International Scout 800B to tow 2007 20' Safari

[FFEJANDIRAB]

Hi Folks. Just wondering if it would be assanine to tow a 2007 Safari 20' with a 1971 International Scout 800B with a 392(has an RV cam). This is not a stock engine, it is built up. What do you think? Can we pull it short distances?

Thanks for the help!

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by Marklar

Hi Folks. Just wondering if it would be assanine to tow a 2007 Safari 20' with a 1971 International Scout 800B with a 392(has an RV cam). This is not a stock engine, it is built up. What do you think? Can we pull it short distances?

Thanks for the help!

How short is short and how fast.

The biggest problem is the short wheelbase. What is the wheelbase?

Bill

[barts]

Those Scouts were never really intended for pulling much in the way of trailers. Sure, they'll drag your aluminum fishing boat & outboard around, but that AS has a GVWR of 5000 lbs - probably 2x what that Scout was rated to tow, regardless of engine.

I've (once) pulled nearly 3500 lbs w/ my CJ7 in town - not an experience I'd care to repeat.

I would not do this; it could very easily end badly.

- Bart

[Road Ruler]

Guess it could be done but it wouldn't be my cup of tea.

[85MH325]

I had a '77 Scout II in the mid-'90s. It certainly wouldn't be MY tow vehicle of choice. That 392 will have plenty of power, but neither the short wheelbase nor the brakes are up to the task. If your "short distance" is around the campground, you'll be ok. If it involves any highway speeds at all, I wouldn't do it. If you must do it, you're into the area that Can Am RV in Canada gets into; light weight/short wheelbase vehicles for towing. I'd consult them and this would certainly be the setup that a Hensley or ProPride hitch setup would not only be desirable, but probably necessary.

Roger

[moosetags]

I'm sure the brute horsepower is there. It would be the short wheelbase that would concern me. You didn't mention what type of hitch system you plan to use. This would also be a factor in the Scout's towing capabilities.

If you are just pulling across town on the city streets, you would probably be OK. The Interstate at 65 mph might be another story.

Brian

[TG Twinkie]

Is the 800 a Scout II? Does it have disc brakes on the front? They were pretty tough vehicles and I'm sure the 392 has the power. People are pulling 19 and 20 footers with these new cross over vehicles and they don't weigh near what the Scout weighs and I don't think the wheel base is any longer. If I were pulling with a Scout and I do own a truck with 1980 Scout running gear, which has disc brakes, I wouldn't try going down the road at 65 mph. Maybe 50-55. Your mileage will be better at the slower speed, not that it will be all that great.