The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Towing capability of my set-up?

Can you guys offer suggestions/comments about the towing capability of my set-up?

'41 1/2 Ton
'57 Stock 235
Saginaw stock 3 speed
3:55 rearend
29.1" Tires (650/16)

Considering pulling 1000 - 1200 pound Teardrop Camp Trailer
Tongue weight 130-150

Will this work or should I now be considering a tranny change? I won't be changing the rear again as it's brand new.

Thanks,

Don

I pull a small boat and trailer sometimes that weighs about the same as your setup. You won't have any trouble at all. Of course you won't be setting any speed records - especially uphill. But 55-60 on flat roads at sea level and you'll barely notice that it's behind you. I do have a 3:90 rear and I can overdrive 3rd and 4th. That definately helps.

You ought to be able to safely pull a 3000 pound trailer with that setup. Worry more about stopping and steering than the 235. It was put into trucks and busses much larger than yours, it can be lugged without destruction.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the Teardrop will have electric brakes. The steering definitely needs tightened up.

Don

p.s. Just changed the topic heading to better reflect my question.

Should pull fine behind your truck.

Why not? Those trailers were pulled behind cars back when they were new; your truck should have no problems. Looks like you've taken care of the safety aspect with the addition of the electric brakes to the trailer. Cool set up by the way. Are you just driving it to shows or actually using it? I can only imagine the complimentary comments you'll get with the combination of the truck and trailer. I wish I had one for my 58 Chevy, but I've got no where to put one. Too many projects or not enough room.

Don,
That's a nice teardrop. It will look cool behind your 41.

Thanks for the input guys. The Teardrops are often pulled with PT Cruisers and Jeeps and I figured that the '41 wouldn't have a problem. I guess at this point I've spent so much time getting the truck back on the road I didn't want anything going cattywhompus on me.

Lumbergh - Yes, I think it will be a cool set-up and I have wondered what would draw the most attention at a show, the truck or the trailer? The Teardrop has been on order since the middle of June and expected delivery is not until the middle of February or March of '08. I'll be sure to post some pix of the pair at the first opportunity.

The next hurtle will be the design and installation of a receiver type hitch.

Don

That is a really great looking trailer! bigmacdaddy is right- you should pull it fine with the 235, my 3600 pulled cars around for 30 years and it held up well. My gears are 4.56 so on steep hills you won't be moving real fast, especially from a stop. The little skiff we pull is 2500 pounds with a 260 pound tongue weight. Good call on the trailer brakes.
Kim

If this is what I do, you'll have no problems.
Shasta
I didn't go terribly fast and avoided the main highway. The 235 pulled uphill admirably. I see it - if they're behind me, they're gonna wait. I've never had anyone get mean or nasty as it's obvious we're a retro-setup.

OldBlue - Your rig is like a mansion compared to the Teardrop. Is the Shasta 50's vintage? Do the wings on the back make it go faster?

Like you my goal is to stay on the Blue Highways, avoiding expressways as much as possible. Perhaps next spring I'll start my journey.

Don

OldBlue,
Your truck and Shasta look nice!! When my 54 1/2 ton is finished, we'll pull our '66 Shasta (model 1500, 14ft) with it. Again, very nice!!

Don,
My 54 1/2 ton has pulled quite a few things over the years, 3 speed, stock rear end, and has always done very well, as others have mentioned, you shouldn't have any problems!
Samantha

Thanks for the comments. The Shasta is a 59 or 60. Not sure. The wings represent freedom and it sure is nice getting away from it all.

The truck pulled the Shasta up the Coast Mountain Highway, Canada's most dangerous highway, through serious construction areas being done for the 2010 Olympics and up and down steep grades and sharply curved road. The biggest problem was the other half talking on and on and insisting on participation in the discussion while I dodged dips, pilons, heavy machinery, construction diversion, etc. I finally said, "I need to focus on the road so we don't go off the cliff into the ocean." The reprieve was shortlived but I was able to make it through the worst of the construction.

For those of you who are interested in obtaining an older trailer, you may want to visit:

http://vintagecampers.com/


Lane