I'm looking for some suggestions on upgrading my Burb for towing. It is a stock C/10 402/400 with no towing provisions. I'd like to be comfortable towing a small trailer or boat less than 7000 lbs. (if that's possible for a 1/2 ton). I like the ECE hidden hitch setup, but am unsure what else to add (air bags, etc.). Thanks in advance...

A good transmission cooler, also depends on the tongue weight if you need any supension help. It would be cheaper to use a easy lift hitch then air bags if needed.

It is possible to use the 3/4 ton rear springs to replace the 1/2 tonners on the burb to help with the squat, and then an equalizer hitch is the way to go, I lost a trailer and burb off of a tounge hitch and wish I had used the above mentioned hitch instead.

Plus , as per my experience, others will disagree, is that the coil springs feel looser towing and sway more than the leaf spring style. Coils will give you a better ride though.
Just make sure everything is rated for at leat 25% MORE than you think you will tow because it almost always ends up that what you are towing weighs more than what was thought.
Make sure you have a trans cooler, rated tires that are properly inflated, safety chains, trailer brakes on at least one axle, well tuned engine and remember most of all driving smoothly, turning, stopping, starting ,looking ahead are really important

Plus , as per my experience, others will disagree, is that the coil springs feel looser towing and sway more than the leaf spring style.

I was just thinking about sway. Didn't some factory tow packages include a rear sway bar? I know they did on later models. This may be something to consider adding as well.

If you are upgrading, upgrade to polygraphite bushings, and end the sway. That, and a set of 3/4 ton springs. Forget about converting to leaf springs.
Also, run proper tires with at least a D load range, and inflated properly.

I added a tranny cooler to my 350/700R4 combo and pull in drive. Works fine for me, could use a little bigger radiator as it gets a little warmer going up and down hills, but no other problems. I set the air ride were I want it and the trailer I pull has a load equalizer hitch to transfer the load off of the tongue. Here is a pick from just this past weeked.

Jeff

Sorry to ask a stupid question but what in the world is a load equilizer hitch? Never heard of one before. I am sure I have seen one just maybe by another name or something like that.

here is a web site that has a good diagram and pics explaining what it is and how it works.

http://www.hitches-forless.com/WD/about_wd_hitches.htm

D@mn it, I wish I had followed my own advise, the sway is what caused my 68 4X4 original Suburban to become a rollover before I ever even got to drive it!! The hitch levels the ride and prevents sway, and with coils as qksilver mentioed is a feeling that you get from coils. Use the hitch, you'll never regret it, as I always say (especially after my accident!) load for bear even when hunting for squirrel, and you'll never be suprised!!

It also helps to have a 3/4 BB burb...........!

here is a web site that has a good diagram and pics explaining what it is and how it works.

http://www.hitches-forless.com/WD/about_wd_hitches.htm

Cool thanks man! I have seen those hitches before but I never knew that is what they were for!

I even use the big hitch on my leaf sprung dually. Works amazing!! You can certainly tell the difference from when you are using it and when you aren't.

1) trans cooler..a must!!!!!!!!!!
2) Brake controler/trailer brakes
3) steering stabilizer
4) a good rear bag system or heavy duty rear springs
5) tow mirrors, spot mirrors or clip on mirror extenders
6) class 3 or higher hitch
7) a variety of different drop recievers
8) good tires
9) power steering

Dang, Jeff, that burb looks just as good aired up!