Setting up my GMC for towing

[rcbildr]

Earlier this year my girlfriend bought a 26ft Airstream and I really want to use my 1960 GMC to tow it. The problem is, it doesn't have a hitch. My 63 chevy truck has a nice step bumper with a hitch on it. I figured I would swap out the bumper and I would be good to go. I got the bumpers off the trucks and was getting ready to put the bumper from the 63 on and found out it wasn't going to be as easy as I thought....the frame on my 60 is wider...should've known they would be different.

Anyways, what are my options for putting a hitch on my GMC? I haven't had the time to see if I could go out and buy a new one, but I did do some searching for a used one at the big automotive swap meet last weekend...didn't find anything tho. Any ideas/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[1/2Dozen]

I just installed a hitch on my 66 suburban today. I took it off my 66 pickup so I could also pull an Airstream. I went with the Draw Tite 41001 and I believe it would fit your truck as well but to be safe better check to see if the frame width is the same.

[vin63]

I used to tow our horse trailer and our Shire draft horse with my '63 before I tore it down for the latest build up, and plan to use it to tow after I'm finished. I have a class III hitch from Valley.

[MikeN]

A bumper hitch is NOT suitable for pulling a 26' RV. In fact, I'm not even sure it's legal.

I've towed an 18' open car trailer with a 69 Chevelle on board behind my 64 C10. I've got a Class III Drawtite hitch with weight distribution bars, and my trailer has brakes on both axles with a Prodigy brake controller. I don't think you ought to seriously consider towing a 26' RV without a setup similar to mine.

JMHO

[Tom66C10]

Mike,

Do you have a part number for the hitch? I want to pull my 1972 Buick GS with my 66.

Thank you.

[MikeN]

Originally Posted by Tom66C10

Mike,

Do you have a part number for the hitch? I want to pull my 1972 Buick GS with my 66.

Thank you.

I'll see if it has a part number on it when I gt home tonight.

[1/2Dozen]

I agree with Mike, don't trust the bumper hitch to pull that airstream. I would feel uncomfortable pulling anything with it in my opinion. The Drawtite hitch model 41001 is a class 3 to 4 with Tongue Capacity/Tow Capacity : 600/6000 Lbs. I also have the distribution bars along with brake controller. It is the safest way to go.

[rcbildr]

The only reason I even considered the step bumper/hitch combo off my 63 was because I've seen what the truck has towed. The hitch on the bumper is more than just a receiver welded to the bumper, there are braces that go back to frame crossmembers and were welded there too. I got the 63 from a friend I've known since high school, he used the truck to haul his friend's boat around which is a 24ft sea ray...IIRC one of the biggest you can fit on a trailer. Even then I am not too thrilled about the idea...I just haven't been able to locate a hitch yet that is for a frame that's around 42" wide....the 63 and up frames are around 37" wide. Most likely we will use our 85 diesel burb until I can find something that will be safe.

[MikeS.]

Yes the 60-61s have a different width frame.
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[MikeN]

My recollection is that DrawTite doe not offer a direct-fit hitch for 64-66 short bed trucks. They offer one for a 64-66 long bed, but there is a frame cross member very near the rear of a short bed truck that requires very slight frame modifications to make the long bed hitch fit a short bed. I had my hitch installed by the local DrawTite dealer, and it was no big deal...two very slight notches on the frame rails and a couple of holes drilled. I've been very satisfied...it's been on there since 1995 or so.

There are several threads on this site, I'm sure, about making the long bed hitch fit a short bed truck.

[newbe351]

Does a tow hitch affect the spare tire location (assuming the gas tank is still in the cab)?

Thanks