Last century Silverado

[Stone Ridge]

I purchased a (31')'76 wreck in South Carolina that I've been restoring. I towed it from S.C. to upstate NY with my 1995 3/4 ton, long wheel based, 4WD Silverado with a 350. It had no sway control or leveling equipment. The trip was a nightmare. When anything passed me it sent us (truck, trailer and me) into the "tail wagging the dog" syndrome. About 15 miles into the trip I got off the interstate and bought some Depends. I could, in undisturbed air, maintain around 60 mph. On hills less or much less.

Can I tow properly with this vehicle? Do I need more equipment? I've towed smaller A/s, boats, cars etc. but have never pumped so much adrenaline for so long.

[Kevin245]

You should be able to tow with this TV, but you definately need an appropriate hitch setup and brake controller.

[Stone Ridge]

Thanks for the reply. I do have a Tekonsha brake controller that I installed before the trip that works. Can you give me any advise as to what is the proper hitch setup?

[overlander64]

Greetings Stone Ridge!

I towed my Overlander with a K1500 the same year as your truck with the 5.7 Liter and 3.73 gearing. My suggestion for a hitch would be Reese Straight Line 600 pound trunion bar setup (includes Dual Cam Sway Control). You will also in all probability need the deepest drop ball mount available from Reese as the K series trucks prior to 1999 rode very high in comparison to the hitch height needed for a Vintage Airstream.

Good luck with your hitch setup!

Kevin

[Kevin245]

Umm...Proper is the "Term" of choice. There are many preferences among the members here. So the choice really comes down to what you want and are willing to spend. In my book Hensleys are the dream, but I don't tow frequently, so it is hard for me to justify the cost with kids in college.

I have two WD setups. A Reese Strait-Line with trunnions, and an older Quality WD setup. I'm happy with both.

Here are some links to sites/blogs that contain general information.

Best of luck,

Kevin

www.ehow.com/how_2094696_setup-weight-distributing-hitch.html

www.etrailer.com/faq_weightdistribution.aspx

www.rvtowingtips.com/hitch-setup.htm