olds88royalvert

I have a question on towing. I have a 1970 delta 88 convertible with the 455. I am purchasing jet skis, pair of seadoos on a double trailer. Was wondering if I would have any issues towing, specifically coming up the ramp. I only ask because I have seen too many incidents at my aunt and uncles marina. The ramp I would be using isn't very steep but none the les wanted to pose the question.

joe_padavano

I'm guessing the trailer weight is around 2000 lbs, which is nothing for that car. Your biggest problem will be spinning a tire on that wet, steep ramp. Anti-spin (posi) would be recommended for this, but if your car doesn't have it now, you'll never find one for your 9.3" Type O axle.

This page is from the 1969 SPECS booklet, but your 70 is just about identical.

Kennybill

You'd have to modify a reciever Reese style truck hitch that bolt to the frame rails with air bags in the coil springs, a sway bar while not absolutely necessary would be better. I would go with wider rear tires, maybe a truck tire. Don't even think about a bumper hitch. As Joe stated anti-slip, would be nice. Both of my 1967s have 3:08 posi. If you do, keep it under 80 mph. Good luck.

Fun71

I see no issues with towing. My folks had a 78 Delta 88 with a 350 and it pulled a ~25" Prowler camper trailer with no problems. Dad had a load leveling receiver hitch welded in for that.

As to the boat ramp, a posi definitely will help. I suspect you won't have much problem if you have rear tires with good grip. My brother in law pulled a 16' ski boat with a 1980 Mustang 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual trans and getting the boat up a wet ramp was a sight to see, but always made it.

MDchanic

The only problem you'll have with towing is not flinging the jet skis off to points unknown when you cruise over a bump, having completely forgotten that there was any sort of trailer behind you at all.

Oh, and the factory rear springs are more than a bit soft, and with even a couple of hundred pounds on the tongue you will notice the rear end sink. I would recommend swapping in a pair of CargoCoils (just over $100 a pair), and you'll like the car a whole lot better, both towing and not towing.

- Eric

Hooptie

Apparently the previous owner of my 70 Delta 88 used it to haul a full sized Argosy Airstream trailer. it should be fine with just let skis.

Olds64

Don't for get to check your brakes before towing. Safety first.