RV Towing
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
RV Towing
Did a forum search but couldn't find anything specific. I'm looking to buy a bumper-pull RV trailer. I've got a 1980 F-100 short box w/a strong 302 and a C6. Are there any "rules of thumb" regarding the weight and length of what I can safely/easily pull?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
What's your gear ratio? With an F-100, a 302 and a short wheelbase, the rule of thumb is "VERY small". Like under 5000 lbs and no steep grades.
And there's a good chance you're going to hate towing any RV with it because of the wheelbase. I had an 18' RV behind my shortbed regular cab and it didn't feel stable at all.
And there's a good chance you're going to hate towing any RV with it because of the wheelbase. I had an 18' RV behind my shortbed regular cab and it didn't feel stable at all.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Cool. I'm going to look at 2 this weekend. One is a 60's canned ham.very light,the other is a 16ft Prowler w/alot more options and therefore,alot more weight. I'll DEFINITELY be in the
market for a hitch if I get that one. Thanks. The advice has been a HUGE help.
market for a hitch if I get that one. Thanks. The advice has been a HUGE help.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 610
Likes: 0
From: socal
I towed my 19' enclosed once with my 69 F100 2wd SB lifted with 33's. It did ok with the 5000lb trailer and yes the load leveling hitch was a huge help. I never did it again although the power was not a factor I found that I was completely exhausted after the trip because it was pretty squirrely, a white knuckle ride the whole way pretty much due to the short wheelbase.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 16
From: Lost
I would also have concerns about the F100 having the brakes needed to stop while towing much. Trailer brakes would be required, in most cases.
The springs/shocks and tires would also be a concern.
F100's weren't designed for heavy hauling or towing.
The springs/shocks and tires would also be a concern.
F100's weren't designed for heavy hauling or towing.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 106
From: Martinsburg, WV
I'm towing a 22ft with mine, but it is a later model and pretty light for it's size, @ 4500. It is at about the limits for my truck, I would not myself go any heaver w/o moving to a 351 or a larger truck. I do have a WD hitch and it made a world of difference. Minimal sway now that the trailer actually has trailer tires and not mismatched passenger tires. The steeper grades can be a pain, but I just keep to the right...
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,997
Likes: 2,744
From: Virginia
If you are going on short 2 or 3 hr trips, your truck will probably be fine if you don't get in a hurry. And most all trailers have brakes except the small pop-ups. I now have a small single axle 16ft trailer I am going to fix up and it has brakes on it. Buy a brake controller for your truck and the trailer brakes make a big difference.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,835
Likes: 106
From: Martinsburg, WV
When we had our pickup camper, we fabbed up a very strong slide out bumper setup. We flat towed a Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon as a runabout, worked out quite well, cheap as all get out on gas, and light enough that it didnt hurt us towing. Then again the truck did have a 390, it didnt care about much of anything...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
byoungquist
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
1
Sep 2, 2006 06:58 AM
