We are just considering our first travel trailer purchase. We have been looking at the 22-25 foot trailer lights but I guess I should be looking at what I can tow with my old Ford. I have a 1975 F-100 4X4 4spd. Through the years the springs were upgraded to the F-250 springs, the 360 was given a bump with 390 pistons, crank, and heads. Also installed a RV cam. It has 4:11's (but I do have a Hone overdrive for unloaded travel). It's a nice truck and I'd hate to part with it. Just wondering what limits I should be looking at for weight on a travel trailer. Oh, the GVWR from the factory is 5700 lbs. With the spring upgrade I expect that might be slightly higher. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Isn't anyone towing with one of these old war horses? I know my mileage will be bad, it's bad enough right now, but I'm not in a position to buy one of those nice "new fangled" Fords that can tow a mansion down the road.

 

One of my first trucks had the 360 with the C6 tranny. You will not be lacking in the TQ department. I would have more concern over the rearend holding up. But you should be able to pull a 22 foot easy.

 

I wouldn't consider towing 5000+ pounds on a regular basis with a 30+ year old truck unless I replaced every mechanical part on it.

 

I see in most of the advertising that the newer light weights can be towed with SUV's and light pickups (or at least that's what they are saying) I just figured that my older Ford would have no problem. You are probably right, it is 30+ years old. It does still run like a top, burns/leaks no oil and has hauled a lot of wood over the years. The thought of a newer truck just doubles the price of getting into the travel trailer scene. Thanks for the input, gives me a lot more to consider.

 

Has it got disk on the front? I had a 75 or 76 3/4 ton that had them. Don't know about the F100.

 

Yes, it has disc fronts, drum rears. I purchased this truck about 5 years ago from the original owner in Idaho. He had done the upgrades: disc brakes, beefier springs, upgraded the transfer case, added the Hone Overdrive, bumped up the power on the 360. It's a really nice, totally rust free, F-100 4X4. The only thing I would need to do is replace the shocks, besides that, everything has been very well maintained.

 

You might talk to the dealer and see if he'd be willing to let you try pulling the trailer you're wanting to buy to see how it handles. Personally I think you're probably ok with that load, but also keep in mind it's going to be adding quite a bit of stress on the powertrain and suspension so if there are any weak links there the trailer might finish them off.