The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Curb weight 1946 stakebed

I cannot find any info on curb weight of a 1946 stake dump bed. I’m currently working on a 42 1.5 ton with no bed and it was easy to ship. I’m picking up a 46 6400 I believe, and the owner seems to think I will need a bigger trailer than a 7000 lbs flatbed. So my question is what’s the curb weight if a 1.5 and a 2 ton non military flatbed truck. Thanks in advace

The basic curb weight can be found in the 1946 Chevrolet Truck Data PDF from the GM Heritage Center archives.

Screen shot below shows all the basic curb weights for the different 6400 series 1946 trucks, but does not included the added weight for hydraulic dump bed equipment. Perhaps some fellow with a similar "Big Bolt" equipped with lift bed equipment can advise on what the added weight for that will be?

Thank you! I spent the entire morning searching the internet with no success.

I towed my 1946 2 ton flat bed dump truck (160" wheel base) with a 7000 lbs 16' trailer. The weight seemed fine, but the weight of the bed put so much weight on the back of the trailer that the tongue weight was not enough and the trailer would fishtail above 45 mph. My point is make sure your trailer is long enough that you can pull the truck forward far enough to get the proper tongue weight. As mentioned, my 16' flatbed trailer was not long enough to tow safely for any real distance. Backing the truck onto the trailer was not an option due to the dually.

Great advice thank you

Think either way I’ll do singles in the rear for loading purposes. It has a wooden stake tilt bed ( unknown what that weighs)

I think if you estimate the lift device, framework addition and pto/pump equipment at around 1000-1500 lbs, on top of the curb weight for the 6409 Cab, platform and stake rack (5,585 lbs), you should be in the right ballpark.

Definitely go to singles in the rear for loading and road clearance purposes, but also consider Bob's mention of having a trailer of the appropriate length for the load and tongue weight balancing. Err on the side of caution for yours and everyone else's safety.

Just for comparison, my '57 Low Cab Forward, 163 inch wheelbase, 15 foot wood grain box cab high, no hoist is 7200 lbs.

My '50 COE model 5700 grain box with lift is 7500 lbs.
Kent

This only added 500 lbs to the tow vehicle.
Pulled pretty good, just over 350 miles.

I brought Thor home from Virginia with an F250. It pulled 60-65 most of the way.

The steel side panels for the bed road laying down on the bed.

You didn't say how far away the truck is as that makes a difference...5 miles local is a lot different than 100 miles on the interstate.

I'm sure the 7K trailer structure will not fail, but the tires are the weak link. Look at the tire side wall and see what the tires are rated to carry and what the max speed is. Heat is the tire killer...running fast and hard causes heat and then blowouts.

IF I was attempting this with a 7K trailer I'd be repacking the bearings, checking that all of the brakes work and making sure the break-a-way battery/system is working. I'd also be carrying a min of two good spare tires.

Mike B

Just a side note. Maybe we should add a Trailer/Towing Tech Tip.. Maybe in Hauling Board. What say you Dan (Dan, Dan the answer Man :D)

Tuts, we already have two in the Legacy Tech Tips :

Trailering Tips -- How to get your new project home in one piece -- by Barry Weeks
Trailering - Gooseneck vs Tag Along - which to choose -- Depends! A "Trailer Faceoff" by John Milliman

Maybe a link then, not everyone is aware of the Old Tech Tips.

Done. But if you'll scroll back up to the top of this page ... why lookie there ... a link to the Tech Tips ....

Just sayin... (That there's more to this web site than just the forums ...)

Back to the OP's question -- I'm with Mike B. Get a bigger trailer and improve your odds for success.

J

Craig - No need for me to recreate the wheel on this - hahaha! The "Big Boss" has this covered and then some! Thanks as always John.

Thanks all. I picked up a 20 foot trailer and will be pulling with a heavy 3/4 ton. I will do singles in the rear and the 45 truck is a 1.5 ton so I should be good with a 7000lb trailer for 50 miles.

Good to hear!

Hope it’s not asking too much, but how about some pictures???

Would love to see it before loading, once loaded and arrival to it’s new home.

I’m sure lots of other Bolters would enjoy sharing in your homecoming experience!

Good luck, you will need it!
I'm with Mike B. get a heavier trailer!

Don

Remember the 7K trailer rating includes the trailer weight and everything on top of it! You're going to have that trailer MAXed out...

Check the rating on the tires, they will have a MAX speed rating...do not exceed that speed as you risk the tires blowing out due to high heat. Also check to see if they were made in China (nicknamed China Bombs)...if so I'd stop half way and check the tire temperature and let them cool down. A trailer rated at 10K would be much better...

Be safe!

Mike B

Got her home yesterday. ( unable to upload pictures ) 7k trailer 20 footer, took the windy scenic backroads between 40 and 50 without issues. From above placerville basically the sierras to the foothills Thanks all. 1946 stakebed dump ( all parts are there and minimal rust)

Dang - I was hoping to see some good pics. Is the upload problem because their too big??? If so, and you would like some help getting them posted, send me a PM or an email and I'd be glad to assist.

Great trip home. 100% all there and rust is only surface.

Great to see your new truck! Thanks for sharing. It really looks like a great beginning. Looking forward to seeing and reading more as you get into it.

Thank you, and thanks again for the help

SWEET TRUCK !!! Looks like you have Twins now.

The plan is to make one complete out of 2. Also dealing with California dmv on other. No vin, but there is a pink out of Oregon.