What Chevrolet used were called RPO codes (Regular Porduction Options?). They put all of these on a label in the glovebox. It looks like this (Not my truck, though):
All of the codes mean something. It could be an engine size, suspension package, or just color-coded seatbelts. There isn't one for towing. The truck originally was rated for 5200# GVW (Truck + Payload). Being a 2x4 model with no options, 1300# puts me right around 5200# with me in it.
The bumper hitch is rated for 7500#, and looks factory to me. The RPO code for the axle says that I have a 2.76 rear end, but I'm not buying it. According to a table of options, that axle was only offered with a 350. I have either a 3.08 or a 3.73 from the factory. What's there now is anyone's guess.
My 1995 F150 could barely move a 5000# load down the road with the 3.31 axle. This truck pulled a similar trailer at 60 MPH without breaking a sweat. A manual in the Ford can't make it that bad, can it?
Being a 30 year old truck, I don't know it's history. We bought it in 1996, but as for what the last owner did- all bets are off.
I can't find any towing numbers from Chevrolet on these old beasts.
If my understanding is correct, pulling a load is easier than carrying it, correct? Would you be better off with that load on a trailer, opposed to on the truck bed? 1300# fills the truck up. If I were to dump that load on a trailer, would the truck do better? Would it do worse? Would it matter that much?
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