1963 Chevrolet Truck Trailer Towing Light Trucks Specifications

[aerotruk63]

Some interesting reading though it does not mention whether there was an optional trailer hitch available from the factory or dealer. I've never seen one listed in any of my literature.

[oem4me]

Loving these contributions Norm. Anyone ever seen a Suburban with a 3/4 ton axle?

[aerotruk63]

I've seen a 63 Panel Truck 115"WB with 3/4 ton running gear, front and back, years ago on craigslist.

[nibulus]

Very good info there. Thanks for sharing.

So to sum it up:

- if I want to tow up to 2000lbs (~900kg), there are no major modifications required

- towing up to 3500lbs (~1580kg) will require a big L6 or a V8 with an uprated clutch and a 3- or 4-speed transmission. A K-10 will need a K-20 chassis.

- the maximum towing capacity of a C-10 / K-10 is 5000lbs (~2260kg). For this, one will need a 3/4 ton chassis, a big L6 or a V8 with an uprated clutch and a 4-speed transmission.

Obviously the truck must have appropriate tires and the required electrics.

Correct?

[aerotruk63]

The only thing I read differently is the C20 3/4 ton AXLE and Heavy Duty Springs is required on a C10 application, not the entire C20 chassis .

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I love all this old literature!! Keep'em coming!

[nibulus]

Originally Posted by aerotruk63

The only thing I read differently is the C20 3/4 ton AXLE and Heavy Duty Springs is required on a C10 application, not the entire C20 chassis .

True - the complete chassis might be a bit of an overshoot. But according to the document, the brakes must be upgraded as well.

I guess (read: hope) most of us towing will have disc brakes anyway.

[MikeN]

I've towed a 3600# Chevelle on a 1700# open trailer behind my 64 C10 a couple of times. I have modern radial tires of course. I have a weight distributing hitch, brakes on both axles of my trailer, and a Prodigy brake controller. Brakes are the standard drums at all four corners (rebuilt and in good condition). The suspension seems fine, the brakes OK as long as you drive sensibly, but the stock clutch isn't up to it. Starting off on even a gentle upward incline just really smokes the clutch. I'm planning to swap out my 3-speed manual for either a TH400 or a TH2004R to make towing a little more comfortable.

[Irishbleueyes]

Originally Posted by MikeN

I've towed a 3600# Chevelle on a 1700# open trailer behind my 64 C10 a couple of times. I have modern radial tires of course. I have a weight distributing hitch, brakes on both axles of my trailer, and a Prodigy brake controller. Brakes are the standard drums at all four corners (rebuilt and in good condition). The suspension seems fine, the brakes OK as long as you drive sensibly, but the stock clutch isn't up to it. Starting off on even a gentle upward incline just really smokes the clutch. I'm planning to swap out my 3-speed manual for either a TH400 or a TH2004R to make towing a little more comfortable.

If your gonna tow, better make it a 700R4 instead. TH2004R is not built for towing.

[bhc41051]

I never did the math at the time but I used to pull a 150 bushel gravity flow farm wagon with my stock 66 K10... 150 bushels of ear corn at 56lbs per bushel = 8400lbs and the wagon weighed maybe 1200lbs... Geez young and dumb....

[1963chevyc20]

my truck was sold brand new with a hitch.

[aerotruk63]

Originally Posted by 1963chevyc20

my truck was sold brand new with a hitch.

Can we get some pictures of the hitch, please?

[1963chevyc20]

sure. i will upload them tomorrow. am in Austin TX on my way home. my truck i locked away safely in the barn under the cover.

[1963c-10]

I'm interested to see them also....something else to keep eyes peeled for.

[1963chevyc20]

yes. i am very proud of my hutch. he used it daily for his tree business. he stated it isn't a truck if the bead is empty. he always had the truck loaded with wood. he pulled his john deer tractor with the truck at the same time. my truck is a 63 c20 with a 3 on the tree and a 283. all stock except for the holes in the rockers, floors, drivers side door, tailgate all bruised up.... it was a work truck. but she looks like a beauty to me! he sold it because he didn't want his children to get it and he is in life support. his son wanted to part it out.

[1963chevyc20]

hitch! not hutch. haha...

[1963chevyc20]

and it is a short bed!!!!

[1963c-10]

Holes in the sheet metal are still oem holes....haha