47heaven Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 What would be a reasonable size for my P15 to pull? Remember that I have the 230cid '49 Dodge D-24 engine w/overdrive. I don't want the teardrop style, but more of the traditional "canned ham" style instead. What would be a reasonable size and weight that would be sufficient for my car to pull without doing any damage to the trans? I know our cars have good torque, but were they made to pull trailers, originally? I was thinking something like in the pics below (maybe 15-20ft). A vintage Dodge that obviously pulled this one. Quote
dezeldoc Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 (edited) My wifes mother has a late 50's Shasta "canned ham" 12' footer that she was gonna give me till some meathead told her "that thing is worth at least 5 grand!" so she reniged. ( i'm workin on the wife to get it, as i know it will most likely end up in the junk yard with her) I would like to tow it behind the 50 P19, it is a pretty light trailer and while it won't break any speed records i don't think it would have any problems. i would be scared of the stock brakes but with the disc it should be ok. over on the HAMB they have a few posts on this and also a social group for them.I think it would be a blast to go old school camping with a bunch of like rigs. Edited June 2, 2009 by dezeldoc Quote
47heaven Posted June 2, 2009 Author Report Posted June 2, 2009 (edited) My wifes mother has a late 50's Shasta "canned ham" 12' footer that she was gonna give me till some meathead told her "that thing is worth at least 5 grand!" so she reniged. ( i'm workin on the wife to get it, as i know it will most likely end up in the junk yard with her) I would like to tow it behind the 50 P19, it is a pretty light trailer and while it won't break any speed records i don't think it would have any problems. i would be scared of the stock brakes but with the disc it should be ok. over on the HAMB they have a few posts on this and also a social group for them.I think it would be a blast to go old school camping with a bunch of like rigs. That's why I am trying to act quick on a trailer. I haven't seen them priced too high on craigslist. I saw a whole bunch out in Arizona just sitting behind buildings and off in fields, but looked like they had been there for a while. Yeah, I think I would get disk brakes as well, but don't you have to get electrical brakes installed on these trailers as well? Which kind of reminds me of this clip from the Long Long Trailer. Of course he was pulling a 50ft trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RpmsZQ3mvI&feature=related Edited June 2, 2009 by 47heaven Quote
dezeldoc Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 oh man i remember watching that years ago! these are like cars some are in great shape and sell for a good amount or some bonehead newbe is on a bidding mission and runs some clunker way over what it should sell for! Quote
radioguy7 Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 I wouldn't go any larger than 15 feet. I just sold a 1955 Vakashunette almost identical to the first one you have pictured. It was so light you could tow it with almost any car so I wouldn't think you would have any trouble with your plymouth. The best thing too about a lot of these small trailers is that they came from the factory with electric brakes operated by your brake light wiring. PM me if you want to discuss more about vintage travel trailers. I've had a few over the years and I can tell you what to look out for. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 (edited) any braking circuit that operates by the brake light circuit would equate to max breaking capacity at any given speed and load condition.......NOT.....it is a controller that in olden days that was tied into the hydraulic system that did increase the amperage to the brake solenoids to match the braking of the towed trailer to that of your brakes system on the car..today it is electronic controlled... Edited June 2, 2009 by Tim Adams Quote
Don Coatney Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 Suggest you contact forum member Bob VanBuskirk. He has a Scottie that he rebuilt. Quote
radioguy7 Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 Yeah, like I was saying, the electric brakes on my 55 vakashunette plugged into the 4pin connector and worked off the amps from your brake lights. Was setup this way from the factory. I've also owned and used camping many times, a 1949 Spartan royal mansion 29 foot, and a 1972 banner 17 foot trailer. Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 I still challenge you to describe the operation of the brakes off the brake light circuit where the voltage and amperage is at full and constant when brake pedal is depressed...the automotive brake light circuit does not now or ever have a sliding volt/amperage scale anywhere..mind you I am open to new and creative ideas..just need them explained... Quote
randroid Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 47heaven, Last time I installed an electric circuit for brakes was half a lifetime ago so I'm sure a lot of things have changed, but it used the vehicle's brake light\turn signal system only for the trailer's brake and turn lights. (Install a HD flasher.) The trailer had its own battery, which was kept charged by a dual battery splitter on the alternator, and the brakes were activated by an adjustable pendulum (mounted on the steering column) that swung forward through momentum when the vehicle slowed, thereby activating the brakes. The faster the vehicle decelerated, the harder the brakes were applied. It was a simple and reliable system that wasn't too expensive, and was easier to install than explain. If I were to insttall electric brakes on a trailer that's the type I'd use. Of course the trailer must already have electric brakes installed and I have no idea what that would cost, but the actuator is my topic. -Randy Quote
Plymouthy Adams Posted June 2, 2009 Report Posted June 2, 2009 the surge brakes are still out there..hydraulic surge brakes are very prominent in the U-haul line...electric standalone (battery on trailer) emergency braking systems are required on x-weight trailers with breakaway lanyard activation of the electrical brakes... Quote
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