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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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