Permissible trailer load
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,791
From: Western NY
I wouldn't take any of the posted information here to the technical inspector as it would be all to easy for them to determine the manufacturer didn't intend for towing and not issue any towing capabilities. None of the manufacturer information shared here show a towing capacity. Any of the other numbers thrown around are incorrect or inadequate in some form or another. Don't make it easy for the technical inspector to say no by giving them this "ammunition". You simply state that due to the age of the vehicle and the fact it was not customary at the time, the manufacture documentation they are seeking simply does not exists. Typically in these situations, there is an alternative way to arrive at a government approved value, typically some mathematical formula, but you need to get that alternative process from your technical inspector.
Parts Nerd Extraordinaire
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,791
From: Western NY
I actually agree that Abe has something worth pulling out of your back pocket. The issue is that the inspector may want an original copy. Maybe Abe can share the exact issue number/date so one can be located? Maybe a well done PDF could suffice depending upon the bureaucrat. However, I would only pull that after an official alternative process/method has been explored.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 521
You need at least 10 percent of tongue weight when pulling a trailer, to be safe.
I cannot imagine having 1500 pounds on the back of my 1955 F-100. Especially since it has a maximum GVW of 5000 pounds.
My 2000 F-350 with a 7.3 diesel has a hard time pulling 15,000 pounds.
I cannot imagine having 1500 pounds on the back of my 1955 F-100. Especially since it has a maximum GVW of 5000 pounds.
My 2000 F-350 with a 7.3 diesel has a hard time pulling 15,000 pounds.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,410
Likes: 5,421
From: Central PA
Hauling a trailer from Detroit to Florida and to Seattle??!!!! And this is before the interstate system! Speeds would be slower but more hills to climb and more sharp turns. More towns to drive through with stop lights and 90 degree turns at City intersections.
I would not want to do this.
I would not want to do this.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 9,372
Likes: 1,733
From: AKRON ohio
Hauling a trailer from Detroit to Florida and to Seattle??!!!! And this is before the interstate system! Speeds would be slower but more hills to climb and more sharp turns. More towns to drive through with stop lights and 90 degree turns at City intersections.
I would not want to do this.
I would not want to do this.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,410
Likes: 5,421
From: Central PA
But in the "driverized cab" of the 53-56 trucks and a shorter turning radius by setting back the front wheels and the synchronized transmission it was a lot better than driving the 48-52 old F-1's!!!!! LOL
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,192
Likes: 4,802
From: Burbank, WA
Hauling a trailer from Detroit to Florida and to Seattle??!!!! And this is before the interstate system! Speeds would be slower but more hills to climb and more sharp turns. More towns to drive through with stop lights and 90 degree turns at City intersections.
I would not want to do this.
I would not want to do this.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 521
Back in those days, the trailer brake controller would be hydraulic activated, electric brakes.
There were no inertia brake controllers. I think those came out around the 1980s. Maybe even the late 1970s.
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