[magnum]

Been looking at a 71 El Camino for towing purposes. Believe its the same body frame the old Chevelle Malibu had. I checked the U-haul site to find if a hitch was available but none was listed. Anyone know how much this vehicle can tow? My tow weight is 2500 lbs top. The cars engine is a V8 350. Thanks

 

[BillP]

El Caminos used to be a favorite tow vehecle among the ski boat crowd in the '70's. I don't remember what the actual tow rating was, but 2,500lbs shouldn't be a problem provided you look for the following: 3.73 gears, nothing higher. If it has the SS package, that's even better as it comes with the heaver springs, swaybars, and wider wheels as I recall. If it has the Turbo 350 trans, service it every 12,000 miles. A large aftermarket trans cooler is a must.

Eckhart should have a hitch for you in stock 800 U-CAN-TOW

Hope this helps.

 

[Alan7334]

I had a 73 elcamino and towed my old jeep with it, a heavy military jeep over 2500. Left it out of overdrive going up hills and it had a transmission shift kit designed for towing. Great car.

Alan

 

[rubble]

I would 1st make sure ALL of the Front & Rear Suspension is up to Snuff,then Install Air Shocks and/or H.D Springs or Helpers.

Personally,I would Never Tow anything with such a Beautiful,Classic Ride as that......:\

 

[tanglefoot62]

Why not? I know, don't scratch it! Properly equipped, it should do fine. We had a '71 Nomad Wagon with a 350 & automatic, towed a travel trailer around half of the continental US & Mexico with it. Almost the same vehicle mechanically.

 

[rubble]

I'm just Jealous 'cause I'd Love to Have It... It can Definitly Do the Job........Like I said,with a Stout Suspension.....Go for It......!!!!! :tu:

This post edited by rubble 06/04/2008

 

[magnum]

Appreciate the info, thanks.