Enjoy 5% OFF at VEVOR Canada! and Support Canadian Poncho at the Same Time!
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> General Pre 1958 Canadian Pontiac Discussions -> Advice on trailer towing with '57 Pathfinder??
Post Info TOPIC: Advice on trailer towing with '57 Pathfinder??
TheFrenchCanadian


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 34
Date:
Advice on trailer towing with '57 Pathfinder??
Permalink  

Hi Folks,

 
Been thinking lately about whether our '57 Pontiac Pathfinder with 261 six & three speed standard transmission would be capable of pulling a small trailer. Would be really fun to take our car and this small travel trailer camping. I find the trailer is kind of complimentary to the style of the car (a bit tattered & has charcter LOL).
 
20210226_220205.jpg
  
Trailer is 1570 lbs (I'm guessing closer to 2000 by the time everything is loaded into it). It's 12 ft or so, pretty small - similar in size to a bowler. Not many big hills to speak of in Saskatchewan, but wind is sometimes a factor. I wouldn't even THINK about taking this setup to the mountains, it'd be strictly a short distance rig (like a few hours from home).
 
 
No idea of the rear end gearing in the car. Only option it has is heavy duty springs. Has old school drum brakes that are freshly redone, engine seems to run really well, just bought it this past April and have it ready for the road finally. Basically, mechanically the whole car has been gone through (rebuilt carb, overhauled the brakes & replaced all rubber brake hoses, inspected & packed front wheel (ball) bearings, new fuel and remanufactured water pump, replace all under hood rubber, new complete exhaust system and windshield are coming). 
 
Resized_2_3.jpg
 
What do those of you that have trailered with these classics think? Possible? Or not advisable? I'd put a proper frame mounted trailer hitch on it & probably upgrade the shocks to good quality moderns units too, BTW. It sits on modern 14" radial tires.
 
I do have a newer F150 I could use that would pull this trailer without batting an eye - but the car is so much more interesting & we want to take it on as many adventures as possible as a family this summer!
 
Thanks, 
TFC


Attachments
__________________
"There's never enough money to do it right, but there's always enough to do it over!"
Taylor55


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1357
Date:
Permalink  

The only thing I would be concerned about is the single master cylinder, any brake line leak and no brakes. I would get a manual dual master cylinder and split the system in two. front and rear. Front disc brakes would be nice but the original 4 wheel drum brakes will be ok when split as you have done the brakes already. The diff if original will be a 3:55 and I would pull the diff out check and clean it and install new axle bearings and oil. I have played with these cars for 40 years now and the rear axles bearings have went out on a few of the cars I have owned. The 261 will have no problem pulling that trailer.

Al

__________________
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Prefectca


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1758
Date:
Permalink  

I would also make sure the trailer has brakes. If not originally equipped with brakes I would definitely be adding them. I used to tow a 17 ft travel trailer with a 1979 Catalina, Canadian built with a 305 Chevy engine and lets say it was interesting trying to slow down if the trailer brakes werent working.

Paul

__________________
cdnpont


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 10616
Date:
Permalink  

I know nothing about towing with a vintage car, but I do know the trailer primary colour must be painted to match your 57 for maximum vintage impact. wink

And I do think it's a super idea you're planning. Talk about cool!



__________________
 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT. 69 Parisienne Convertible.
 
Canwag57


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 78
Date:
Permalink  

Screen Shot 2021-02-27 at 9.47.57 PM.pngCheck this out, the 6 can do it as this guy proved.



Attachments
__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> General Pre 1958 Canadian Pontiac Discussions -> Advice on trailer towing with '57 Pathfinder??
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
.
Support Canadian Poncho!
Select Amount:
<
.
.
.