Kind of pissed.

[audrima]

hey, I posted on a rv forum just wanting to know one thing, here is what I wrote.

"
How big of a trailer can I pull?
« on: March 19, 2013, 11:58:04 PM »
Quote
Hello,

I own a 1978 GMC c25 hd. 350 qjet sm454 (3 speed with granny) 3.73(I think) ls rear (8lug 3/4-1ton axle) 2wd. how big of a trailer could I pull on a frame mounted hitch?


I own a 1978 Prowler wilderness 20footer right now. wanting to get a 32-36 footer and newer hehe.


thanks"


not going to tell you what forum don't want a flame war but  crap some of the comments are like this "

I would hazard a guess that the original tow rating on your C2500 was around 7000-8000 lbs. Whether it is still up to that is anybody's guess.

Late model travel trailers in the 32+ ft range are probably going to have a GVWR in the 10,000 lb range, but maybe you can find one  that is lighter. Older trailers (70's and 80's vintage) will be lighter because they have fewer amenities, lighter flooring, etc., so maybe you can find one light enough to tow.

My advice is to shop for a newer truck."


"
You've got plenty of engine but a 3 speed trans isn't going to work very well for towing. I would suggest you follow Gary's advise and consider shopping for a updated truck too. Most likely a 1 ton possibly a diesel. Like my 31 foot is GVWR at 8,500 pounds."


"Now, I'm not nockin' the old Chevy pick-ups but at 35 years and the service it's performed, she deserves retirement...."

"True.  I can build a SBC BETTER than the factory did in the right bay of my garage....especially like they did when it was new.  Power = $$$....how much do you want? 

But yeah....we're not partying like it's 1999 any more.  It was a while back.  That build isn't exactly fresh.   

I can understand the nostalgia thing, but if you're wanting a modern 25-30' TT, a new truck would be much better.  Even my "ultra lite" grosses at close to 8000 lbs.  And in the mountains where I tow, you'd need a truck capable of 10K to pull it correctly.  I'd say get a new pickup, and keep the old one and restore it for a fun vehicle. "



Grr. did not answer my question just told me to get a new truck. Heck that! so hm do you know how big I can go?


Mariah

[79gmc15]

Well my 79 half ton is rated at 13,500 gcw(both truck and trailer). I think the only "major" difference between yours and mine is the axle. With sway bars, distribution hitch, and maybe some helper bags or overload springs you could probably pull closer to 30'+.

Just be real honest about the condition of your rig. Especially the frame, brakes, springs, bushings, axles, etcetera.

[Blazin]

My opinion, I'd rather tow a trailer, or a load in a half ton from the 70s, than a 3/4, or 1 ton from the 90s or newer! Just because it says so on the door sticker, or the fender emblem doesn't mean its so! All it takes is one look under a newer truck. You can see the weeny springs, and cheese that goes crunch frame.

A Friend of mine has 3 Super Duty pickups he plows with. His truck is an 03, F350, 5.4, standard trans. Second truck is an 08, F250, 5.4, auto. Third truck is a 2013, F350, 6.0, auto.
He plowed with his truck the first two winters, had to replace all the springs. Two more winters he was replacing all the springs, this time with beefed up stuff. Buys the 08, puts a guy in it, end of the first winter he is starting to replace springs, beefing it up as he goes. Picks up the 2013 last Dec. hires a guy to drive it. Still has temp. plates on it. He replaced the springs all the way around with heavier sets. He knows they aren't up to par. Figures its easier to unbolt everything before it gets all rusted to heck.
I'm in the process of replacing yellow Snow's rear springs. The ones i am taking out are a combonation of mixed, and matched mostly 3/4 ton a couple 1/2 ton leaves, all under a brand new 3/4 ton main leaf. They have been in the truck for 8 years.
Older = Quality

[audrima]

Thanks,  frame is good brakes new all around (And so are the lines after this week) springs bushings are well I don't know probly should replace soon, new front shocks this week.  honestly think they thought I said a s10 when they  said 8000lbs lol

anyway. what do you all pull?

[zieg85]

Well it is kinda hard to see in the picture but mine had no problems towing a 35" 5th wheel trailer in the Ozarks.  Granted mine has a 454 in it but has highway gears as well and the same 4 speed trans.  I have the 8600GVW but I am sure it would handle more any day of the week...

[78 Chevyrado]

for a 3/4 ton I think the minimum trailer the lowest 3/4 can pull is like 7k.  the heaviest is around 10k. 

What options do you have?  engine, brakes, weight dist. hitch?  trailer brakes?  without trailer brakes I wouldn't tow more than 3k or 4k if you have the 13" brakes.   hills could make em fade fast. Also do you have the "E" rated tires it supposed to have? how many leafs are in your rear springs? 

I have a 350, 3.73 gears, old hydraulic Kelsey hayes brake controller, and HD springs and the big brakes.  I have the 9 leaf rear springs.  and E rated tires.  they ride at about 50psi when the trucks empty.

I've had 2k lbs in the bed and hauling an 8k trailer for 300 miles, with no problems or worries, it did what I asked of it no problems, 

The guys saying get a newer truck are the ones you should tune out.  as they just gave themselves away as being stupid.  any truck ever made will be ok if its rated for the load. 

My 78 was bought for the sole purpose of pulling my granddads old27 or 30ft airstream all around the country during summers...  it did just fine, though I don't know what the trailer weighed.   and the truck had a slide in camper on the bed and junk in it for the trip...

[audrima]

I have  E rated tires put on a year ago, I have a hydaulic e-brake thing ( it plugs into the rear brake line at the master cyl  and runs a line into the cab to the controller.), No clue on the leaves off the top of my head 6-8  I'll count them later for you ^_^.  I have I think the 13in brakes.


thanks for the info much more helpful than that website.

*hugs* n <3
aud

[Engineer]

If you are talking about RV.net those people can't think outside of the RV realm. Anything they tell you is going to be based on a very narrow, and limited experience path, and by people with limited technical knowledge.

This forum is much better for resources relating to your square body GM. Most RV.net members weren't towing when the 73-87 trucks were in wide use.

[bake74]

     There have been good points listed.  I have towed a wide range of things, from small tear drop trailer's, to doubles and triples in semi's, to oversized ( 12 ' wide ) loads.  My 74 1/2 ton 4x4 tows as well as my 02 F350 Diesel truck, except for really heavy loads, diesels have way more torque.
     As far as your set up goes, 2 main things to consider as before mentioned. 
     1: weight distribution, if the weight of truck and trailer are not equalized you will not be able to go down the road straight.  It will sway like crazy.
     2: your tow vehicle has to be equipped correctly to stop the "towed" vehicle, or you will have a very short trip.
     Also as mentioned, there are several things that you can do to ease the towing experience and make it more comfortable for you.  Equalizing hitch, helper springs/air bags, brakes big enough to handle the weight along with trailer brakes are something's you should seriously consider if towing something that big.

[audrima]

well it was http://www.rvforum.net.   thanks for the advice.  ^_^

[Hollowman]

The previous owner of my '80 C10 Suburban used it to transport 2000+ lbs packages of fuel for the heater of his house during winter time, with no problem. Put 2000+ lbs in a new riceburner truck and watch it die. 

[DnStClr]

Here's the thread and responses from all those non-knowledgeable rvers. I'll refrain from further comments.
http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php/topic,61999.0.html

[audrima]

ya same here. not worth it. I learned more in this thread then on that whole site :\

[Engineer]

Yup, same crap they put on RV.net.

Today the rvers think you need a 2013 3500 diesel DRW chipped, and bombed with straight piped exhaust, cold air intake, blah, blah, blah all just to tow a Coleman popup.

Mariah if your C20 works for you then drive on. Ignore the tardz on the RV forums.

[bd]

LOL - Engineer, you DO have a way with words!