Guys, I will be moving across the country from California to D.C. and I am trying to figure out what I am going to do. I am going to have my '04 SCrew XLT 2WD w/3.55 axle ratio that's on order and my Mustang. Now what would be my best option? Should I tow the car with the F150 or have my wife and me drive them separately? Basically, what I'm asking is, HOW much worse will my gas mileage be by towing a '99 Mustang? In addition, is it a HUGE hassle to tow something that long of a distance? I would prefer for us to drive together in the truck, but if it is not worth it to tow it, it may have to be a lonely drive.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

 

I say tow it.

1.The gas milage won't be as bad as if you drove both rigs.

2. You won't put the miles on both rigs.

3. you can cover more distance with two people taking turns driving.

4. towing is not much of a hassle, just remember you have the extra weight behind you and it needs more room to stop. Out on the open road you probably won't even know anything is behind you.

I would tow for sure if it was me. Of course I'd have to have the bed and car stuffed full of crap while doing it too

edit: oh yea, if you've never towed before I would recomend practicing backing up with the trailer on in an empty lot or something. Trailers react different, but aren't that hard once you know wich way they will go when you turn the wheel. You kinda have to think backwards.

 

I assume you'll have the Screw broken in before you make this trip? I've made the drive from CA to NC several times and you'll go nuts enough without having to drive alone. Tow the 'stang, just make sure you take care of the screw as well.

 

Good point, didn't even think about that. Maybe take a little road trip before making the move to put some miles on it. If you have to make the trip on the new engine take it easy (60mph?) for the first 500 miles or so. Not really sure what "easy" is on the new trucks.

 

just another option you might want to think about is having one of the vehicles shipped to the new address. that would save you all the hassles. of course, you did buy a truck for a reason, so i say tow.

 

What engine in the new truck. Break in first. I towed with my stang to Famoso with the 4.6l. What a PITA. The 4.6l is to small for this type of duty. You are at the limits with trailer and bed full.

I think that paying to have the stang towed east is the best bet. I think it costs around $800.00. To me, that is cheaper than the hassle of trailering +/-4,000 miles, the wear and tear on the NEW truck, and the $60.00 per day for the trailer.

You could always cancel the truck order and buy it on the east coast.

MK

 

I would also think about breaking in the engine. That is a huge load on a brand new engine if your towing cross country.

 

Wow!! Thanks for all the replies guys. I knew I left out some important info though. It is a 5.4L. And I won't be moving until about 6 months after I get the truck. I'm HOPING the engine will be broken in by then. I just need to start planning now so I don't end up making the wrong choice since I've never had to tow a car with MY OWN vehicle. The only towing I've done was from Southern California to Northern California towing my wife's Miata with a U-Haul. It was no problem except for what ViperGrendal said, the backing up part. I just tried avoiding having to back up. (which was kind of a hassle.) I'm sure I would get used to it though on a longer trip.

 

Hey Big Jim where did you order your truck from and how much did you end up paying for it?

 

6 Months should be a proper break in period. Just remember to change the oil before you go. Hey, Im TDY here in Winchester (About an hour from DC) and a college of mine made the drive from San Diego to here. Got all your planning done yet? Maybee I can show you a way. Just a thought.

 

I ended up going with Grass Valley Ford. My salesman is retired Air Force, so if you're NOT getting A/D/X/Z plan, then I would suggest going through him. (Let me know your e-mail address so I can give you his info, if your interested.) Luckily I got D-plan because my brother works at a Ford dealership in SoCal. I ended up getting it for $27,368 minus Tax, Registration, etc. Invoice is $28,350. My price IS including that stupid dealer Advertisement fee and gas and whatever the hell else they charge for. I got a Silver Metallic XLT Supercrew 2WD w/ 5.4 L V8. Power Moonroof, Two-tone interior w/ Bench seat. Manual Rear Window, Trailer Two Package, Reverse Sensing system, and 17" Polished Aluminum wheels.

 

Hook me up. jrbnm@aol.com Thanks.


Jimmy