Hi, new to the board here.

I have a ‘93 Lightning and am thinking about trading in on a new Lightning. My truck is basically stock (K&N, pulleys) and I use it to tow a 6,200 lb. (w/car) enclosed car trailer. With a weight distributing hitch and strategic loading of the trailer, the set up works really well, especially for a short bed truck.

Has anyone towed with a newer (‘99-up) Lightning? Does it tow any better/worse than an older Lightning? Where can I get comparisons of the older-vs.-newer models? (i.e., weight, wheelbase, towing capacity, load capacity, suspension, etc. etc.) I know the motor makes great power, but how about down low when you're not into the boost? What rear axle ratio do the newer trucks come with? The newer truck would definitely fill the bill for a quick street piece (I turned my ‘89 Mustang into a race-only car), but if I can't tow with it, it's kind of useless to me.

Jim K.
NHRA #1520

 

I've heard a lot of guys on the board talk about towing boats. Everyone says that you never even know that the boat is back there. Can't say much from personal experience, though. Maybe do a search for "towing" or "boats" or something like that and see what you can come up with. I know there are some posts out there.

DUCK

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November 18, 1999 We will not forget.
The fallen 12 will live in our hearts forever.
Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire 1999

 

By the way, welcome to the board.

DUCK

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November 18, 1999 We will not forget.
The fallen 12 will live in our hearts forever.
Fightin' Texas Aggie Bonfire 1999

 

First off, a 99-01 L is rated to tow 5000 lbs and carry 800 lbs out in the bed. The Gen 2 L's have awsome brakes compared to most full size trucks. I was towing by buddies Pace American enclosed two-place snowmobile trailer without the sleds inside. I left all traffic in my sideview mirror at all green lights. Nobody could keep up; and, some did try. I'd imagine the trailer weighs about 2500 lbs. empty. With a trailer that has its own brake system, braking can be made all that much better. As for the down low power, there are no negatives there, at all.

[This message has been edited by BadBolt (edited 11-23-2000).]

 

JK
I owned a 94 Lightning and currently have a 2000 Lightning. The Gen 2 l's are a far better towing rig than the 94 was.

I tow a 23 foot Cuddy Boat on a tandem alxe trainer and the boat & trailer loaded with gear & Gas weighs in at 4800 Lbs.

The Gen 2 has a TON more torque down low than the 351 had, and it doesent squat as much with the same weight on it without a distrubuting hitch.

Mileage was a little better towing, about 12.5 - 13 where the 94 never broke 12 ever.

Hope this helps, go for the Gen 2 you will only look back to fond memories.

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eric@sapp.com
2000 Silver Lightning
Airaid
Superchips R9
94 Black (Gone but not Forgotten)

What happens when a Lightning shows up to race?

I thought so!

[This message has been edited by Eric Sapp (edited 11-23-2000).]

[This message has been edited by Eric Sapp (edited 11-23-2000).]

 

I have a 99 Lightning and have been hauling my 83 Mustang on a 16ft. open trailer for over a year now. NO problem whatsoever. Matter of fact, if you don't look in the rear view, you would'nt even think you were pulling anything.

 

OK, very positive feedback. Eric, nice to hear from an owner of both trucks. I may go looking for an '01 this winter or early next spring.

The only downside . . . shudder . . . having a truck payment again . . . I think the first couple of hits of boost ought to take care of that though.

Thanks to all for your replies.

Jim K.

 

JK93,

I too have a Mustang that I tow...but only occassionaly. However, I also had a '94 L, and I will say that the Gen 2 is a superior tow vehicle. I have used an open 16' Trackmaster trailer when I have towed, so that's not 6200lbs. Still, with the car included its over the 5000lb rating. Using a load-leveling hitch like you describe, I hardly even know the car is back there.

I am VERY impressed with the way this shortbed, 1/2 ton truck tows.

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Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.34 @ 115.8)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.8)--364rwhp/447rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
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