78' camper special

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Apr 22, 2004 | 09:32 PM

hotmod046

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78' camper special

I purchased a 1978 camper special two years ago. Rebuilt the engine and transmission and i finally putting it back together. I am primarily going to tow my parents six horse gooseneck trailer. What is the tow rating for these trucks???

It has a 460 (over 500 ft lbs of torque),c-6 automatic transmission (lowered first gear planatery) Dana 70 rear axle w/3.73 gearing.

thank you!

Apr 22, 2004 | 11:28 PM

Aarkie

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The owners manual only list the 460 (7.5) in a F-350 so I am guessing that is what you have.The GCWR for the standard or supercab is 18,500 for a conventional trailer and 15,000 for a fifth wheel. It list the trailer weights as conventional at 6000-9000 and fifth wheel up to 8500. I guest the fifth wheel hitch was the week point back then since now you can tow more with a fifth wheel. It does not list a goose neck but would guess the same as a fifth wheel. It says a camper special package with cruise-O-matic and external oil cooler may be used in lieu of trailer towing package providing a conventional load carring or equalizing type hitch is used (no external hitches). If it does not have a transmission cooler I would add one to be on the safe side.

Apr 23, 2004 | 05:45 AM

hotmod046

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Thank you for info. You said the hitch was the weak point. That might explain why somebody welded and bolted three square tube cross ties between the box and frame. Vary stout looking anyway.

Apr 23, 2004 | 09:43 AM

Aarkie

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I do not know for sure that it is but the numbers look like it might be. You know how things change over the years. Back in the 70's I do not remember seeing very many fifth wheels most were tow behind. Today most of the bigger rigs are fifth wheels. As long as the hitch is strong enough to pull the load and you are under the GCVW you should be good to go. I know a lot of people pull over the GCVW but if you have a accident your ins. may try to back out and leave you holding the bag.