Hey all - I searched forum previous post for this, but could not find anything. Does anyone know how I can determine the towing capacity of these old trucks? I have a '52 or '53 (not sure) GMC 1/2 T with the original engine (not sure the size, and I do know that the green i used is not the correct year engine color, but I liked it better). It has 3 on the tree (transmission). I have tried to attach a couple of pictures of a serious hitch I bought and had put on. (I think the rear bumper now has new mounts to be a bit lower.) (my guess is that this hitch is overkill for this truck, but not sure what else I should have done) My dream is to get this old boy on the road and buy a small travel trailer to tow, but I need to know my towing capacity/weight limits. Any information or direction to other research would be greatly appreciated. I recently sold my '63 Airstream 22 footer as I knew it would be too big for my truck. Looking for something smaller/lighter. Thanks!
What a G! Hey Gypsy! These old trucks~ especially with that mighty 228, (I guess) would rather pull a house off its foundation than run a sprint at 65 MPH... There's some considerations to take into account, but I'm sure you'll achieve your goal. It may not make more than 12 MPG, but that sweet 6 will do it! As far as the color green? I think we're ALL use to that color! Money well spent! What's up with the Chevy grill and hood?
Zig - 12mpg? that was going to be one of my other questions - better than I had figured. As for the chevy parts - I assume you are referring to the pic under my user name? Funny story - I wanted one of these AD trucks for soooooooooo long, that I actually bought a butt load of extra parts from an old farmer BEFORE i even had a truck to work on! Kinda bass-ackwards for sure. Then I finally found my complete G truck in an old barn, so I really don't need these extra parts anymore. Mom would be happy for me to get them out of HER garage! Me, I am a G-boy for sure. There is even another 51 chevy parts truck (complete) I picked up along the way as well. Maybe once my GMC is done, I will tow all the extras to a swap meet and unload them. I can dream can't I?
Engine size You can find the engine size stamped on the flat area next to your distibuter. First three numbers. Could be a 228,248,270,302. Chris
It's a 228 Hey Chris - thanks for the info. Looks to be a 228 sized engine. Still have not found any info on the towing capacity, but I will most likely find me a small lightweight camping trailer - maybe one of those older canned hams or one of the small fiberglass Uhaul/scamp types. That should do for just me traveling accross the country and seeing the great sights that I have only read about. My dad said he once went to Mount Rushmore and even drove up the backside. I asked what he could see from up there, and he said the back of their heads!
I'm sure it can tow 5000#'s or more but STOPPING is another story. For regular towing in hilly areas you could sure use a brake upgrade. Power brakes with sintered metal linings would do the trick and be the easiest route but most opt for a disc upgrade anymore. The sintered linings eat up drums faster but are pretty much immune to heat. What they can't do is stop the drum from expanding which means lower pedal with more heat. I had a LUV with a 400 sbc V8 that would tow anything if you loaded the hitch enough to stop the tires from going up in smoke but would STOP NOTHING.
Great shoot Hey Gypsy, that´s a great shoot of a nice truck! That Airstream would have been the perfect trailer for your ride, if not to big Here everybody is dreaming of an Airstream behind their vintage cars, but as you probably know, they are nearly impossible to get and to buy. Anyway, i also think, even not driven my AD yet, the brakes are the most concern, when it comes to pulling something heavy. As you hardly have any weight at the rear of your truck, the front brakes have to deal with most of the force. It´s not a good feeling, going down a hill and already being through the floor, with no deceleration. I had this once with a rental car in California, only the E-brake slowed down that car P.S. Looking good, what you´ve done so far.
In East Missoula, Mt. there is a shop that restores/ rebuilds Airstream trailers.They will build to order if you want newer interiors or completely restore. If anyone is interested, I can get more info.
You might check into a trailer with electric brakes. You are going to convert to 12 volts aren't you?
YES on the 12v Yes, it got converted to the 12v and wires got run to next to the hitch. However, I don't know if this would be just for lights or would it also be enough to control the electrical brakes? "I don't know nuthin bout haulin no trailers!"
Towing Safety FWIW ; I always prefer a trailer with a surge brake . Of course , electric brakes can be used as trolly brakes by the rig operator . Any 12 volt conversion will be sufficient to run trailer brakes , just remember to mind the grounds , run a ground wire in the lighting plug .
