could you see a '68-72 ElCamino being used

[larrybuck]

I wanted to thank you guys for the super responses! I'm only window dreaming at this point, but certainly enjoyed the dialog!

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

6.2's can be had for the $100 area and they will typically bolt up to an el camino XMSN without anything special, though a 6.2 belongs with a 5sp MT nv3500, anything else is a waste of the motor.

A 6.2 will also bolt up to a Corvette 6sp double OD, gear the rearend way down and you have lots of power

As for Fuel economy a 1.9 won't touch 60mpg in an el camino except maybe at 25mph, the 6.2 will chug along in the 30's all day long in such a rig with an MT.
40's aren't impossible.

Cheers
Ryan

I agree but 6+ litres seems an awful waste of capacity when 1.9 with a turbo will make similar hp/torque or maybe at least usable hp/torque. As for the MPG there are loads of larger cars (Audi A6 upwards) with that engine that make 50+ MPG. There are also loads of them around so if it breaks you can get another one cheaply.

[slowmover]

The weight of the trailer tongue has to be spread over both Steer and Drive axles. The only "real" difference is in the lash-up between 5'ers and conventionals.

An Elky is a mid-sized car, in short. Spring ratings are going to be limited. As is frame strength when thinking about a 5'er. 20-25% TW is a norm. So, if one could obtain a loaded and ready for camping of around 5k lbs, it might be do-able.

I wouldn't . . the path of higher fuel economy in pulling a travel trailer is well-trod over in Airstream-land. Mid 20's on the smaller rigs and around 20 with a well-matched pair in up to a 23'. I'm already at 16-mpg pulling a 35'.

KamperBob has the 5'er you want to investigate. He also has a fine blog to read. He is one of the deep thinkers around here (I didn't say "smarter" although I would). Have along look at the trailer brand but more importantly, think long and hard about the solo duties of the tow vehicle. That is where the real money lays in terms of economical operation.

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[zjrog]

Sounds to me like a 5th wheel El Camino (or 67-79 Rancheros, Falcon based were unit/body...) with a well built anything and 5 speed would work better than a bumper pull. Upgrade the brakes (plenty of parts and sites for that!) and make sure the trailer has brakes as well. I see no reason it couldn't easily pull something sized for mini-trucks...

[freebeard]

This is just me thinking, but....

Tub the rear wheelwells.

Fabricate a rear suspension subframe and roll bar that doubles as a headache rack and a pyramid to mount the hitch atop.

I'd like that. I always liked the 68s—black with 4" of chrome fascia between the front and rear wheels.