I know this information must have already been discussed, but I can't find it. I have a 69 F-100 long bed, automatic, with a 390 engine. Very original and great running truck. I'm wondering what is the largest camper I can pull with the truck safely? I realize I'd have to install an transmission cooler, and I would run trailer brakes as well. I'm in the cusp of a divorce and I'm looking to buy a camper to take my two kids this coming summer as they both want to go. I think we can do a pop-up and be ok, but just wondering what my options will be.

Thanks all!

 

Ford did offer a 3500lb hitch as an accessory for F-100/250's so use that as your guide.
72accessories_08
I can't find any other literature on truck towing. At this time period, station wagons towed trailers, and trucks hauled campers. One big factor at this time is if you just have 4 wheel drum brakes instead of front discs. That would not be good with a heavy trailer.

Here is an update from a 70 brochure:
http://fordification.com/library/mai...geViewsIndex=1

 

Here's a pulling guide!

Dan

 

Looks like a 1953 Lincoln but with a Mercury hood. Heck of a pull for a 317 C.I. Y block.




317
The first-generation Y-block was the 317 cu in (5.2 L), which replaced the undersquare 337 cu in (5.5 L) flathead V8 on all Lincolns in the 1952 model year and was produced through 1954's.[2] The 317 was oversquare, as was rapidly becoming the fashion, with a bore of 3.800 in (97 mm) and a stroke of 3.500 in (89 mm).[3][4][5][6] Power output was 160 hp (119 kW); higher compression, larger intake valves, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, improved intake and exhaust, and a more aggressive camshaft the next year increased it to 205 hp (153 kW).[3] The engine was unchanged in 1954 except for the vacuum advance mechanism.[3] These engines used the same solid valve lifters as Ford truck engines, and were to power the "Mexican Road Race Lincolns". The 317 was replaced by the 341 for automobile applications in the 1955 model year.[2] Like the 279, the 317 was also used in heavy-duty truck applications for the 1954 model year only.[4]
Lincolns powered by the 317 won the top four spots in the Stock Car category of the Pan American Road Race in both 1952 and 1953.[2] In 1954 Lincolns took first and second place.[2]

 

Yea, I still have four wheel drums, but just looking for a popup maybe...don't need anything really big for the three of us.

 

Hey! "The Long Long Trailer!" Love that movie.

 

You might consider putting front disc brakes off a Dent on your rig.

 

Herdfan,
As someone who pushes a bumpside F100 to its very limits on a regular basis, I can tell you that anything up to 5,000lbs will be OK... Above that, and you at least need a WD hitch and strong trailer brakes.

It's not so much the overall weight, it's the distribution of it and the stability that are CRITICAL to having a safe towing rig. I don't hesitate to put over 5,000lbs behind my F100, so long as it's distributed properly with good brakes.

I had estimated This RV+trailer to be somewhere in the 10,000lb range if I remember correctly... it can be done, but.... this was a hard pull.