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Towing with my stepside?

Chevy305

Chevy305

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A buddy of mine just bought an old project boat, but his Ranger isn't up to the task of pulling the thing for about an hour and 1/2 worth of driving. I'd love to help him out but I've never towed with my truck before and i am unsure of how it will handle the load. The boat and trailer have been sitting for about 2 years so we are going to grease the hubs before we take off. The boat is a 24ft Cruiser from the late 70s that probably weighs between 6000-7000 pounds.

My truck has a 305HO with decent power, SM465, 10bolts, 4.10s, and 35"s. Its got a 4" tuff country EZ ride suspention. Also my trailer hitch is located on my bumper, but the tongue is actually pretty light on the trailer.
My main concerns are that I don't have a trailer harness hook up, but it doesn't really matter because the lights on trailer are busted anyway. Also I just installed a new clutch and I am still in the break in period. As well, my right front caliper is acting slightly sketchy, as in sticking sometimes. But reguardless my plan was to take it slow and have him follow behind me so trailer lights shouldn't be a problem.

Sorry, long winded post, but I could use some opinions... :waytogo:
 
Class 3 hitch and you should survive, but only because of the granny gear...

The more v6 mid 90's 4runner with the ass sagging down pulling a 25ft boat scenarios I see around here in touristville the more I think noone should pull with anything less than a 3/4ton diesel...
 
That's more than your truck is rated to tow. Power should have absolutely nothing to do with it.

First, towing without brake lights and turn signals is dangerous and illegal.

Second, if you won't bother to fix the lights I assume that this trailer doesn't have brakes and/or you aren't willing to hook them up. If that's the case, please don't pull that boat around with your K5!
 
38377k5 said:
That's more than your truck is rated to tow. Power should have absolutely nothing to do with it.

First, towing without brake lights and turn signals is dangerous and illegal.

Second, if you won't bother to fix the lights I assume that this trailer doesn't have brakes and/or you aren't willing to hook them up. If that's the case, please don't pull that boat around with your K5!
Click to expand...
He won`t don`t worry...:rolleyes:
 
38377k5 said:
That's more than your truck is rated to tow. Power should have absolutely nothing to do with it.

First, towing without brake lights and turn signals is dangerous and illegal.

Second, if you won't bother to fix the lights I assume that this trailer doesn't have brakes and/or you aren't willing to hook them up. If that's the case, please don't pull that boat around with your K5!
Click to expand...

I understand that its dangerous to run without trailer lights, thats why my buddy would follow closely behind me.
I don't think that trailer has brakes, and if it did I have no way of hooking them up.

BTW its a K10 swb... ;)
 
Chevy305 said:
I understand that its dangerous to run without trailer lights, thats why my buddy would follow closely behind me.
I don't think that trailer has brakes, and if it did I have no way of hooking them up.

BTW its a K10 swb... ;)
Click to expand...


I know that ive done more dangorus things than drive with out tail lights on a trailier. What i would be worried about is with that type of weight, not having trailier brakes. if it has em I think you can get a trailier brake controler pretty cheap.
 
I do not think its a good idea. you have a bumper mounted ball thats not rated for that kind of weight. you need a class 3 hitch.
that kind of weight on just your truck brakes which are iffy, is also not a good idea.
Its fine that your buddy is following you becouse you have no lights.
and your power with a new clutch is great too, but you do not have the right hitch or braking set up.

good luck

let me know what day your going to be on the road and where at so i can stay away :eek1::D
 
Usually, a bumper mounted ball these trucks is too high for the trailer. When you step on the brakes, the trailer tries to pick up the tail of your truck and pitch it to one side or the other. It's loads of fun, especially in a shortbed. Just promise to post picks if it gets wadded up!:D
 
Ok I've decided not to tow it. My buddy is getting another friend with a Dodge 2500 to come down and tow it back to his house.

But you guys are right, it would not have been a good idea for me to tow it. I have the power to pull it, but I don't have the stability or control you need for a load like that. Thanks for the input guys! :waytogo:
 
Honestly, you are way better off not doing it. you made the right decision. Some of us older and wiser guys have done some stupid **** in our day and have seen some stupid stuff as well. I dont think it wouldve been pretty, if you did make it, it wouldve been pure luck. I also think you wouldve played havic on your clutch as well. Im running 4:10s with 33s and 700r. No way id do it with bigger tires.
 
i have a frame mounted trailer hitch if you want it...

Come over and take it off and its yours

Tom
 
good choice, thats alot of weight with out trailer brakes, I thought I had mine hooked up towing about 6000-7000 pounds with a k30 CC and I slid though an intersection.
 
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