Hitch system for 1976 Safari 23'

[surfpod]

Hi All,
I have been performing a full monte on a 1976 Safari 23' AS for the last year.
I'm now ready to do some traveling and about to purchase and install a hitch system. My van doesn't have any hitch at the moment except the one on the bumper. I have a 2004 Ford Econoline e150 with a 4.6 V8 engine. It looks as though the factory weight of my Safari is 3450lbs. I'm leaning towards a Reese system, probably dual cam. I'm on the east coast of the United States and will probably be towing on mostly flatter terrain. Is Reese the way to go with this trailer weight and style of travel?

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by surfpod

Hi All,
I have been performing a full monte on a 1976 Safari 23' AS for the last year.
I'm now ready to do some traveling and about to purchase and install a hitch system. My van doesn't have any hitch at the moment except the one on the bumper. I have a 2004 Ford Econoline e150 with a 4.6 V8 engine. It looks as though the factory weight of my Safari is 3450lbs. I'm leaning towards a Reese system, probably dual cam. I'm on the east coast of the United States and will probably be towing on mostly flatter terrain. Is Reese the way to go with this trailer weight and style of travel?

A Reese "dual cam" is the way to go, for sure and safety.

Use 600 pound rating bars.

Andy

[surfpod]

Great. Thanks Andy. I'll be in touch.

[MaggieMarty]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

A Reese "dual cam" is the way to go, for sure and safety.

Use 600 pound rating bars.

Andy

Andy - I am a newbie but I have been reading up quite a bit on this topic in fear of duplicating a question (which I am probably about to do anyway...) - I will purchase a Reese dual cam WDH for 2011 F-150 and 1974 Tradewind combination - would you recommend 600lbs bars or 800 lbs bars? The F-150 is a very smooth ride - does this mean I will need the 800lbs bars since the TW is a it heavier than surfpod's Safari?
Thank you!!
Martina

[Ganglin]

Surfpod - here's a good place to get the hitch at a decent price. The bolt on Curt - 14053 might be a choice. They ship free.

2004 Ford Van Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by MaggieMarty

Andy - I am a newbie but I have been reading up quite a bit on this topic in fear of duplicating a question (which I am probably about to do anyway...) - I will purchase a Reese dual cam WDH for 2011 F-150 and 1974 Tradewind combination - would you recommend 600lbs bars or 800 lbs bars? The F-150 is a very smooth ride - does this mean I will need the 800lbs bars since the TW is a it heavier than surfpod's Safari?
Thank you!!
Martina

I would still suggest the 600 pound Reese dual cam hitch.

Andy

[surfpod]

Thanks Ganglin. I do need the whole setup, including wiring hookups. Is there an exploded diagram of a typical hitch system setup for those of us who have vehicles that don't have any hitch setup?

[Ganglin]

Check first to see if you are lucky. many of the Ford vehicles came with the 7 pin wiring already in place even without ordering tow package. look under the rear of the van about 1 to 2 feet in and see if you can locate a wiring plug. I believe it should have a grey cover on it and it should be on the frame rail. I'll cross my fingers for you.

[surfpod]

Great info! I will check this morning! Thanks again!

[john121]

I highly recommend this site for hitches and If I were you, I either go for Reese or Curt. Goodluck, i hope this one helps. I got my hitches from them and I tell you, I am a very satisfied customer.
Trailer Hitches - 5th Wheel Hitch - Gooseneck Hitch - Reese Hitch