Vintage tow rig idea - 1950 IH L-150, 1-1/2 Ton

I just acquired another 1950 International truck when I was looking for parts for my '50 L-120 3/4 ton. Now I have 2 project trucks. I came up with the idea of making this bigger truck a dedicated tow rig with a gooseneck type HD 5th wheel hitch, along with a HD Cl*** IV receiver, & pintle hitch.

Original truck specs: L-151, GVWR: 10,750 lbs




I'm wondering how much I should move the rear axle forward & cut off the rear of the frame.
The standard 1/2 & 3/4 ton trucks have a wheelbase of 115", and an overall length of 181". This truck has the 142" WB, & 234" overall length. It seems too long for a dedicated tow rig in my opinion.

Something like this below, with the proper hitch position forward of the rear axle, but with enough cab-to-trailer clearance for tight turns.

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.ne...B22qHvK-HnlKyo9K3ILZXzDUYk6Y-eqnA&oe=65FAABF4

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https://scontent-iad3-2.**.fbcdn.ne...h-e1dnmWWeW7acS2lDAr2kDl-2lvIMaIA&oe=65FAC050

Anyway, just looking at ideas.

Cheers

 

Well, a gooseneck trailer kinda eliminates worries of hitting the cab, well, I guess you could jack-knife and get a cab corner

There’s many modern heavy duty bobbed trucks that I’ve seen hauling cattle and horses. They usually have a sleeper cab, but from the back of it to the center of where you’d put your 5th wheel mount would serve the same purpose.

Edit: You’d want the mount over the center of the rear axle.

 

It depends on what you plan to haul. Longer WB will ride better. Less chance of the trailer making the truck move around, ect. Look at the frame there may be holes already there where you can move the springs to shorten it.

 

Keep the wheel base the same, and shorten the frame to your hauling needs. Look at other toters for inspiration.

What are you thinking for drivetrain? Lot's of non BBC or BBF options in the IH world if you are willing to do the work. A large displacement Red Diamond 6 (450 or 501 ci) with a big turbo hanging off the side and backed by a 5 and 2 would tow just about anything quite nicely.

 

I'd not alter the wheelbase. It'll ride better and be less prone to being pushed around by the towed trailer. Use the length between the cab and 5th wheel plate for a toolbox or storage cabinets. Do any frame shortening behind the rear spring mount.

 

Or a vintage sleeper.

 

Thanks for the tip!!

 

No sure yet. I'm going to see how the SD220 works out. I'd like to install a bigger IHC inline 6 if possible (one that has more parts available)

 

Keep us updated, looks to be like a really cool project. I am thinking about doing something similar with an old chevy ton and a half.

 

How a bout a wooden stake bed with a hinge door for the gooseneck to hook up. Would make it versatile for hauling or other purposes plus look rather cool.

 

Thanks for the ideas. Will keep you updated

 

I would definitely not shorten the wheelbase on this one.

What's the wheelbase on your other '50 IH?

 

The red '50 L-122 is 127"
The rusty '50 L-151 is 142"

 

Maybe a dt466 with a 5 speed , 2 speed rear axle or a dt466 with a 9 speed , single speed rear axle