Trailer hitch question

[Longroof79]

I also don't see class III hitches anymore for our cars. A class II would be all I'd need. I don't plan on pulling anything heavier than 3500 lbs.

 

[Longroof79]

Would a class I just be a typical bumper hitch? I had one of those on the car that was bolted to the bumper and the brace across the rear of the frame. I'm assuming that was a class I hitch.

 

[81msw79]

It seems like draw tite discontinued their clas 3 hitch. luckily i have on that came on my 81 wagon and got another for free from a buddy for my 83. Keep an eye on craigslist. see them all the time on there.

 

[81msw79]

summit racing also sells the curt class 2 for $143 shipped

 

[Longroof79]

summit racing also sells the curt class 2 for $143 shipped

Thanks Ed,
Do you have one on your wagon?
Sorry man, I just read that you have one on your car.

Yeah, I noticed Draw-tite no longer lists a hitch for our cars.

I have checked out Craigslist to no avail...but I think I may have a line on one. It's a little further away, so it's a matter of arranging a meet.

 

[el corvino]

They have not made class III for over 10 years now I believe. You'll have to find a used one. They were designed for the slight difference of the A-Body frame of im not mistaken. Regaurdless, I'm sure they stoppped because some idiot tried to use it to a class III full load capacity and couldn't stop in top due to stock G-Body brakes. I have one on all my cars. Don't use it to trailer, just for the frame support.

 

[Longroof79]

Thanks Mike,
I'd want it for towing and of course, frame bracing. Used ones aren't that easy to come by.
I would use it for light towing...small car, and like I mentioned earlier, a teardrop trailer...maybe even a small utility trailer.

 

[el corvino]

Oh, I'm just saying I've seen people with dual axle car trailers with another vehicle on the back of it... stock suspension and stock brakes. Personally, I have a 6 piston front and big disc set up in the rear of mine and without a brake controller I wouldn't consider pulling a large load. A year drop or motor cycle trailer is totally different. I just have a step bar on mine. Haha

 

[Longroof79]

Oh, I'm just saying I've seen people with dual axle car trailers with another vehicle on the back of it... stock suspension and stock brakes. Personally, I have a 6 piston front and big disc set up in the rear of mine and without a brake controller I wouldn't consider pulling a large load. A year drop or motor cycle trailer is totally different. I just have a step bar on mine. Haha

Yeah, people take huge chances. I wouldn't pull a car trailer with a car loaded on it...that's totally insane. Even with larger brakes...and even equipped with trailer brakes, I wouldn't take a chance. These cars weren't built to do any heavy duty towing.
It looks like your car has more than adequate braking.

 

[el corvino]

Haha. Thanks. If you can wait, you can find a Class III used eventually in the $100 - $150 range worst case. I've never used any of mine to pull anything, just for structural support. (Hope it's never needed)

That said, I was randomly looking through my Cutlass book from GM... it said, if pulling a loaded trailer with a weight of > 1,000 lbs ( > 455 kg you Canadians) that trailer brakes were recommended. 2 things came to mind. (1) My Cutlass weight distribution is better than any of my Elco's (were from the factory) and (2) I can locate even the rarest of NOS parts... I'd really have to research to find a NOS or used brake controller that was meant for our cars. Haha

I'm sure people just know Class III is associated with a 5,000 lb capacity and take that at face value. The structure of the Class III itself blows away any Class II that's available which is why I use them. I can send you more info on them and what to look for if you'd like.