1976 International Sovereign

[Waltinjc]

We have just become the proud new owners of a 1976 Sovereign. (center bath, rear twin). It's going to sit for a while while we rebuild it. In the meantime, I'll be shopping for a new tow vehicle. I've looked up a few things and I see that it has a dry weight of about 5000 pounds and a GVWR of 7100 pounds. I will be looking for a tow vehicle (preferably a pickup truck) and I'd like some advice as to what to look for. I am a GM fan. I'd like something that will tow it easily but I don't want a truck that tows 12k lbs. (overkill). I'm kind of leaning in the direction of a half ton extended cab 4x4 short box. GMC or Chevy. Thoughts? Does anyone else have the same or similar trailer and what do you tow it with? Any problems/issues? Thanks for the advice.

[sgschwend]

I am sure many folks have the same rig. My advice is to be sure you setup for towing, transmission cooler, even transmission temperature gauge, and towing mirrors. I am sure you can find all the details. I noticed my 2008 has a built in brake controller and is wired for the tow.

[4RXLA]

If you rebuild it with real wood furniture and get rid of the original interior it will add weight. The trailer may weigh closer to 7000lbs when loaded with cargo and full tanks. Be sure to calculate for weight of passengers and the cargo in the bed of the truck. You may find a tow vehicle with 10,000 lb tow rating may be needed.

[nickclifford]

i'm in a somewhat similar dilemma .. although i'm looking at Tundra v Ford ... not sure why not considering anything else though ... the 31' Sov is so long already have been wondering if a Tundra at 19' v a F150 at about 17'8" less really makes any difference ?? it'll be a very long rig either way. kinda wish I got a 27' trailer but even then, is there all that much difference in towing something that's 27 v 31' ??
Any input here would be much appreciated for a newbie tower ... also torn between a 5'5" bed and 6'5" bed ... my kids would LOVE space in the crewmax ...

[nickclifford]

turning circle is smaller on F150, 41.7 v the Tundras 44'.

when backing into a tight campsite space how much of a difference would this possibly make ? worth taking into consideration ? thanks

[4RXLA]

Towing a 31' is easy. My first trailer was a 26' and I find it no more difficult with the 31'. Right hand turns are what you have to watch....make sure you give yourself enough room to make the turn without scraping the curb.

[nickclifford]

Originally Posted by 4RXLA

Towing a 31' is easy. My first trailer was a 26' and I find it no more difficult with the 31'. Right hand turns are what you have to watch....make sure you give yourself enough room to make the turn without scraping the curb.

thanks, just researching here ... F150 super cab (1/2 dr) with 6.6 bed has a 47' turning circle , sounds horrific !!

[nickclifford]

do you think a 2012> F150 is ok for 5,000lbs Sov ?

[AL’ UM- MONEY]

I tow my 1976 with a 2011 GMC 2500, Lots of truck but starting and stopping sure is good. The best things are exhaust brakes, Alison transmission, and especially the great variable brake controller.

[4RXLA]

You'll be surprised how easy it is. It just takes practice and experience. Backing up can be intimidating at first but in many respects a 31 is easier to back up than a single axle Bambi because it is harder to oversteer. You will learn how much room you need to give yourself when backing up into a campsite.