What is a 72 El Camino capable of towing. My son has a 72, 400 small block with a 350 automatic and a 12 bolt posi rear end. I probably need to say more about the hitch but all I know right now is that it is welded to the frame. I guess he is interested in hauling a boat with it. No info on the boat or the weight. Just curious what is reasonable to tow with this car/truck. Thanks for any help.

Rich,

I'd either call or drive the Elco into a UHaul and ask those folks. They're pretty good at it. I believe the Elco is about 3600 lbs, but our disk brakes aren't the best for stopping a tow. You could get a trailer with brakes. That would help. Also, suspension for towing isn't optimal. I'd head over to a local UHaul....one that installs hitches...one of the bigger places. I don't have my owner's manual in front of me, but I think it's 5000 lbs and I believe that includes the trailer. I had a hitch welded to mine when I bought it and had it removed years ago.

It looks like you can also put 800 lbs (could be 600 lbs - it's hard to read the picture I have of my decal) of cargo in the bed. Actually, that's 1000 lbs total for a bucket (2 person) and 1250 for a bench (3 person). Don't know why you can't go 1250 lbs for a bucket seat Elco too. Seems odd, but there's probably a reason.

Al

What is a 72 El Camino capable of towing. My son has a 72, 400 small block with a 350 automatic and a 12 bolt posi rear end. I probably need to say more about the hitch but all I know right now is that it is welded to the frame. I guess he is interested in hauling a boat with it. No info on the boat or the weight. Just curious what is reasonable to tow with this car/truck. Thanks for any help.

We beat this one to death within the last couple of months. Do a search. You'd be hangin' it out if exceeding manufacturer's restrictions contained in 1972 Chevelle/El Camino owners manual.

My $0.02

with a skilled driver an a properly setup trailer is what the MANUAL intended ....... when they set a limit on towing ......

some of the things I've seen wouldn't be believed without Photos !!

it all depends on the setup .... sway-away/load levels/ surge brakes/ single or twin axle trailer / tongue weight / cars over state of repair / BUT mostly driver skill !! an where you intend to tow it..... 1/2 mile to the lake ?? or 2,000 miles over every mountain in your state ;)

Thanks for the replies. I will pass it on to my son. I wouldn't want to tow much with it myself. But then I have a 1/2 ton truck. I think his girlfriend has a boat he would like to tow but I don't know much aout the boat size or weight. Thanks everyone.

YMMV but I have a Class III hitch for a Toyota 4Runner bolted under my '68. The most I have pulled is a boat trailer with poles on it... might be 1000 lbs maybe. The trailer was not noticeable going down the road but did make a bit of difference in stopping feel.

I have seen the owner's manual limits posted before and they were a lot more than you might think. And a lot more than many would consider towing.

The first limitation you will hit is trailer tongue weight. I have pretty stiff rear springs and it settles quickly. First towing upgrade I would plan is air bags for the rear, especially with stock rear springs.

After that it depends greatly on driver technique... trailer brakes would extend capability and safety greatly and be my second recommended upgrade.

Suspension and brakes are the weak point. Remember, it may have a bed, but it's still a Chevelle underneath. Ok, a Chevelle with a boxed frame. Shouldn't be a problem towing a small boat to the dock, but I sure wouldn't tow much more than that.