Do C-notches and Trailers mix?

[outkast21]

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]

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

[shifty]

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]

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]

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]

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...

[N2TRUX]

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]

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]

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.

[panhandler62]

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.

[6772owner]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[andrewmp6]

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]

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

[Tom]

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]

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

[SCOTI]

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]

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

[SCOTI]

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]

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.