Ok,

So I have a 1979 F-150 w/ class III hitch and weight distribution setup (which I dont use often as it takes to long to setup) now I was driving with my family trailer the other day (early 70's 24'er) empty...and I've already towed a uhaul car trailer with a blazer on the back. Now the car trailer didn't sway much and I didn't go much over 80km/h. Now this thing was swaying alot at 80km/h.

I realize with the weight dis. kit I probably wont sway as much BUT I still have the bag end hanging down... My question is this:

Should I go bigger truck? Or beef up the rear end on this one? (air bags? Extra leafs?)

I tow stuff like this once a month tops. But when I do its not light stuff. we do have a jetski that I can pull behind my bicycle if I wanted But that doesn't require much.

I am considering a bigger truck but I am a student and a little worried about gas milage. My 79 has a 302 and its fine now, if I were to step up to a F350 DRW SC or EXT cab with a ??? engine or a 250 with Ext. cab (both longboxes) what difference would I see in gas bill assuming I drove about the same. Would it be considerably worse if I didn't go with a huge engine? I use about 40$ in fuel a week now (driving work-school and thats about it) I try to avoid driving around here when I can as tourist season is here and brings lots of stop-starts which eat fuel.

Anyway I just wanted to see what you guys thought. Keep in mind my budget. I am a poor student paying his way through school. I just have the best vehicle for towing family toys (mom has a 95 chebby astro that will touch the ground if we hooked this camper up to her van...its about 5500dry AT LEAST)


Thanks.
Chad

 

Well, thats a good question...

I have driven both a 250 LB and I currently drive a 350 DRL UB and they both get lowsy gas mileage (460/C6). I get 7.3 with the 1-ton and 8.7 - 10.7 with the 250. You also have to look at other costs. With a dually, you have to buy 6 tires, not 4. Weight distributing hitch and brake controller a must. Worse gas mileage of course, unless you get a diesel. Trust me, I have priced trucks lately, a good dually - early to mid '90s costs around $13,000 US. If you get a good ol' hog with a 460, you can get them cheap, but will pay out the (expletive) for fuel.

In my case, I want the 460. Gives me maximum versitility, bragging rights, enough power to get me out of trouble. I like them, and for a 70's series truck, its the only engine I would have.

I don't know what fuel economy your 302 gets, but it has to be better than that. As far as towing toys, thats a different matter.
I would seriously think about how much towing you really want to do. You could of course get a smaller trailer, or not haul at all. If you find that your hauling needs cannot be fulfilled with your 150, then start looking for a bigger truck. Either way, you're gonna be hurtin' I sure know I am.

 

Your F-150 should handle the 24 ft trailer with no problems. I know setting up the WD hitches are a pain, but set up correctly it will solve most of your problems. I would add a pair of Firestone Ride Rite air bags to the rear. I just added a set to my F-250 and they work really well. Try these folks for your air bags, I had good service with them.

http://www.truckspring.com/

You should be able to get the air bags for around $230.00. This will be alot cheaper than a new truck. Wait till you gratuate and get a good high paying job then you can buy a F-350 Dually with a PSD.

Mark

 

Thanks guys.

Ya, I was kinda looking for an excuse to get an EXT. Cab But I really cant afford it. I made a deal to get the hitch on my truck, I tow the camper I get the hitch installed for free So I have a digital brake controller + wd hitch for nothing and I haul around the camper. (not a bad deal eh?) The truck isn't in awful shape but it does need some more work. Maybe I'll attempt to get a stereo in it and just keep fixing stuff.


Btw as for when I graduate I started another thread but I have along time to go...I'm going into Corporate Law. So when I come out maybe I'll get a couple of those F-350's DRW SC LB PSD


1 to haul the race car.... 1 to haul the camper... 1 to drive to work...

 

Oh and the Air bag system... Is that ok in the winter? It might be a dumb question but I was a little concerned about it all under there when im driving through snow/salt etc;


CK