Muscle car as tow vehicle? Up to 9,000 pounds bumper pull?

[debit.servus]

I've been thinking how cool it would be to pull my future cargo trailer conversion (anticipated weight 5-10k pounds) with a muscle car (older or newer). Muscle cars already have the horsepower, it just needs torquing down and maybe some ballast on the drive axles to pull a trailer upto 7-10,000 pounds. 

Is this possible and if so what would it take to mod an older muscle car (60s-90s)? Is it even doable with newer (90s-today)?

 

[Ballenxj]

I've been thinking how cool it would be to pull my future cargo trailer conversion (anticipated weight 5-10k pounds) with a muscle car (older or newer). Muscle cars already have the horsepower, it just needs torquing down and maybe some ballast on the drive axles to pull a trailer upto 7-10,000 pounds. 

Is this possible and if so what would it take to mod an older muscle car (60s-90s)? Is it even doable with newer (90s-today)?

Muscle cars definitely have the, er, Muscle to do the job. Just make sure if you go this route, your chosen muscle car has a good attachment place for the bumper hitch. Another point is bearings that are heavy duty enough to do the job. Brakes may not be an issue, as most muscle cars are already beefed up in that area.
Now the transmission. A muscle car automatic is usually adjusted or tuned for performance as opposed to towing. A truck set up for towing from the factory will most likely have different shift points programed, as well as a built in trans cooler.
Now that truck and car have both been mentioned, have you considered a high performance truck?

 

[mr_elijah_gardner]

Depending on your setup could work just fine. I once had an old Buick LeSabre and an old 318 Dodge. Both pulled smaller trailers just fine. You'd need to make sure your rear suspension is strong enough. Trailer brake controller wouldn't be a bad idea either

 

[Pebbles]

As a old car motorhead, I say don't do it! Depending on the car, it will attract attention to you unless it's a rusted, banged up, POS that's of no importance and of no real value. Any old car with a big motor will work, how about a retired Ford Crown Vic with the "police interceptor" package? You'd get the best of a lot of worlds with upgraded suspension, brakes, tranny, rear end, etc., plus. There's millions of them out there and not very old so parts shouldn't be a problem, new or used. Good Luck

 

[blmkid]

..... how cool it would be to pull my future cargo trailer conversion.... with a muscle car (older..... Muscle cars already have the horsepower, it just needs torquing down and maybe some ballast...........

Ya Dang Skippy it would look cool !

I would just love, a Black 55' Chevy.

 

[DuneElliot]

It's not always about pulling power...a lot of it is about stopping power!

Could my truck pull a 20,000lb trailer, probably...can it stop it, even with trailer brakes, iffy!!

 

[mr_elijah_gardner]

I re read and saw the weight you were talking about pulling. I wouldn't do that with a car. The engine power would not be real important as having your suspension & brakes no where near strong enough. I don't know that I'd pull anything bigger than a late model half ton truck would be safe with.

 

[johnny b]

Perhaps thinking a little 'smaller' would be prudent:




 

 

[highdesertranger]

anything is possible, but is it practical, NO. I could write out a huge post of why you shouldn't do it. many reasons have already been pointed out. the most important reason is, stopping is more important then going. even the best brakes on a muscle car are way to small to tow a trailer that size. highdesertranger

 

[debit.servus]

Thanks everybody for their feedback, this is just an idea and a consideration for me now.

anything is possible, but is it practical, NO. I could write out a huge post of why you shouldn't do it. many reasons have already been pointed out. the most important reason is, stopping is more important then going. even the best brakes on a muscle car are way to small to tow a trailer that size. highdesertranger

I do agree, Stopping is more important than going; to the point that it needs to be on "brake check area ahead" signs.

"STOPPING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOING

BRAKE CHECK..."

I will definitely consider a high-performance truck Ballenxj.

 

[debit.servus]

Hypothetically, assuming I started with an older muscle car with a solid frame. How many grands to modifiy it to pull a heavy trailer, including all drivetrain reinforcement/upgrades (including attachment place for the bumper hitch. Bearings that are heavy duty for the job. Transmission, suspension, tires, traction ballast tanks, custom made parts etc.)

I might do this for the next prime mover 4 years from now.

I want to see this road sign before the summits of mountain passes:
_______________
STOPPING IS
MORE IMPORTANT
THAN GOING
_______________
BRAKE CHECK...

 

[DESLIDER]

Thanks everybody for their feedback, this is just an idea and a consideration for me now.


I do agree, Stopping is more important than going; to the point that it needs to be on "brake check area ahead" signs.

"STOPPING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOING

BRAKE CHECK..."

I will definitely consider a high-performance truck Ballenxj.

I'd like to throw in a little bit of info, for anyone else that was of similar mind here. Keep in mind your vehicle weight, vs, your "what you're towing" weight. As a former wrecker driver, I can contest, that most rv / camper highway accidents, were due to towing too heavy, and or, towing vehicle, having a much too light curb weight. Even a newer pick-up, might pack plenty of punch, but if you don't have the weight to hold you on the road, whatever you are towing can pull you, right off the road.

 I realize "weight" is a issue, with the fuel efficiency crowd, but as everything else, compromise goes a long way further, depending. Don't forget, tires, and balance, sync with the suspension, as to making up your over all mileage / fuel economy. Be sure your running the correct tire ratings, and shock / spring ratings, when figuring out what you can, and can't tow. The biggest problem I've found, with most cars and trucks since the 70's, gearing, is way, WAY off. Much to regain in fuel here too. For quick instance, in 1987, Ford made a short bed, 4x4 F250, with a 5.0L gas, an optional 5 speed mustang manual transmission, and rear end gearing, from the lincoln car family, 4.11 ratio, if I remember right. Curb weight I believe was 1,750lbs. Even on 33x15' tires, the truck was infamous for putting 270hp to the pavement, and with a sensible lead foot, getting 30 highway, 25-27 city wasn't fairy tale dreaming. just some food for thought, but aero-dynamics is mostly hope-ium, in contrast to real mechanical operations.