Upgrading Burb for towing - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

grebus1 · 09-06-2006, 01:51 PM

I'm looking for some suggestions on upgrading my Burb for towing. It is a stock C/10 402/400 with no towing provisions. I'd like to be comfortable towing a small trailer or boat less than 7000 lbs. (if that's possible for a 1/2 ton). I like the ECE hidden hitch setup, but am unsure what else to add (air bags, etc.). Thanks in advance...

**oldiron** · 09-06-2006, 08:51 PM

A good transmission cooler, also depends on the tongue weight if you need any supension help. It would be cheaper to use a easy lift hitch then air bags if needed.

70rs/ss · 09-07-2006, 12:31 PM

It is possible to use the 3/4 ton rear springs to replace the 1/2 tonners on the burb to help with the squat, and then an equalizer hitch is the way to go, I lost a trailer and burb off of a tounge hitch and wish I had used the above mentioned hitch instead.

qksilver · 09-07-2006, 09:01 PM

Plus , as per my experience, others will disagree, is that the coil springs feel looser towing and sway more than the leaf spring style. Coils will give you a better ride though.
Just make sure everything is rated for at leat 25% MORE than you think you will tow because it almost always ends up that what you are towing weighs more than what was thought.
Make sure you have a trans cooler, rated tires that are properly inflated, safety chains, trailer brakes on at least one axle, well tuned engine and remember most of all driving smoothly, turning, stopping, starting ,looking ahead are really important

Frizzle Fry · 09-07-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by qksilver

Plus , as per my experience, others will disagree, is that the coil springs feel looser towing and sway more than the leaf spring style.

I was just thinking about sway. Didn't some factory tow packages include a rear sway bar? I know they did on later models. This may be something to consider adding as well.

jku72 · 09-14-2006, 08:08 AM

If you are upgrading, upgrade to polygraphite bushings, and end the sway. That, and a set of 3/4 ton springs. Forget about converting to leaf springs.
Also, run proper tires with at least a D load range, and inflated properly.

98L150 · 10-10-2006, 09:59 AM

I added a tranny cooler to my 350/700R4 combo and pull in drive. Works fine for me, could use a little bigger radiator as it gets a little warmer going up and down hills, but no other problems. I set the air ride were I want it and the trailer I pull has a load equalizer hitch to transfer the load off of the tongue. Here is a pick from just this past weeked.

Jeff

71SWBChevy · 10-10-2006, 12:14 PM

Sorry to ask a stupid question but what in the world is a load equilizer hitch? Never heard of one before. I am sure I have seen one just maybe by another name or something like that.

98L150 · 10-10-2006, 01:44 PM

here is a web site that has a good diagram and pics explaining what it is and how it works.

http://www.hitches-forless.com/WD/about_wd_hitches.htm

70rs/ss · 10-10-2006, 03:26 PM

D@mn it, I wish I had followed my own advise, the sway is what caused my 68 4X4 original Suburban to become a rollover before I ever even got to drive it!! The hitch levels the ride and prevents sway, and with coils as qksilver mentioed is a feeling that you get from coils. Use the hitch, you'll never regret it, as I always say (especially after my accident!) load for bear even when hunting for squirrel, and you'll never be suprised!!

71SWBChevy · 10-10-2006, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98L150

here is a web site that has a good diagram and pics explaining what it is and how it works.

http://www.hitches-forless.com/WD/about_wd_hitches.htm

Cool thanks man! I have seen those hitches before but I never knew that is what they were for!

68gmcdually · 10-11-2006, 06:40 PM

I even use the big hitch on my leaf sprung dually. Works amazing!! You can certainly tell the difference from when you are using it and when you aren't.

qksilver · 10-10-2006, 04:04 PM

It also helps to have a 3/4 BB burb...........!

72freak · 10-11-2006, 07:42 PM

1) trans cooler..a must!!!!!!!!!!
2) Brake controler/trailer brakes
3) steering stabilizer
4) a good rear bag system or heavy duty rear springs
5) tow mirrors, spot mirrors or clip on mirror extenders
6) class 3 or higher hitch
7) a variety of different drop recievers
8) good tires
9) power steering

MrGoodpliers · 10-12-2006, 10:37 AM

Dang, Jeff, that burb looks just as good aired up!

09-06-2006, 01:51 PM	#1
grebus1 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Edmonds, WA Posts: 322	Upgrading Burb for towing I'm looking for some suggestions on upgrading my Burb for towing. It is a stock C/10 402/400 with no towing provisions. I'd like to be comfortable towing a small trailer or boat less than 7000 lbs. (if that's possible for a 1/2 ton). I like the ECE hidden hitch setup, but am unsure what else to add (air bags, etc.). Thanks in advance... __________________ '72 Chevy Suburban Custom Deluxe 10, 402/TH400

09-06-2006, 08:51 PM	#2
oldiron Designated Grumpy Old Man Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: arlington, washington usa Posts: 3,094	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing A good transmission cooler, also depends on the tongue weight if you need any supension help. It would be cheaper to use a easy lift hitch then air bags if needed. __________________ Never let the truth get in the way of a good story 71 Chev 1/2 ton 4X4 LWB Fleetside SOLD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=361222 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LgREwtDfaA 68 Chev 1 ton flat bed http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bO8szzlD4A 56 Chev Handyman Wagon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9y-6ddpBTkM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbLzZ7zY8wA 56 Chev Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=410667 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoW0Ei7ZNIg

09-07-2006, 12:31 PM	#3
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing It is possible to use the 3/4 ton rear springs to replace the 1/2 tonners on the burb to help with the squat, and then an equalizer hitch is the way to go, I lost a trailer and burb off of a tounge hitch and wish I had used the above mentioned hitch instead.

09-07-2006, 09:01 PM	#4
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing Plus , as per my experience, others will disagree, is that the coil springs feel looser towing and sway more than the leaf spring style. Coils will give you a better ride though. Just make sure everything is rated for at leat 25% MORE than you think you will tow because it almost always ends up that what you are towing weighs more than what was thought. Make sure you have a trans cooler, rated tires that are properly inflated, safety chains, trailer brakes on at least one axle, well tuned engine and remember most of all driving smoothly, turning, stopping, starting ,looking ahead are really important

09-14-2006, 08:08 AM	#6
jku72 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: cornville, maine Posts: 659	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing If you are upgrading, upgrade to polygraphite bushings, and end the sway. That, and a set of 3/4 ton springs. Forget about converting to leaf springs. Also, run proper tires with at least a D load range, and inflated properly. __________________ jku Cornville, Maine 68 C10 burb 42 Willys MB 46 Dodge WF-32 1.5 ton 53 & 56 Olds' 60 Cadillac 22 Dodge Brothers

10-10-2006, 09:59 AM	#7
98L150 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hockley, TX Posts: 657	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing I added a tranny cooler to my 350/700R4 combo and pull in drive. Works fine for me, could use a little bigger radiator as it gets a little warmer going up and down hills, but no other problems. I set the air ride were I want it and the trailer I pull has a load equalizer hitch to transfer the load off of the tongue. Here is a pick from just this past weeked. Jeff Attached Images __________________ 72 Suburban 64 Chevy short fleet 04 Chevy Colorado Sport Reg Cab 2012 Chevy Avalanche 2003 Chevy S10 Blazer Xtreme http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/RA_Jeff 64 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295915

10-10-2006, 12:14 PM	#8
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing Sorry to ask a stupid question but what in the world is a load equilizer hitch? Never heard of one before. I am sure I have seen one just maybe by another name or something like that. __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

10-10-2006, 01:44 PM	#9
98L150 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hockley, TX Posts: 657	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing here is a web site that has a good diagram and pics explaining what it is and how it works. http://www.hitches-forless.com/WD/about_wd_hitches.htm __________________ 72 Suburban 64 Chevy short fleet 04 Chevy Colorado Sport Reg Cab 2012 Chevy Avalanche 2003 Chevy S10 Blazer Xtreme http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/RA_Jeff 64 Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=295915

10-10-2006, 03:26 PM	#10
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,270	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing D@mn it, I wish I had followed my own advise, the sway is what caused my 68 4X4 original Suburban to become a rollover before I ever even got to drive it!! The hitch levels the ride and prevents sway, and with coils as qksilver mentioed is a feeling that you get from coils. Use the hitch, you'll never regret it, as I always say (especially after my accident!) load for bear even when hunting for squirrel, and you'll never be suprised!!

10-11-2006, 06:40 PM	#12
68gmcdually Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Fenelon Falls, ON Canada Posts: 1,454	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing I even use the big hitch on my leaf sprung dually. Works amazing!! You can certainly tell the difference from when you are using it and when you aren't. Attached Images __________________ James Bellwood 1968 930 Extend-A-Cab Dually 5.7l, 5 speed, Last edited by 68gmcdually; 10-11-2006 at 06:43 PM.

10-10-2006, 04:04 PM	#13
qksilver Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern Pines NC Posts: 3,853	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing It also helps to have a 3/4 BB burb...........!

10-11-2006, 07:42 PM	#14
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing 1) trans cooler..a must!!!!!!!!!! 2) Brake controler/trailer brakes 3) steering stabilizer 4) a good rear bag system or heavy duty rear springs 5) tow mirrors, spot mirrors or clip on mirror extenders 6) class 3 or higher hitch 7) a variety of different drop recievers 8) good tires 9) power steering

10-12-2006, 10:37 AM	#15
MrGoodpliers Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Gainesville, Georgia Posts: 704	Re: Upgrading Burb for towing Dang, Jeff, that burb looks just as good aired up! __________________ We made Oklahoma a little after 3, Randy & his brother Bob & my old GMC...



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