RV Towing
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
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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
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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.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2009
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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.
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 610
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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.
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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: 3,826
Likes: 101
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: 56,966
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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
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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...
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