Can a 71 or 80 El Camino small v8 with auto, tow an open car trailer and car? Pulling about 5200 lbs. Or should I get a "real" truck. This will be as a backup when the wife takes my Silverado camping over the summer. Its a 25 minute tow to the track. Pretty flat towing. Thanks Jim

 

Jim, the drive train should be able to handle it. The part I would be a little worried about is brakes and suspension. Essentially the brakes and suspension are from the car side of it. Im not sure thay would handle the added abuse.

But if the trailer has electric brakes, you can always beef up the rear suspension in the car to handle the weight. Still not sure how well it would handle it though.


BTW, I know exactly what you are thinking dont forget last spring.... I was seriously considering towing my car with my brothers little S-10 Glad I moved on a just bought my Silverado...

 

I agree with Projectz28. Not only is the suspension and brakes not set up to handle the weight of the trailer but the tires probably cant take it either. You could probably make it but would you really want to risk your life or more importantly someone elses?

 

I pull mine with a 2001 ranger with a 4.0. My truck is rated to be able to pull 5960 I have no trouble whatso ever If the el is in good working order you should be fine.

Kevin

 

I think the El C could do it if it were in good shape and the trailer were a decent one. The idea that you need some super heavy duty vehicle for occasional towing in easy terrain never made sense to me. A buddy has towed his 3,200lb car + 1,500lb open trailer for years with a Blazer. I tow my 4,000lb car + 1,800lb trailer with my 1/2T PU and no problems at all. I see people all the time towing similar rigs with dually diesels

Rich Krause

 

If it's just a 25 min. drive on easy terrain I agree with Rich. Just take it easy and give yourself a little extra time to get there. And I would add some hitch/tounge sway bars/leveling bars to help keep everything under control.

 

I agree with rich. I have never owned a El Camino my self but when I was young my father used an El Camino to tow for years. At the time we had a '68 camaro on a open trailer. We used to tow locally in Syracuse, as well as, out to Empire Dragway (NYIPR) and Utica-Rome on a regular basis which was up to 2 hours one way.

Threw in a couple old school references for ya Rich.

 

Thankx, us old folks don't like to be forgotten

The load leveling bars are a good idea. My buddy who tows with the Blazer uses them.

Rich Krause

 

The biggest concern in choosing a vehicle for towing is the brakes and suspension because that is what the most strain will be on if you need to avoid an accident. In order to safely pull a trailer you should not exceed the GCWR of the towing vehicle. This should be listed on the door frame on the drivers side on the same sticker as GAWR's and recommended tire pressures.

 

Jim,

I never found one flat spot on those goat trails heading over to The Grove. Of course I'm comming from the Turnpike. You local guys probably have some secret way. HA

Good luck for the 04 season. Got that stroker back in yet?

Later
Steve

 

a flat tow to the grove????? wow Jim did you dig some underground tunnel to there?? LOL

good luck,but i dont see it being a major issues,i have seen a few elky's towing before,and use your head. i have even seen Monte SS's towing (but thier setup was anything but "safe").

 

Guys, its a "relativelly" flat tow. Some hills. I can go around the biggest and enter the grove from another direction. Its not like going over mountains as I do going to Numidia or Island. I actually decided to nix the El Camino and get a second truck. I only need it 4 to 5 times next year.

 

That's the spirit. Just inform the wifey that it's a safety issue and you'll be OK with a used truck but It'll have to have at least a RamJet 502 for towing. Again, It's a "SAFETY ISSUE"

Steve

 

I'll have to settle for something smaller for better gas mileage. Maybe something like a 454.

 

I dunno 'kaz, you really shouldn't compromise on safety

Rich Krause