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Old 09-09-2019, 07:48 AM   #1
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Join Date: Apr 2018
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Towing years ago

Rainy day here and Just a question I have been wondering about. As I ponder replacing my aging truck I got to thinking. Years ago my dad pulled a huge airstream trailer with a 1969 ford station wagon. I remember riding in the rear facing seat and seeing that huge beast behind us. He never complained of sway or any difficulties pulling anywhere. Being young I don't remember what type of hitch he had but I am sure it was some early type of sway control. I remember the campgrounds and saw very few trucks, just passenger cars as tow vehicles. Now....as I ponder this new truck and possibly a 3/4 ton, I am wondering how did these old cars of the past pull these things? Were they just built so well full framed and all? Was tow capacities even worried about? The trailers were certainly heavier I would think. Dad isn't with us anymore so I can't ask him.

Perhaps my own question is answered...the older cars were full framed heavily built that could get the job done. Is that it?
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Old 09-09-2019, 08:33 AM   #2
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Your full frame comment is spot on but also compare the specs.

1970 Ford 390 wagon 2019 Chevy 1500 4x4
390 cid 327 cid
266 hp 355 hp
390 ft/lbs torque 383 ft/lbs torque
4230 lbs curb weight 4800 lbs curb weight

Yesteryears station wagons are about the same overall as todays trucks. My dad hauled trailers for 40 years with autos and never once complained. The only real difference is more power from smaller engines that run more efficiently. And far better tire and suspension components - Can you imagine what those 2 improvements to our Dad's wagons back then would have meant for ride and comfort?
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Old 09-09-2019, 08:55 AM   #3
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Also the length on the average camper back then was less the 24 ft. That combined with the weight of the station wagon and the friction type sway control. My parents had a 1969 Chevrolet Kingswood Estate Station wagon and puller a Fan Luxury liner 21 ft camper and it was heavy . It had the equalizer hitch with a friction type sway control and never had any problem that i can recall.
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Old 09-09-2019, 06:47 PM   #4
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Geez I’m dating myself but I remember when we travelled in the USA I saw a lot of International Travelall’s hauling Airstreams.
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Old 12-04-2019, 02:44 PM   #5
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less traffic, people drove slower, alot more courtesy back in the day.
OOHHH the good ol days !
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