09-12-2016, 11:03 PM | #11 |
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Victoria, B.C
Posts: 3,794
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Re: GVW Rating of my GMC
I had a '72 Chevy Cheyenne/Super heavy 1/2 ton (5400 lbs GVW) that I carried an 8' (o/head) camper with. (I'll try to find a few pics). This was the second 1/2 ton I had carried this camper with....the first was a 1970 GMC 1/2 ton.
Regardless, I wanted to ensure the ('72) truck had it under control so I made sure of the following: -Upgraded to 31"/10.5" tires (higher load rating @ 2500#/each, higher ground clearance) -Rebuilt the brake system...front to rear for maximum (new) stopping ability -Added Bolt-on Overload springs onto the LEAF springs (optioned into that truck from the factory vs. the standard coils)....noting the spring option in there was already the heavy duty -Rebuilt the 4 core radiator to ensure maximum cooling -Added a very high quality transmission cooler. -There were a few other miscellaneous upgrades that I did to it, that I can't quite recall but I wanted to be conservative in the way I approached this. Anyways...after that, I felt better about taking the camper on the (1/2 ton) truck...but it was still a hefty load for it. I took it over the scales once with the camper, me/wife, fully loaded for camping at 6100 lbs. Not legal by GVW plate....but I determined we were in relatively safe territory given the way the truck/suspension/brakes/tires had been upgraded. I wouldn't condone anyone loading there truck up the way I did....because I don't know if all the other stuff has been done to the truck and if it is all up to scratch. My two bits. Coley
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....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 |
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