grandma
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Post by grandma on Sept 17, 2014 10:01:24 GMT -8
Hello all,
I have a 1959 Dodge that was originally used to tow a 1956 Airstream. It has a strange looking trailer hitch that has no ball on top. It also came with what I think are "overloads". My question is, what do I need to do to make it tow-worthy. It has about 76K original miles and runs well. I want to tow about a 20 foot vintage trailer. Thoughts?
Thanks,
Grandma
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Sept 17, 2014 10:56:39 GMT -8
Hello all, I have a 1959 Dodge that was originally used to tow a 1956 Airstream. It has a strange looking trailer hitch that has no ball on top. It also came with what I think are "overloads". My question is, what do I need to do to make it tow-worthy. It has about 76K original miles and runs well. I want to tow about a 20 foot vintage trailer. Thoughts? Thanks, Grandma Grandma, I'm sure "your car" is different, and maybe it has already had the suspension system upgraded?
Our family had a almost new 1961 Dodge wagon "back in the day". It was the one with the fins that looked like a rocket ship. As a teenage driver, I did everything I could do to break it, and it just kept on ticking. We had the car in the family for about ten years. It had the 318 engine, and a push button Torqueflite. It was a great running car. It was one of the first cars factory equipped with an alternator.
BUT.........It had the ABSOLUTE WORSE BRAKING SYSTEM of any car I have ever driven or worked on during the last fifty years! I'm thinking it had the Lockeed style brake system with two "single sided" wheel cylinders per wheel, not the more common Bendix self energizing brake system like most every other car manufacturer used during the period. The brakes were "marginally safe" in stopping power when the car was loaded, but without any trailer. I would NEVER recommend you use the stock braking system, if you plan to tow ANY SIZE trailer, even if the trailer was equipped with trailer brakes. I still have the special tool in my tool box that was required to adjust the "transmission tailshaft mounted" emergency brake.
If you choose to upgrade the brakes on your car, a good company is ABS located in Orange, CA. They supply the upgrading brake parts to many of the vintage car suppliers on the internet. ABS is an old, and reputable company.
The only way I would tow a twenty foot trailer "with any car", is to use a "weight distribution" style hitch. I have a 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon for my vintage tow vehicle, and it is "too soft" on the rear springs even with aftermarket air shocks. It will soon be getting a new custom rear spring towing package. The existing small disk front brakes, will be upgraded to 11" ABS front disks. The rear brakes will remain as 10" drums, but with semi metallic brake pads.
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grandma
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Post by grandma on Sept 18, 2014 8:12:57 GMT -8
John,
Thanks for the info. It has the 360? with the push button automatic. I will get a picture of the trailer hitch and suspension and post it later this week so maybe we can know more. You are right about the brakes. I will check with ABS. I live in socal so it won't be a problem.
Grandma
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grandma
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Post by grandma on Sept 19, 2014 17:21:37 GMT -8
Ok, well I'm having trouble getting photos pasted . The trailer hitch shows an oval block of steel where the hitch would normally be. There is a crossbar under that goes to the frame rails and a bar that runs under the gas tank and up towards the differential. This was installed in the 1950's. does this sound familiar to anyone?
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Post by bigbill on Sept 19, 2014 18:24:10 GMT -8
The bracing you are talking about sounds like an old Reese equalizing hitch, all except the oval part you are describing. A Reese hitch would have the standard 2 inches square opening reenforced with a steel band around it. then your hitch would slid into that. I would assume that what you have is an equalizing hitch, but have no idea what brand had an oval receiver. Reread the instructions and try to post a picture.
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grandma
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Post by grandma on Oct 9, 2014 7:24:40 GMT -8
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Post by bigbill on Oct 10, 2014 13:12:34 GMT -8
That appears to be some kind of an old equalizing hitch or at least a heavy duty something, but I have never seen anything like it. I would assume part of it is missing, possibly that bolt came out of the top and another piece slid down over it then the bolt retained it. This is just a guess.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Oct 10, 2014 13:22:33 GMT -8
I'm with BigBill, I have not seen this hitch before, and I would upgrade to a modern design.
I understand Vintage and Cool, but Safe is more important. You will not be able to enjoy your destination, if your broken down during your journey.
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grandma
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Post by grandma on Oct 29, 2014 13:13:33 GMT -8
The bolt comes out of the top and it appears a standard ball will drop in there. The car has "overload"springs available in the trunk. Do I use those or do something different. I will consider the replacement suggestion. I have two needs for towing. I tow a miniature Model T ford for Shrine parades. That is under 1000lbs including the trailer easily. The other is the 1959 Airstream. I also am looking for another trailer but I'm not sure what I am looking for. I am wanting to replace what my grandfather once had. It looked like an Airstream but wasn't. Relatively short. Who else made aluminum trailers?
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