Do C-notches and Trailers mix? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

outkast21 · 09-23-2009, 08:44 AM

I have a '63 C10 that I would like to lower 5" with a spring. First of all, Do I have to notch the frame with this spring? And if I do, can I still trailer my boat ( approx 2500 lbs total) without any issues? Thanks guys for your help!!

72BlckButy · 09-23-2009, 08:49 AM

IMO... if done correctly with reinforcement and a bolt/weld-in notch, you shouldn't run into any issues.

shifty · 09-23-2009, 09:02 AM

if i knew i were gonna be towing, i personally would prefer to run airbags so you can firm up the ride when towing heavy loads. but that's just me putting my uneducated assumption out there.

i don't personally think static lowering is practical for a work truck.

98L150 · 09-23-2009, 09:17 AM

my sub is bagged with a c-noth and a pull a 32 ft travel trailer with it as well as on cars behind it on trailers with out any issues at all.

shifty · 09-23-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 98L150

my sub is bagged with a c-noth and a pull a 32 ft travel trailer with it as well as on cars behind it on trailers with out any issues at all.

do you think you could do the same with springs?

c10addict · 09-23-2009, 10:01 AM

No issues at all if its done right... Weve pulled this 48ft trailer with 2 cars in it with the bagged notched dually for 200k now with no issues...

panhandler62 · 09-23-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10addict

No issues at all if its done right... Weve pulled this 48ft trailer with 2 cars in it with the bagged notched dually for 200k now with no issues...

I'm usualy not a fan of big dualies in the weeds, but that is nice.

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty

do you think you could do the same with springs?

Shifty your concerns over towing with a static drop are valid. My experience has suggested that outkast21 would indeed need some sort of air assist.

I recommend you consider bags in the rear rather than lowering springs. You can run a simple schrader valve set up if you don't want to add a compressor and air tank.

You could use the springs and a helper bag, but the cost would probably be very similar.

wbr775 · 09-23-2009, 01:57 PM

i have my 66 with a 5" drop springs in the back from cpp. i didn't have to notch the frame but i did have to remove the bump stops. But idk about the extra weight of the trailer if you'll have enough travel. i had a couple of heavy boys in my bed probably a total of 1k pds of people lol and they had the frame touching the axle tube. so i would guess you would need a c-notch to have enough clearance from the weight of the trailer

72BlckButy · 09-23-2009, 02:11 PM

I did fail to mention the addition of bags in the rear in my post above. As shifty and several others have mentioned as long as the notch is installed correctly and with the aid of rear air suspension, you should be set.

6772owner · 09-23-2009, 04:58 PM

I would also recommend that you use airbags in the rear for towing, I have the ECE rear kit (large Firestone sleeve type) and have never had any issues with weight in the bed of my truck, (even w/o a C-notch) and I have had at least 1,200 pounds of payload in the bed before. (A loaded up side by side, hanging out on the gate)

Tony@AirRideTech · 09-23-2009, 05:03 PM

My 1 ton is baged and notched... pull a boat and a fifth wheel....my old 1/2 ton was bagged and notched and you dont want to know what I put that thing through! ha ha ha ha ha haha

outkast21 · 09-23-2009, 09:27 PM

I kind of like the schrader valve air bag set up. What is the ride and handling like with bags compared to springs? Thanks for your help guys!

**N2TRUX** · 09-23-2009, 09:44 PM

Scoti is the expert on that set up. I'm sure he will drop in with more details, but he loves it.

He has used that system on his shop/tow/cruise truck with great success.

SCOTI · 09-23-2009, 10:49 PM

It worked so well on my 68 that I built my own AOL set-up & now tow my trailer w/the 74. Both trucks utilized bolt-in c-notches that were welded for additional support.

The 68 was bags only. I originally used schrader valves for filling but eventually upgraded to a small 2-gal tank, Thomas compressor, & manual paddle switches from AirRide Tech (it's funny hearing a system like that referred to as an 'upgrade'

). The ride quality was excellent (especially considering the amount of drop it had).

The schraders worked well enough that that's all I'm using so far for my 74. It's equipped w/the HD 8-leaf spring pack that's dropped w/a flip-kit & Bell Tech dropped shackles. The bags are the small double convoluted units typically used on the rear of 67-72's. I bleed off all air when just putting around & air them up via the schraders (accessed in the bed, one on each side) when it's time to work. The ride quality isn't as good as the 68 truck-arm/bag only set-up. It rides like a leaf spring equipped swb truck....

Tx Firefighter · 09-24-2009, 06:52 AM

I am going against popular opinion here. His trailer weighs 2500 pounds. Tongue weight on a trailer should be 10 percent of the total weight. I don't think 250 pounds of tongue weight is anything to worry about. That's equivalent to me jumping on the rear bumper. Springs and c notch are fine for that.

**N2TRUX** · 09-24-2009, 09:41 AM

Good point Kevin. I read "trailer" and didn't pay close attention to what size it was.

andrewmp6 · 09-24-2009, 10:48 PM

Most say you shouldn't but most of us have and still do.If you have shotty work you'll find out quick if something breaks lol.Towing would be ok if its done right and safely.

Tony@AirRideTech · 09-25-2009, 05:22 PM

My one ton rides like a half ton... dont care how you try to do it. That will only happen with air.

Tom · 09-28-2009, 12:31 AM

I have a c-notch, flipped axle and helper bags. The ride gets better and better the more weight on the truck and air pressure in the bags. I have towed up to around 7000lbs before without problems.

outkast21 · 09-28-2009, 09:47 AM

Do you think a C notch is required for a 5" drop?

SCOTI · 09-28-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outkast21

Do you think a C notch is required for a 5" drop?

Under most loads? No. Extreme loads? Wouldn't be a bad idea.

roofingbloke · 09-28-2009, 01:52 PM

Are you guys talking about a bolt on c notch kit or a fully welded boxed rear end, with additional chassis bracing ?

SCOTI · 09-28-2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roofingbloke

Are you guys talking about a bolt on c notch kit or a fully welded boxed rear end, with additional chassis bracing ?

In the pics above, both of my trucks used bolt-in style c-notches that were fastened w/GRADE-8 hardware & then welded.

redsled04 · 09-28-2009, 09:40 PM

A bolt in will be fine. But boxed and welded would be better.It sounds like your boat is light.All you realy have to worry about is the tounge wieght of the trailer.If it were bigger some kind of helper bag or over load spring like a heavy half has.

Heres mine its a newer truck with a welded notch and helper bags.Ive towed a lot of diferent things with no issues.I tow the boat just about every weekend in the summer.

09-23-2009, 08:44 AM	#1
outkast21 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: dundas ontario Posts: 7	Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I have a '63 C10 that I would like to lower 5" with a spring. First of all, Do I have to notch the frame with this spring? And if I do, can I still trailer my boat ( approx 2500 lbs total) without any issues? Thanks guys for your help!!

09-23-2009, 08:49 AM	#2
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? IMO... if done correctly with reinforcement and a bolt/weld-in notch, you shouldn't run into any issues. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

09-23-2009, 09:02 AM	#3
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,373	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? if i knew i were gonna be towing, i personally would prefer to run airbags so you can firm up the ride when towing heavy loads. but that's just me putting my uneducated assumption out there. i don't personally think static lowering is practical for a work truck. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

09-23-2009, 09:17 AM	#4
98L150 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Hockley, TX Posts: 657	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? my sub is bagged with a c-noth and a pull a 32 ft travel trailer with it as well as on cars behind it on trailers with out any issues at all. __________________ 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

09-23-2009, 10:01 AM	#6
c10addict Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: pittsburgh pa Posts: 1,970	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? No issues at all if its done right... Weve pulled this 48ft trailer with 2 cars in it with the bagged notched dually for 200k now with no issues... Attached Images __________________ 68 C10 Shorty TPI,Bagged, and all the good stuff. Classic trucks feature June 06, On the cover of Jegs Christmas Catalog 08 67 C10 Shorty Shop truck project Bagged and Z'd under destruction and getting nowhere fast. 64 C10 Shop Truck/Daily driver, Bagged, Dropmember, SOLD!!!! Gone but not forgotten.. 54 GMC under the knife getting a S10 chassis swap and bagged. See my build thread... 07 GMC Sierra 5/7 drop, 22's and 24's Air ride on my mind.. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=339340 See pics of my trucks in my profile

09-23-2009, 01:57 PM	#9
wbr775 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 50	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? i have my 66 with a 5" drop springs in the back from cpp. i didn't have to notch the frame but i did have to remove the bump stops. But idk about the extra weight of the trailer if you'll have enough travel. i had a couple of heavy boys in my bed probably a total of 1k pds of people lol and they had the frame touching the axle tube. so i would guess you would need a c-notch to have enough clearance from the weight of the trailer

09-23-2009, 02:11 PM	#10
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I did fail to mention the addition of bags in the rear in my post above. As shifty and several others have mentioned as long as the notch is installed correctly and with the aid of rear air suspension, you should be set. __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

09-23-2009, 04:58 PM	#11
6772owner Gearhead Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 1,193	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I would also recommend that you use airbags in the rear for towing, I have the ECE rear kit (large Firestone sleeve type) and have never had any issues with weight in the bed of my truck, (even w/o a C-notch) and I have had at least 1,200 pounds of payload in the bed before. (A loaded up side by side, hanging out on the gate) __________________ 2002 Saturn SL2, My D/D 2019 Ford Fusion SE, Ecoboost - Wife's D/D 1993 Camaro Z28, A4, CAI, Cat-Back Exhaust Project C10 (my 72' C10 w/96' LT1, 700R4, bagged F&R, 18's (for now), Short/Fleet) -- SOLD! Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=313644 Last edited by 6772owner; 09-23-2009 at 04:59 PM. Reason: text

09-23-2009, 05:03 PM	#12
Tony@AirRideTech Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntingburg IN Posts: 620	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? My 1 ton is baged and notched... pull a boat and a fifth wheel....my old 1/2 ton was bagged and notched and you dont want to know what I put that thing through! ha ha ha ha ha haha

09-23-2009, 09:27 PM	#13
outkast21 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: dundas ontario Posts: 7	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I kind of like the schrader valve air bag set up. What is the ride and handling like with bags compared to springs? Thanks for your help guys!

09-23-2009, 09:44 PM	#14
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? Scoti is the expert on that set up. I'm sure he will drop in with more details, but he loves it. He has used that system on his shop/tow/cruise truck with great success. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-23-2009, 10:49 PM	#15
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,066	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? It worked so well on my 68 that I built my own AOL set-up & now tow my trailer w/the 74. Both trucks utilized bolt-in c-notches that were welded for additional support. The 68 was bags only. I originally used schrader valves for filling but eventually upgraded to a small 2-gal tank, Thomas compressor, & manual paddle switches from AirRide Tech (it's funny hearing a system like that referred to as an 'upgrade' ). The ride quality was excellent (especially considering the amount of drop it had). The schraders worked well enough that that's all I'm using so far for my 74. It's equipped w/the HD 8-leaf spring pack that's dropped w/a flip-kit & Bell Tech dropped shackles. The bags are the small double convoluted units typically used on the rear of 67-72's. I bleed off all air when just putting around & air them up via the schraders (accessed in the bed, one on each side) when it's time to work. The ride quality isn't as good as the 68 truck-arm/bag only set-up. It rides like a leaf spring equipped swb truck.... Attached Images __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

09-24-2009, 06:52 AM	#16
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I am going against popular opinion here. His trailer weighs 2500 pounds. Tongue weight on a trailer should be 10 percent of the total weight. I don't think 250 pounds of tongue weight is anything to worry about. That's equivalent to me jumping on the rear bumper. Springs and c notch are fine for that. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin Last edited by Tx Firefighter; 09-24-2009 at 06:52 AM.

09-24-2009, 09:41 AM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? Good point Kevin. I read "trailer" and didn't pay close attention to what size it was. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-24-2009, 10:48 PM	#18
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? Most say you shouldn't but most of us have and still do.If you have shotty work you'll find out quick if something breaks lol.Towing would be ok if its done right and safely.



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09-25-2009, 05:22 PM	#19
Tony@AirRideTech Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Huntingburg IN Posts: 620	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? My one ton rides like a half ton... dont care how you try to do it. That will only happen with air.

09-28-2009, 12:31 AM	#20
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? I have a c-notch, flipped axle and helper bags. The ride gets better and better the more weight on the truck and air pressure in the bags. I have towed up to around 7000lbs before without problems. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

09-28-2009, 09:47 AM	#21
outkast21 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: dundas ontario Posts: 7	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? Do you think a C notch is required for a 5" drop?

09-28-2009, 01:52 PM	#23
roofingbloke Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: swindon, england Posts: 290	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? Are you guys talking about a bolt on c notch kit or a fully welded boxed rear end, with additional chassis bracing ?

09-28-2009, 09:40 PM	#25
redsled04 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maple valley WA. Posts: 128	Re: Do C-notches and Trailers mix? A bolt in will be fine. But boxed and welded would be better.It sounds like your boat is light.All you realy have to worry about is the tounge wieght of the trailer.If it were bigger some kind of helper bag or over load spring like a heavy half has. Heres mine its a newer truck with a welded notch and helper bags.Ive towed a lot of diferent things with no issues.I tow the boat just about every weekend in the summer.

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