Official Trailer Pulling Thread

[55 Fargo]

Okay,there has been threads on this topic, and there is a the 218 vs 250 thread, but here is a thread welcome to both cars and trucks powered with a Chrysler Flathead 6, transmission swaps ,engine swaps and/or mods diff ratios can be included.

So all and any of you, who want to share your stories good bad or indifferent, lay it on us.

Lets keep the trailer weight to 2500 lbs max.

So share your stories, when, where how, and the outcomes good or bad, is it a good idea, was it a bad idea.

[JBNeal]

I pulled a loaded cotton seed trailer once with my '48 half ton...ONCE...for those unfamiliar, the tongue articulates the front axle which is about 18" from the front edge of the trailer, and the rear axle is set back from the rear of the trailer the same amount, so there is practically no tongue weight...had about #2500 in the trailer, trailer was another #1000...took back roads from the gin, didn't go over 40 the whole way...crested a hill and nearly got plowed into by one of the local drunken Chevy operators, my evasive maneuvers nearly caused a jackknife, but since I had reduced speed, I was able to stop without the trailer dragging me into the fence...a few times I pulled a 2 wheel flatbed with my John Deere mower, total weight was about #2000 with #500 on the tongue...the truck handled much better, but the stock brakes required some planning ahead...so yes, even the small half ton can pull as it is geared for it, but not in a hurry, and there is a pucker factor when whoa-ing things up

[55 Fargo]

1 hour ago, JBNeal said:

I pulled a loaded cotton seed trailer once with my '48 half ton...ONCE...for those unfamiliar, the tongue articulates the front axle which is about 18" from the front edge of the trailer, and the rear axle is set back from the rear of the trailer the same amount, so there is practically no tongue weight...had about #2500 in the trailer, trailer was another #1000...took back roads from the gin, didn't go over 40 the whole way...crested a hill and nearly got plowed into by one of the local drunken Chevy operators, my evasive maneuvers nearly caused a jackknife, but since I had reduced speed, I was able to stop without the trailer dragging me into the fence...a few times I pulled a 2 wheel flatbed with my John Deere mower, total weight was about #2000 with #500 on the tongue...the truck handled much better, but the stock brakes required some planning ahead...so yes, even the small half ton can pull as it is geared for it, but not in a hurry, and there is a pucker factor when whoa-ing things up

Hi JB thanx for sharing, always enjoy stories, and glad it went okay in your case.

Yes the old trucks, a 218 old and maybe tired, stock brakes, 6 volts, heaven forbid a bumper hitch.

My hitch which I will post pics of, was adopted from what GTK had built for his truck, a class 3 receiver style hitch.

A truck will say, 265 powered, mildly hopped up, the correct gearing for your area, adequate and safe brakes a front end and steering in top shape. Now tow a 2000 lb trailer with this, with electric trailer brakes, think there could be a difference...

 

Edited December 19, 2016 by Rockwood

[Plymouthy Adams]

I have my 54 Plymouth with stock engine and transmission set up with a extremely well built and installed receiver hitch with weight transfer to the forward section of the frame. That being said, next point of order is this...if you have your vehicle insured with collector car insurance..YOU WILL NOT be covered to tow per the many companies i have personally spoken to concerning the tow.  IF allowed at all it is limited to display and no tools, parts or personal item are allowed in the trailer....  DO check your underwriter before making a serious liability mistake.  I assure you I would not have much problem with the towing due to the massive torque multiplication that is the torque converter in the automatic tranny especially here in flatland USA

 

Point the second, yes at x weight and above you are required to have electric trailer brakes, emergency break-away energizing system even if allow to tow with your vehicle.  And lastly regardless of you torque or engine reserve, trouble in towing appears in breaking situations 90% of the time, improper tonque weight and improper weight placement make up the rest.

[55 Fargo]

18 minutes ago, Plymouthy Adams said:

I have my 54 Plymouth with stock engine and transmission set up with a extremely well built and installed receiver hitch with weight transfer to the forward section of the frame. That being said, next point of order is this...if you have your vehicle insured with collector car insurance..YOU WILL NOT be covered to tow per the many companies i have personally spoken to concerning the tow.  IF allowed at all it is limited to display and no tools, parts or personal item are allowed in the trailer....  DO check your underwriter before making a serious liability mistake.  I assure you I would not have much problem with the towing due to the massive torque multiplication that is the torque converter in the automatic tranny especially here in flatland USA

 

Point the second, yes at x weight and above you are required to have electric trailer brakes, emergency break-away energizing system even if allow to tow with your vehicle.  And lastly regardless of you torque or engine reserve, trouble in towing appears in breaking situations 90% of the time, improper tonque weight and improper weight placement make up the rest.

Sounds like you have addressed all of your concerns with trailering , do you haul a trailer, or are you just set-up to do so?

What type of trailers and whats weights are they, camper utility style trailers?

How often do you drive this car, and how often with the trailer attached?

Did you have to consult with your Insurance broker on your desire to haul a trailer with it?

What is the furthest distance you have towed a trailer with this car, or what is furthest you travel with this car?

I have collector insurance, but am not restricted from hauling trailers, if my equipment is what ir required by our laws.

[55 Fargo]

Some pics of my custom built receiver hitch.

[55 Fargo]

For your enjoyment,