stationaryfulltimer wrote:
In terms of the receiver hitch, I'm as good as I have been able to find. So, I'm going to have to live within the 1200# tongue weight. I searched the PullRite website for a hitch to match my application, and the oldest they go back is 1995. I run into this issue all the time because as far as any aftermarket truck parts go, trucks older than 2000 don't exist any more. It's a shame...
In terms of custom work, I hit that point a LONG time ago. Everything was custom to put the parts I used on the truck. A quick rundown of the truck is a GM 14-bolt 1-ton axle and drum brakes off a 2000 Chevy K3500, front suspension and disc brakes off a 1980 C20 pickup, master brake cylinder off a 1998 GMC C3500, custom heavy-duty driveshaft with 1350 u-joints, and some more stuff I don't recall off-hand. It's a frankenstein of heavy-duty parts to make a good half-ton Suburban body worthy of hauling 10,000 pounds.
The tires are Michelin LTX/MS 235/85/R16 load range E tires aired to the 80 psi maximum. That wasn't the source of the sway. The trailer tires are Goodyear Marathons load range D aired to 65 psi.
Referring to the GM Restoration Kit data for my model year truck, they state the GCWR for the 5.7L engine with 4.10 gears at 13,500. So in that respect, I am over the GCWR. If I were to step up to 4.56 gears, my GCWR would move up to 15,000. The GCWR rating for the 7.4L engine with 4.10 gears is 16,000. However, the limiting factor based on engine size is the transmission backing it up. On my 700R4 transmission, I have a deep pan with integrated cooler, a 22K BTU external cooler, and tow in the recommended drive position to lock out overdrive. I don't have any slippage in the transmission and the ATF temperature never exceeds 175F when towing the camper. So, I don't know how to call that one...
I'm doing the best with what I have and what I like. The new trucks are both not appealing to me, and the $40K+ price tag is also out of my range.
I love your build! Personally, I'd like to see some pictures of your rig.
When I mentioned a custom hitch I wasn't talking about replacing your hitch...I was talking about strengthening yours...something like this
Thanks!
Jeremiah
