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.

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[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.

You must be registered for see images attach

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

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[ali_c20]

Welcome from Austria. Post a pic of your Truck. I use my K5 as daily in the warm months, so much better than new cars.

 

[Shorty81]

My ol' girl has to earn her keep!

 

[GTX63]

I drive what looks like a clapped out, rusted 80 GMC K15 almost everyday, hauling firewood, haybales, rock, etc. I take it to swap meets and load the bed with motors, transmissions, rear assemblies, body panels, etc. I'll tow a 16' trailer to transport firewood.
If I'm moving a tractor or our excavator, then I use my late model 2500 Silverado.

By the way, I get asked almost weekly if I want to sell the Squarebody. No one asks me to sell my Crewcab 2019.

 

[Keith Seymore]

Mine was a daily for 30 years and 200000 miles.

Light hauling, trailering, and back and forth to work.

It's what they were made for, and that's what we did with them back in the day.

K

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[Keith Seymore]

In fact, this set up crossed the Rockies when we moved from Michigan to Arizona -

K

You must be registered for see images attach