Classic/Antique Car Repair: towing a vintage travel trailer, silver streak travel trailer, shock absorber

Question
Hi Brad,
I am intending to use my 1949 Buick Super Sedanet, Model 56-S to tow my 1951 Silver Streak travel trailer.
The rear suspension is very soft and I feel that I will need to strengthen in some way.
Can you advise the best solution please?
I am considering adding a coil over shock absorber or heavier coil springs ?
If the rear is stiffened, should I also look to stiffening the front end?
I intend to keep the car as stock as possible but may add tube type shocks that can be removed without trace later, ie 'bolt-on' hardware that will use existing mount points etc..
I am aware that you are not keen on modifying antique cars but I think that towing is a valid area for consideration?
thanks in advance

Answer
You have hit my third great passion, the first my better half, the second cars, and the third RV's. You have not landed on one of my pet peeves of modification, in fact just the opposite. Adding accessories to use the car as it was intended to be used is not a modification that bothers me. In fact in 1949 Buick was one of the chosen cars to haul travel trailers as they had the power, the weight, and the braking to do this safely. We also believe in vintage equipment. Our RV is a 20 year old Foretravel Diesel Pusher that we travel in the 6 months of winter to escape from New Hampshire. Last year this column was written from San Diego, the Arizona desert, Galveston, New Orleans and finally Florida. Well anyway, I would look into Air Lift air bags that will slip into the rear coil springs of your car without modification. Route the air lines up into the trunk and you are good to go. The companies that sell the Air lifts will probably not have a listing for the Buick but can fit a pair of bags by dimensions. I would also use a Reece type load distribution hitch and a friction type sway controller. As far as braking goes my favorite for a rig like this would be the hydraulic surge braking system. At this point I doubt that you will need to do anything to the front suspension. Now, please send me a picture of your rig so that we can keep a look out for it in our travels across this great land. We motor home about 14,000 miles a year.