Need a Tow?
Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View, CA, USA
I just pulled a 12 foot enclosed trailer with my L for 700 miles. Total trailer weight was about 3000lbs.
I was surprised to find out that the Lightning isn't a very good tow vehicle. I think the biggest problem is the wheelbase is to short. Although there is gobs of pulling power.... I sometimes found the truck to feel like a "marble on asphalt" more so on the parts of the freeways that are slabs. It almost feels like the slabs are the exact same lenth of the wheelbase. After the lowered softer rear leaf springs were installed it is even worse for pulling.
If your gonna just pull Jetskis or something like that I'm sure it would be fine.... but if you wanna true "Puller" I would look for something a bit longer.
Thats what I found.
Robert
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00 Roush Silver Lightning
00 Roush Expedition
98 Roush F-150
98 Bell Tech GMC 454 Daully
Collector of:
Watches, Zippo Lighters, Nikon Ftn Cameras.
High End Home Audio
Sponsor: Several Go-Kart Drivers. 1999 250cc SuperKart National Champion Joe White Jr.
E-Mail: gpkart@aol.com
I was surprised to find out that the Lightning isn't a very good tow vehicle. I think the biggest problem is the wheelbase is to short. Although there is gobs of pulling power.... I sometimes found the truck to feel like a "marble on asphalt" more so on the parts of the freeways that are slabs. It almost feels like the slabs are the exact same lenth of the wheelbase. After the lowered softer rear leaf springs were installed it is even worse for pulling.
If your gonna just pull Jetskis or something like that I'm sure it would be fine.... but if you wanna true "Puller" I would look for something a bit longer.
Thats what I found.
Robert
------------------
00 Roush Silver Lightning
00 Roush Expedition
98 Roush F-150
98 Bell Tech GMC 454 Daully
Collector of:
Watches, Zippo Lighters, Nikon Ftn Cameras.
High End Home Audio
Sponsor: Several Go-Kart Drivers. 1999 250cc SuperKart National Champion Joe White Jr.
E-Mail: gpkart@aol.com
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Sugarland, Texas
I tow a 2500 lb boat regularly. I am very happy with the performance of the L. I would feel comfortable pulling the max 5000lbs with this vehicle. Most that have had problems did not have their trailer weight distribited correctly (way too much tongue weight). That's my 2 cents....
Alex
[This message has been edited by 1BADFRD (edited 05-22-2000).]
Alex
[This message has been edited by 1BADFRD (edited 05-22-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh, USA
I've put a quad in the bed (about 500lbls), and pulled a thousand pound trailer at the same time. Worked like a champ, was able to cruise right along at 75mph without a problem.
Brad
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* 99.5 Black Lightning
* Personal Best ¼ Mile 13.82 @ 99.98 Mph
* Ohio Plate SVT2GO
* Sal’s Chip and Filter
* Interceptor Trans
* All three Factory options for 99
* Factory CD Changer
* Class 3 Towing Hitch
* Factory Tonneau Cover
* 8" Bazooka Tubs
* Kenwood 80 watt *2 amp
* Viper 550 Alarm w/ remote start
* 97 F-150 Extended Cab 4.2L V-6 daily driver
Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown. 99 Lightning, the best of both worlds!
Brad
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* 99.5 Black Lightning
* Personal Best ¼ Mile 13.82 @ 99.98 Mph
* Ohio Plate SVT2GO
* Sal’s Chip and Filter
* Interceptor Trans
* All three Factory options for 99
* Factory CD Changer
* Class 3 Towing Hitch
* Factory Tonneau Cover
* 8" Bazooka Tubs
* Kenwood 80 watt *2 amp
* Viper 550 Alarm w/ remote start
* 97 F-150 Extended Cab 4.2L V-6 daily driver
Injection is nice, but I'd rather be blown. 99 Lightning, the best of both worlds!
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX, USA
I pull a 4,000 lb. boat every Saturday and Sunday to the river. It does great.
I did install a set of air springs made by Air Lift. They make all the difference in the world. Before, I was worried about bottoming out on the bump stops, but now I just air the air bags up to about 40 psi. They make for a more even and sturdy ride while towing. When I get home from the river, I just release all but about 10 psi. I would highly recommend these to anyone towing.
just my $.02.
I did install a set of air springs made by Air Lift. They make all the difference in the world. Before, I was worried about bottoming out on the bump stops, but now I just air the air bags up to about 40 psi. They make for a more even and sturdy ride while towing. When I get home from the river, I just release all but about 10 psi. I would highly recommend these to anyone towing.
just my $.02.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Bryan, Texas
Just towed a Dodge Neon on a two-wheel dolly to just north of Dallas from College Station, Texas.
Anyone know what the approx. weight of a U-Haul tow dolly is? I think the car is around 2K...
I'm guessing at least 3K total load...
The L handled very close to normal. In fact, after I arrived in Dallas and dropped the load, I kept thinking that I should be careful. I kept forgetting that I had dropped off the tow dolly when I first got there.
Man I LOVE this truck!
Anyone know what the approx. weight of a U-Haul tow dolly is? I think the car is around 2K...
I'm guessing at least 3K total load...
The L handled very close to normal. In fact, after I arrived in Dallas and dropped the load, I kept thinking that I should be careful. I kept forgetting that I had dropped off the tow dolly when I first got there.
Man I LOVE this truck!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Interesting info from U Hauls site
http://www.uhaul.com/symv/symv16.htm
The Auto Transport weighs 2100 lbs
Recommended maximum speed: 45 mph
Recommended speed 45 - Funny
Doug
http://www.uhaul.com/symv/symv16.htm
The Auto Transport weighs 2100 lbs
Recommended maximum speed: 45 mph
Recommended speed 45 - Funny
Doug
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX, USA
alphadoggy,
The manufacturer is Air Lift and the part number is 59501. I called the tech department to make sure this would work on the L. When I first bought the kit the rear of my truck was at the stock height. Just before I received the kit I lowered the rear of my truck 1-1/2" with the AIM shackles. Then I called back to make sure the air lift kit would still work, and the tech said no problem.
The number for airlift is 1-800-248-0892. They will be able to locate a dealer in your area. I purchased mine from Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers in Houston. The price was $169.00. Everywhere else I called wanted $220.00 or more.
There are a few installation tricks, but all in all it is simple.
I hope this helps. If you are going to install the kit yourself and have any questions I will be glad to help.
The manufacturer is Air Lift and the part number is 59501. I called the tech department to make sure this would work on the L. When I first bought the kit the rear of my truck was at the stock height. Just before I received the kit I lowered the rear of my truck 1-1/2" with the AIM shackles. Then I called back to make sure the air lift kit would still work, and the tech said no problem.
The number for airlift is 1-800-248-0892. They will be able to locate a dealer in your area. I purchased mine from Four Wheel Parts Wholesalers in Houston. The price was $169.00. Everywhere else I called wanted $220.00 or more.
There are a few installation tricks, but all in all it is simple.
I hope this helps. If you are going to install the kit yourself and have any questions I will be glad to help.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Bryan, Texas
Hi Oh Silver!
Sorry... couldn't resist!
I actually used U-hauls "tow dolly". It weighed in at 750 lbs.
I figured that out using the web site you provided... Thanks for providing the info!
Funny that they didn't mention the 45 MPH limit when I rented it. They usually put that restriction on the vehicle too. (On the fender?)
If you go faster than 45.... I guess the dolly self destructs?!?!
Oh weelll... good thing I didn't exceed that...
Big Brother Paranoia strikes!!!
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-23-2000).]
Sorry... couldn't resist!
I actually used U-hauls "tow dolly". It weighed in at 750 lbs.
I figured that out using the web site you provided... Thanks for providing the info!
Funny that they didn't mention the 45 MPH limit when I rented it. They usually put that restriction on the vehicle too. (On the fender?)
If you go faster than 45.... I guess the dolly self destructs?!?!
Oh weelll... good thing I didn't exceed that...
Big Brother Paranoia strikes!!!
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-22-2000).]
[This message has been edited by LightningDammitt (edited 05-23-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Sorry - Quoted wrong specs. http://www.uhaul.com/symv/symv17.htm
Dammit - Steve asked that we not put photos in our Profiles. Yours is making the page look lopsided.
Doug
Weight ratio: The Tow Dolly, which is 750 lbs., and the vehicle being towed must have a combined weight less than or equal to the tow vehicle's curb weight; this achieves a 1:1 weight ratio. Therefore, the vehicle being towed must weigh at least 750 lbs. less than the tow vehicle.
[This message has been edited by Silver_2000_
! (edited 05-22-2000).]
Dammit - Steve asked that we not put photos in our Profiles. Yours is making the page look lopsided.
Doug
Weight ratio: The Tow Dolly, which is 750 lbs., and the vehicle being towed must have a combined weight less than or equal to the tow vehicle's curb weight; this achieves a 1:1 weight ratio. Therefore, the vehicle being towed must weigh at least 750 lbs. less than the tow vehicle.
[This message has been edited by Silver_2000_
! (edited 05-22-2000).]
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, CA, USA
Thanks for the great info, LSTORM. Posted question about air bags several months ago, but never got any concrete into. Planning to tow a boat that will come in around 5500, and I think air bags might help a good deal. Do you have a manufacturer, part #, and source?
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I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.
'00 SVT Lightning, silver, G-tech Pro, JBA headers
gmvye@pacbell.net
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I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy.
'84 Alan Record Carbonio, Aerospoke wheels, Campy brakes.
'00 SVT Lightning, silver, G-tech Pro, JBA headers
gmvye@pacbell.net
Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, GA USA
I towed a U-haul trailer. I think it was the 5'x8'. I filled it up, and the bed, full tank of gas, and my total cargo weight was 3300 lbs.
I actually raced an older (probably early 90's) camaro when he wanted to go, and beat him pretty good to about 70 where I realized how silly I was being and let off. He was pissed.
The load really didn't slow her down much, but it went into boost alot more with the weight. The time you really notice it is trying to stop the beast with a trailer behind it. Leave some extra space is my advice.
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Aaron Luck
'99 Red SVT Lightning
Superchip, Safe-t-stop, Ford soft tonneau cover, 6 disk changer, ford bedliner, CL III tow package, 15+ coats of Zaino
'00 Black (Green got totaled) SVT Contour
KKM Induction Kit, Superchip, 73mm MAF
'90 Cardinal Red 5.0 LX Convertible Mustang
Removed intake silencer
I actually raced an older (probably early 90's) camaro when he wanted to go, and beat him pretty good to about 70 where I realized how silly I was being and let off. He was pissed.
The load really didn't slow her down much, but it went into boost alot more with the weight. The time you really notice it is trying to stop the beast with a trailer behind it. Leave some extra space is my advice.
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Aaron Luck
'99 Red SVT Lightning
Superchip, Safe-t-stop, Ford soft tonneau cover, 6 disk changer, ford bedliner, CL III tow package, 15+ coats of Zaino
'00 Black (Green got totaled) SVT Contour
KKM Induction Kit, Superchip, 73mm MAF
'90 Cardinal Red 5.0 LX Convertible Mustang
Removed intake silencer
Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Wa
Good advice Lstorm. When I lowered mine I had the airbags installed also. The best thing about them is when I put the boat on it, the *** end only sags about .5 in. My truck is lowered 3.25 in back so we had to mount the bags in front of the axle.Worked great. Would highly recommend them.
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Silver 00
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Silver 00
