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So I'm new to towing. Buying a trailer and would like to know a few things. I will start to do some research on top of posting this thread. But I always just like throwing a new thread up here cause I always get an answer!
Details about truck:
1975 F250 Part time 4WD
390
Manual trans
Comp cams extreme energy
Healthy Engine but sometimes runs hotter than I'd like (this is from old temp gauge though)
T19 Trans (pretty certain) NP 205 xfer case
All drum brakes (New shoes but need to tighten them up)
37's inch Pitpull off road tires with a 6 inch lift (could be a bit off with the lift)
Few things. More information the better.
Tips and advice for driving?
What to double check on the truck before pulling?
How much can these trucks pull/haul? What have you personally done? Pics if you have!
I'm looking into this trailer. 26 footer. Also I plan on puilling it down to a camp site that has a fairly steep gravel hill. Again. Very little experience pulling/hauling. Thank you!!!
First thing I would do is back the truck up to the trailer and figure out what drop hitch you need so the trailer you're pulling will be level.
I have never had any fun pulling with anything lifted or off road tires. When I was hauling horses back and fourth from New England to Florida I gave up my 35's and put factory size all terrains on it. But for a few miles, say under 40 miles each way it won't matter.
What engine do you have in that nice truck? What transmission? Is the engine healthy? If its a stick is the clutch good and adjusted correctly? If a C6 do you have a good transmission cooler? How well do your brakes work?
DO YOU HAVE A TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER which works? That is very important.
Before hitting the camp site I would practice backing it up and driving around with it. Adjust your mirrors to see, ensure all lights work and have fun man!
If you look through the list of forums, there is a whole section devoted to towing and in that there are forums for towing campers, equipment, etc.... you will probably find more info in there and answers to most of what you can dream up to ask.
Provided some more information about the truck. Thanks will look on the towing forums. But would also like to hear specifically from the Highboy owners. Thanks!
How far are you towing? Do you have a brake controller? Do you have a trans cooler?
You need to fix the overheating situation before you hook up to that thing and if you're going very far, you should get some smaller highway tires. Mud tires squirm all over when towing and contribute to sway. You'll need a massive drop ball mount and those put a ton of leverage on your hitch. I'd inspect it carefully and reinforce as necessary.
I'll be towing 30-50 miles each way. But would eventually like to tow around the state (WA). Will be installing a brake controller. Thanks for the feedback.
It looks like once you install the controller and figure out the temp just get the correct drop hitch and have fun!
As far as how much can they pull? I would say 7000# from the correct hitch. I have said it in other threads, you need to find the maximum towing weight from Ford. If you get into an accident and are 'overloaded' your insurance company may choose not to cover you at all. I do not know the weight but I have towed over 6000# once, truck did fine for the most part......
One other thing to help you with that hill. If you leave it in 1st gear down a hill does the transmission stay in gear? I would 4WD engine brake down that hill as much as possible.
I don't have the specs for a 75 but I do for a 79 f250 which will be similar except that a 79 has front disc brakes.
A 79 f250 reg cab with 351m 4.10 gears and super cooling system is rated for 7000 lbs. Tongue weight 10-15% trailer weight. Use a weight distributing class IV hitch recommended. With 3.54 gears it is rated at a trailer weight of 3500 lbs. Keep that in mind because you have large tires your gearing will not be as effective. Drum brakes are possibly going to de-rate from these 79 specs. The total vehicle weight with trailer should be considered as well. Total for 79 with bumper pull is 14700 lbs with trailer max weight of 7000 lbs.
Try to find an owners manual or some literature for your year of truck.
My 2 cents. You will most likely not like pulling that camper with that truck. There are several reasons, many already stated. The tires will be too soft and cause alot of sway, which could be corrected with a weight distribution hitch and sway control. The problem is you will not find one to work properly with the height difference between your truck and camper. This will be the biggest issue. Other issues will be, flasher, not big enough. Truck and trailer lights will be dim, wiring is over loaded as it is for the lights. any bad or looseness in front end will be magnified by a lot.
Your truck will have the ***** to haul it, trailer brakes will help with steep inclines, and camping is to me one of the best ways to spend time with family and friends. At least you will get a start with it on a fairly short trip and you will find out what you need to fix, or modify.
Just wanted to update everyone on what happened - Pulled it probably over a total of 100 miles. And it does fine!! Feels safe. Pulls the absolute **** out of it...!! Thank you for your help everyone!
