With the frequent questions and opinions offered on towing weight calculations for today's RV's and TV's, it begs the question;What has changed from the 40's, 50's and 60's where you would often see a TT being towed by a rather smallish sedan or station wagon. Pick-up trucks were the exception. I would think those TT's were of a heavier construction than today's composite materials. The tow vehicles were heavy and sturdy, but most often with small block engines producing much less horsepower and torque then today's products. I'm sure laws and specifications are much more restrictive today, but do those differences compensate for this observation?I pull a 26 ft TT with a dry weight of 3600lbs with a GMC Yukon Denali configured with a 6.2l engine and HD tow package rated at 7100 lbs. With gear, I'm probably in the 5000lb range on the TT. Pulled it from Texas to SC with ease. As we consider going to a slightly larger TT down the road, and with all the back and forth on the TT/TV weight issues...it just has me wondering.

There were actually some pretty strong tow vehicles back in the fifties and sixties. 348-455 cubic inch models were available from most of the manufacturers. A Chrysler 392 Hemi was available in the late fifties and into the sixties. It was no slouch.(Gasoline was $0.30/gallon) Rear axle ratios were not the "mileage" ratios of today either. Those old sedans and station wagons popularized the use of weight distribution hitches as their soft rear suspension would have the front end so high that one could not see over the hood with just a load carrying hitch. A modern pickup front end hardly raises,in comparison. I am old enough to remember that travel trailers were often very slow in comparison to other traffic. Lots of steaming radiators at the top of the grade too.

In the 1970's, my dad crammed our family of 5 in a Buick Electra and pulled a heavily loaded 31' Airstream all over the place with it. I have good memories and don't remember him once complaining about the handling or speed. It's an interesting topic.

martinto wrote:With the frequent questions and opinions offered on towing weight calculations for today's RV's and TV's, it begs the question;What has changed from the 40's, 50's and 60's where you would often see a TT being towed by a rather smallish sedan or station wagon. For us not much has changed except the cars are just getting better in every respect. Yes we tow with a modern, mid sized car. But for most folks these days they want a big pick up. The reason is the huge amount of stuff they want to take with them. Bikes, generators, grills, a dozen pink flamingo's:S...... you get the idea.

Power and speed. People accepted slowing own to 20mph up hills. They only towed at 45mph tops with 55mpg sped limits. Aerodynamics were not as important, the effect of wind, air off other vehicles as you pass. Now we all have vehicles that can pull at 75mph. Should you?

Way back when passenger cars were used to tow heavy loads they were built with a "ladder" type frame. It is still found on pick up trucks. Now most cars are “uni body” meaning the car has no heavy frame. They can tow lighter weights but when heavy towing is required only trucks still have the ladder frame. If you tow a beyond limits with a uni body, the body may twist and cause problems like a cracked windshield.

Towing...way back when...weighs on my mind | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Way back when passenger cars were used to tow heavy loads they were built with a "ladder" type frame. It is still found on pick up trucks.

Now most cars are “uni body” meaning the car has no heavy frame. They can tow lighter weights but when heavy towing is required only trucks still have the ladder frame.

If you tow a beyond limits with a uni body, the body may twist and cause problems like a cracked windshield.
APT
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
Power and speed. People accepted slowing own to 20mph up hills. They only towed at 45mph tops with 55mpg sped limits. Aerodynamics were not as important, the effect of wind, air off other vehicles as you pass. Now we all have vehicles that can pull at 75mph. Should you?
Road_Ruler
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
martinto wrote:
With the frequent questions and opinions offered on towing weight calculations for today's RV's and TV's, it begs the question;

What has changed from the 40's, 50's and 60's where you would often see a TT being towed by a rather smallish sedan or station wagon.

For us not much has changed except the cars are just getting better in every respect. Yes we tow with a modern, mid sized car.

But for most folks these days they want a big pick up. The reason is the huge amount of stuff they want to take with them. Bikes, generators, grills, a dozen pink flamingo's:S...... you get the idea.
Drum
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
In the 1970's, my dad crammed our family of 5 in a Buick Electra and pulled a heavily loaded 31' Airstream all over the place with it. I have good memories and don't remember him once complaining about the handling or speed. It's an interesting topic.
TomG2
Explorer
Jun 08, 2013
There were actually some pretty strong tow vehicles back in the fifties and sixties. 348-455 cubic inch models were available from most of the manufacturers. A Chrysler 392 Hemi was available in the late fifties and into the sixties. It was no slouch.(Gasoline was $0.30/gallon) Rear axle ratios were not the "mileage" ratios of today either. Those old sedans and station wagons popularized the use of weight distribution hitches as their soft rear suspension would have the front end so high that one could not see over the hood with just a load carrying hitch. A modern pickup front end hardly raises,in comparison. I am old enough to remember that travel trailers were often very slow in comparison to other traffic. Lots of steaming radiators at the top of the grade too.

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Towing...way back when...weighs on my mind

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