Towing with an old truck

[Black Pearl]

Tried I did, researching newer trucks. That's just frustrating. I don't want whistles, bells, heated seats, Power windows, computerized everything! Prices and potential mileage of "newer" trucks drew me back to my older 76 Chevy 1/2 ton. The previous owner(s) painted over the red. Looks like it was spray-can painted, flat black. It fits the farm truck look - except the body is completely straight. Only one dent in the tailgate.
In a few weeks, I'm headed out, pulling a 20' travel trailer. Got an opportunity, 400 miles from here. The engine & transmission sound & work great (some leakage.) I'll keep an eye on levels.
The last gas fill up, the mileage was Over 15 miles per gallon. [Did I have a tail wind? ] Pulling 3,500 lbs will drop the mpg but it's far cheaper than the new trucks. These "simple" older model trucks are a hoot to drive and to see the looks people give or the comments they say - add good to the ride.

Anyone else using their old classic beyond the show n shine events... ??

 

[bigcountry78]

I used my 78 as a semi daily driver and as my only truck for a while. Then it got totaled. Anyway, I used it to haul anything that would fit on my 6x12 trailer, but I’d say I never hauled more than 1500 pounds. It handled it well, but if I was going to pull 3,500 pounds I would want trailer brakes and a weight distribution hitch. The brakes on my truck were never super great, hence the trailer brakes.

 

[Ricko1966]

If you are getting 15 mpg,using that to tow 3000lbs may be a struggle if there are any hills. If you are getting 15 you must have 3.08 3.07 or less rear gear. All I use my truck for is pulling trailers or minimum a bed full of what ever. But I've got 3. 73 gears. I have pulled a 24 foot travel trailer I don't think it's the heaviest trailer I've pulled,but it definitely handled much worse than my flat bed loaded with anything,not undrivable,but definitely squirrelly

 

[Strick]

Here's my...my dad's C20 Crew pulling a 28' camper in the early 80's. He didn't kill it but from memory it pulled fine. 350/SM465 & 3.73 gears.

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[Black Pearl]

I used my 78 as a semi daily driver and as my only truck for a while. Then it got totaled. Anyway, I used it to haul anything that would fit on my 6x12 trailer, but I’d say I never hauled more than 1500 pounds. It handled it well, but if I was going to pull 3,500 pounds I would want trailer brakes and a weight distribution hitch. The brakes on my truck were never super great, hence the trailer brakes.

I agree - trailer brakes (brake assist..) good idea. I don't know what a weight distribution hitch is.. yet. Thanks, bigcountry78.

 

[Black Pearl]

Here's my...my dad's C20 Crew pulling a 28' camper in the early 80's. He didn't kill it but from memory it pulled fine. 350/SM465 & 3.73 gears.

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3.73 gears? More stuff I don't know yet. Gotta learn. What a cool picture! Great outfit for the 80's.

 

[Ricko1966]

I agree - trailer brakes (brake assist..) good idea. I don't know what a weight distribution hitch is.. yet. Thanks, bigcountry78.

What hitch do you have?

 

[Strick]

Weight distribution will load the suspension thru the hitch. It makes tag-along trailers a much better ride. Just do the Google machine & you'll see.

HS

 

[Strick]

Here's my '16 2500HD Max with a 10K 34' tag-along, dismantled '32 deck & 50 pavers & whatever junk would fit in the bed. This is WITH a distribution hitch. I wouldn't attempt to drag all this mess 150 miles home without the hitch.

Hs

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