cooler.  It only takes an hour or two to put in. Just ensure your fluid level is checked afterward with engine warm and running.

On some of the slight inclines, you may have to slip it in L2.

SgtDel
aka "Andy"

www.delbridge.net

1979 Big 10 383 stroker
1991 Blu 'Burb 3/4 ton 4x4

Edited by: SgtDel  at: 6/10/06 10:26 am
Title: Re: towing capacity
Post by: DnStClr on June 10, 2006, 01:13:00 pm
Keep an eye on your temp gauge.

Don St.Clair
Culleoka Tn